I am aware that many Fodorites consider TOTG a tourist trap with mediocre food. We have been there four or five times and have not had a bad meal, although admittedly it is a little pricey for us. We just enjoy the beauty of the place so much that we feel it is worthwhile. Maybe we are easier to please where food is concerned. However, we will be making a trip to NYC next month with a couple who have never been there. We do have plans for dinner the three evening we are in town. I would love for them to experience TOTG at night, though. You have to realize that for we Mid-Westerners it is like a fairy tale! Is it easy to go later at night 9:00-10:00 and have drinks or dessert on the patio? Thanks for any help.

bc, I really can't answer your question, but I feel compelled to comment that there should be no reason to "apologize" for your wanting to go there, which is sort of what your post seems like. No one should have to "justify" their desire to go somewhere because others don't like it. Granted most people wouldn't go to Tavern on the Green for a "fine dining" experience foodwise, but clearly you have a right to go there for any reason you want. There are some who would scorn those who go to DisneyWorld, but that doesn't mean those who like it should feel they have to apologize for their "inferior" feelings. Anyone who can't recognize that Tavern on the Green offers a magical sort of atmosphere, particularly on the patio at night, to people who have nothing like it at home, are as clueless as those who can't understand how anyone from out of town can be impressed or even enjoy the noise, lights, and congestion of Times Square.

Hey NeoPatrick,

Thanks so much! I often feel like I am the "odd man out" here on this board...I am a "country bumpkin" and actually proud of it.
And....we absolutely LOVE Times Square!!!! When we are on vacation, we probably tend to enjoy "tourist traps"---probably because we ARE tourists! And, we have nothing like Times Square or TOTG here in Columbus, Ohio!
Anyway, thanks for the kind words.

Well, maybe nothing "quite" like it -- but sitting on the patio at White Castle. . .or cruising up High Street. . .

Seriously...I met my husband 40 years ago "cruising up High Street."

For a similarly charming experience in the Park, consider the Boat House... the food is good, the scenery amazing with the canoes on the lake and the building is charming... lunch there can be a memorable stop in the big city...

also Times Square is going all pedestrian... no cars to run you down as you stare up at the city lights... should be cool!

Well, that's better than his meeting you "cruising" Times Square!!!

A correction on garyt22's post about Times Square. It won't be totally without cars, just the Broadway side. The Seventh Avenue side will still have thru traffic.

NB for today:

7th Avenue between West 47th Street and West 57th Street: This street will be closed Sunday from 11am to 6pm for the Coalition of Italo American Association as permitted by the Mayor's Street Activity Permit Office.

There is a parade nearly every weekend from May to September in Manhattan plus numerous street fairs.

Should be quite the vehicle spectacular today.

I do not buy this country bumpkin thing. You are as sophisticated and knowledgeable as you want to be.

Cole Porter, the epitome of elegance and sophistication for his generation was born in Peru, Indiana.

Any Warhol who shaped NY society and art was born in Pittsburgh.

And Chuck Close, arguably the most influential American living painter, is from Monroe, Washington.

It is a long standing joke and truism that native NY’ers are outnumbered below 110th Street. Actors, writers, musicians, dancers, restaurateurs, and business people come from all over the world to NY so seek their fame and fortune and shape the culture of the city, the country and world, and many are from hamlets few have heard of.

And with the advent of mass communication and mass transportation, the “country bumpkin” is becoming more and more a false modesty.

While I may know more about knishes, bagels, and pizza, the “country bumpkin” always knows more about something important than I do.

At TOG 9-10 pm is prime dinner time. I'm not sure they would give you a table then for just drinks. I would call and ask. It is very pretty - just IMHO mediocre food at very high prices.

Thanks nytraveler. I was afraid that would be "prime dinner time" in NY. I guess we will just walk over to show the newbies and stop in to ask while we are there. I appreciate the info.

BC my DD and SIL moved to Columbus Ohio last year from Wellington New Zealand. Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand so were living in the 'city' however Columbus Ohio is many times larger than Wellington and they didn't consider themselves country bumpkin's when they lived in Columbus rather it was the big city.

Now they are planning on moving to New York city so may change their mind about that once they are living there.

nelsonian,
What a move...from New Zealand to Columbus, to NYC! Columbus has always been known as a large city with a small town feel. I really don't feel much like a "country bumpkin" until I visit major cities like NYC. I have been there 7 or 8 times, but I still walk around the city with my mouth open!!! I am always amazed. Good luck to DD and SIL!

I have to admit to being on the "it's not so bad to admit you like TONTG"--I've been there several times--and each time I ate in a different room/setting. I've been there in winter and fall and been in the Crystal room, and summer on the patio. I've been seated near celebs (which is neat--and the food has been good and great (but over the years my taste has improved, too). I say, if it's on your list of "to-dos" then by all means, go there. You will never be able to say, "If only I'd gone to. . ."

Yes, you can go to Tavern for drinks and dessert in the garden; best night being Wednesday as that is the one night of the week the restaurant's summer series of outdoor dance parties is going on. Check out the Entertainment page on Tavern's Web site to get the 411 on them.

Shelleyc33,
Thanks so much for an actual answer to my question. Unfortunately, we will not be in town on a Wednesday. I know we have eaten at TOG in the Crystal Room when the outdoor dance party was going on. I just assumed it was every night. Oh well, I think our newbie friends will enjoy drink and a dessert anyway. Thanks so much.

Shelleyc33, can you interpret this information from the TOG website? http://www.tavernonthegreen.com/ente...=entertainment

It appears to be saying that Wednesday is the one night there is NO dancing. Does that mean it will be easier to get a table for drinks/dessert that evening?

Wow, I did not realize there would be a cover charge for drinks and dessert. I guess we will live without TOG!