Food & Drink

Many happy returns as Tavern on the Green reopens

Famed Central Park restaurant Tavern on the Green on Thursday opened its doors for first time since 2009, as the staff gave a standing ovation to a Michigan couple and their son who were the first customers.

Tavern staffers welcomed John and Joanne Rodeman and son Matthew, who last visited 10 years ago when Matt was celebrating his fourth birthday.

“I heard that they were opening [again] on a day we would be here,” said Joanne. “I was excited. There were some reservations left.”

Tavern on the Green reopened after being closed since 2009.Getty Images

When the eager foodies jumped online to book reservations last week, the only slots left were at 5 and 11 p.m.

This couple returned for opening day after being married at the restaurant over 54 years ago.David McGlynn

Joanne, 53, and John, 63, didn’t know they’d be the very first customers until they arrived.

And after the delightful dinner, they were crowing about the return of the famous eatery.

“Our meals were fabulous,” John said. “Our evening at Tavern on the Green was one of the highlights of our New York visit.”

John ordered salad and quail; Joanne the salad and salmon; and Matthew got baked pasta. They sat in the restaurant’s renowned glass room, in the back of the house.

The first bar patrons and first two cocktails.David McGlynn

“It was a good restaurant,” John said. “I was sad to see it close. We want it to be like the last time we were here — excellent food and good service.”

David McGlynn
The iconic eatery had been shuttered in bankruptcy before Jim Caiola and partner David Salama bought it and invested $20 million in renovations to the touristy Big Apple landmark.

Other customers on the Tavern’s first night back were similarly delighted.

“I was in here hundreds of times. It’s a staple in New York City,” said Upper East Side resident Mike Stein, 49, who was accompanied by pal Samantha Raddock.

“It’s great they’re open again; the city missed it. To be the first people to have a drink at the bar, being from New York, that’s cool.”

Early-bird customers Jay and Rema Goldberg fondly remembered tying the knot at the restaurant on July 27, 1959.

“It’s very bright, beautiful and sunny,” Rema said. “We came here because it was a very important place for us.”

Jay ordered the salmon and Rema the baked chicken. She recalled, “Chicken was on my wedding menu . . . because it was cheap.”