SheepMeadow Cafe
(212) 396-4100
Central Park W
(at 69th Street)
New York,
NY
10023
40.7688
-73.9814
Neighborhoods: Central Park, Midtown
Hours:
Tue-Fri 5:30pm-10pm
Sat-Sun 11am-3pm, 5:30pm-10pm
Price:
$$$
Last updated 9.23.08
What People Are Saying About SheepMeadow Cafe
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
A snack bar by day, this establishment on the edge of Central Park's Sheep Meadow transforms into a dinner joint in the evening. On a patio of its historical building, with a pleasant view of the park, tables and chairs are set up, and a charcoal grill lit. The crowd is a mix of Upper West and East Siders, tourists and curious passers-by from all over.
The Food
Disposable plates notwithstanding, the simple food is prepared with care. The grill turns out a thick sirloin steak full of flavor; a light and juicy trout butterflied and rubbed with herbs and a magnificently crispy skin; tender and succulent baby back ribs with a mild barbecue sauce; and a few other entree options. Non-grilled items--namely the appetizers--are less appealing: limp green salad, overly sweet gazpacho, pedestrian crostini. Desserts, though they come from elsewhere, are enjoyable and refreshing.
User Reviews
desti
July 04, 2006
It is tricky to find this place, but it is well worth the search. It sits in central park at 69th street not far from tavern. All the food is grilled near your table. I had the Ribs and I thought they were the best I've had since I left North Carolina. My wifes trout was the best grilled fish I've had anywhere. The cook really knows his stuff, and I ask you where else can you have a backyard barbeque with a place as nice as Central Park as your backyard? The prices are reasonable and the quality is incredible. Do your self a favor and find this place now while it is still relatively unknown. You will love it guaranteed.
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choppedliva
May 30, 2004
fresh ingredients grilled right before your eyes make for a delightful meal. beautiful surroundings . .you'll forget you're in the middle of NYC. Friendly staff, relaxing atmosphere, delicious food . . .what more could you ask for?
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Omnivore
August 28, 2003
Given the lovely location, the outdoor hardwood grill, and moderate prices, one might expect at least the kind of simply-prepared, but fresh and vibrant dishes that a careful, modest home cook might prepare: moist chicken with crisp brown skin, top-quality ingredients, etc. Unfortunately, the SheepMeadow Cafe does not deliver. The chicken is hideously salty and obviously cooked prior to being reheated on the grill, the salad leaves are brown around the edges and doused in poor-quality oil. Even the bread and butter are terrible. How about some loaves from Balthazar or Tom Cat, guys? Why is the butter filled with chives? If they clean up their act, this place would be lovely, but it is quite a disappointment in its present state.
read full reviewThe Details on SheepMeadow Cafe
What to Drink:
The restaurant offers a small selection of beers and California wines, as well as red sangria by the (disposable) pitcher.
Category:
Traditional American, Restaurants
Payment Methods:
American Express, Diners Club, Discover, Visa, MasterCard, Travelers Check
Restaurant Special Features:
Family-Friendly Dining, Romantic Dining, Outdoor Dining, View Dining, People Watching, Group Dining
