Stellar424

Does anyone know of any great places near Central Park to pick up food for a picnic? I'd like to spend no more than $20 for two people. Also, where in the park do you recommend for a picnic? We were thinking of renting a rowboat on the lake and eating it there (cheesy, I know) but I am open to other ideas. We will be there the last week of April.

Centralparkgirl

It depends where you're planning on entering the park. If you're near Columbus Circle, go to Whole Foods or Bouchon Bakery in the Time Warner bldg.

ellenem

Central Park is two miles long by half a mile wide. Your starting point is key in order to provide a good answer, but a general idea is adequate (we'll be coming from south of the park, or we'll enter from the west side in the 70s.) Similarly, there are plenty of lovely spots for a picnic, so your starting point and the amount of waling you'd like to do to reach the picnic spot would be good to know.

The Things to See list is an easy way for you to see special features of the park that might make for a nice view while you eat. Each listing has a photo to give you an idea of the setting.

http://www.centralparknyc.org/visit/things-to-see/

christabir

Fairway on the west side in the 70's. Much better value than Whole Wallet. Tons of options in grab & go and deli.

sf7307

>>

You may never make it to the park. Fairway is a "destination" itself

Centralparkgirl

Between aisles clogged with seniors and their walkers, parents and strollers and throngs of shoppers with carts, Fairway could be a destination whether you want it to be or not. Wear protective padding and let the shopper beware! lol

sf7307

I love Fairway on a Sunday morning -- Anyone who's not from NY should experience that deli counter once in their lives!

K_brklyn

You can also try 'wichcraft in Lincoln Center.

Places in the park for a picnic: great lawn, east green, great hill, and sheep meadow.

nytraveler

Another option is Zabar's - on Broadway & 80th St. You can get premade sandwiches and salads or anything you want from their incredible deli, cheese etc depertments. Again, a destinaton unto itself.

Also - you need to realize that much of Central Park isn't a "park" in the European sense - it is hilly, rocky and heavily wooded in areas. But - there are also lots of paths with many benches as well as several large open spaces mentioned above.

boom_boom

topping

Ryan

If thinking about somewhere near the Met on E. 83rd, there is a Dean & Deluca on the corner of Madison and 85th St.