Central Park Tavern is located at 327 W57th St.
Photo courtesy Central Park Tavern
Right of Columbus Circle on 327 W57th St., between 8th and 9th Avenues, lies Central Park Tavern, one of the most innovative sports bars in the New York City area.
On Monday night, Central Park Tavern hosted fans to watch the NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship game between Michigan and UConn. Co-owner Tom Mills said his bar has a partnership with Michigan Alumni, which went on to win its first national title since the 1989 season.
“We wanted to provide an elevated sports, cocktail kind of vibe. Today it’s super busy,” Mills told amNewYork. “We are super lucky to have the best network, best alumni, best fans. We can take on everything you want. We have three different rooms and three independent sound systems. We can have presentations here and live music.”
Mills, who came to the United States from Manchester, England, on an athletic scholarship to play soccer, said he is really looking forward to the World Cup because Central Park Tavern is collaborating with FIFA to bring more fans together.
“It’s going to be awesome to watch a [World Cup] game. The Masters is coming up this week, so we’ve got something different every week,” Mills added.
However, the experience at Central Park Tavern goes beyond your average watch party. On weekdays, when there are no games, there are happy hours and romantic nights with candlelight and a vibrant cocktail program. Their menu includes chicken parmesan meatballs, specialty cheeseburgers and chicken wings.
Mills opened the bar in September alongside co-owner Kim De Jesus, a native of the Bronx. The pair uses their knowledge of sports to create an atmosphere that welcomes everyone from tourists to everyday New Yorkers.
“She really bridges the gap between me being from England and Kim being from New York. It’s just an amazing mix. A great blend of those cultures,” Mills explained.
Central Park Tavern is open Monday through Friday from 12 pm to 2:30 am, and on weekends from 11am to 2:30 am.