General Information
Established in 1934 in a former sheepfold, Tavern on the Green was a famous dining spot and a New York City icon. It was also there that Alda offered Cliff a job in Allen’s 1989 existential drama “Crimes and Misdemeanors”. In 2007, the elegant restaurant had gross revenues of $38 million, from more than 500,000 visitors, making it the second-highest-grossing independent restaurant in the US.
Additional Information
The restaurant remained in operation from 1934 to 2009 under various owners. Tavern on the Green Visitor Center & Gift Shop (opened at the site after the restaurant was closed) is currently closed for a complete building renovation, and will reopen to the public in the summer of 2013.
History: Highlights
Interestingly, the restaurant was originally the sheepfold and housed sheep that grazed on Sheep Meadow. It became a restaurant as part of a 1934 renovation of the park under Robert Moses, New York City’s Commissioner of Parks.
History: Explained
From 1934, the landmark restaurant was managed by restaurateurs licensed by the City of New York’s Park Department. In 1943 Arnold Schleifer and his nephews, Arthur Schleifer and Julius Berman, won the contract to operate the restaurant. During their tenure, the dance floor was enlarged and nightly music was enjoyed. A large outdoor patio was also opened. Trees were first wrapped in the well-known twinkling lights around the property, and the Elm Tree Room was built to surround one of the city’s classic American elms. The menu was designed to be elegant but affordable for New Yorkers. In 1974, Warner LeRoy took over the restaurant’s lease and reopened it in 1976 after spending $10 million on renovations, including the addition of a glass enclosed Crystal Room, which doubled the seating capacity to 800.
Tavern on the Green was frequented by prominent actors, musicians, politicians and writers. Although the restaurant used to be a popular dining spot, it was facing increasing financial difficulties. Tavern on the Green had its last seating on December 31, 2009. It auctioned off its interior decorations and closed its doors after filing for bankruptcy. On October 15, 2010, the city reopened the building as a visitors information centre with a gift shop selling city-themed T-shirts, hats and other memorabilia. Currently under renovation, the building is planned to be reopened in the summer of 2013.
Popular Culture: Highlights
Being a popular spot, Tavern on the Green appears in numerous cinema and TV productions, as well as theatrical and musical works. Among the most famous ones are such gems as “Edward Scissorhands”, “Ghostbusters”, Requiem for a Dream”, “Wall Street” and Woody Allen’s “Crimes and Misdemeanors”.