So, the boys were in town this weekend, one flew in from Florida, the other made the trek from Pennsylvania, and you know what that means: we needed a good spot to eat, drink, and catch up. You can’t start the night at a strip club every time (well, not every time), so we decided to hit up Central Park Tavern, one of PMAC Hospitality’s newest locations.
I’ve been a PMAC fan for years, between Three Monkeys, The Woo Woo, and Vida Verde, they always nail that mix of fun, flavor, and no-fuss service. Central Park Tavern promised the same energy, so it felt like the perfect play.
The Setup
First impression? Beautiful spot. But as luck would have it, we walked straight into a University of Michigan bar, and, of course, there was a Michigan vs. South Carolina football game on. The place was packed, rowdy, and full of Wolverine energy. Not my first pick for a calm night out, but hey, there was a silver lining:
Happy hour runs during every Michigan game, meaning $10 margaritas. That’s a play I can get behind.
The TVs were everywhere; if you blink, you’ll miss a game on one of them, and the overall vibe was that clean, modern sports bar feel PMAC does so well.
The Food & Drinks
Jamie went with the 57th French Dip, which looked legit. My other buddy played it safe with some apps, buffalo meatballs, and Reuben spring rolls, solid bar staples.
Me? I went straight for the Central Park Tavern Burger, a juicy patty topped with Irish cheddar, garlic aioli, and caramelized onions. Every bite hit the right balance, creamy, salty, savory. Just a perfectly tuned bar burger.
And yes, I kept the $10 margaritas flowing. The cocktail menu was solid, too. I tried the Back Nine Mule (a slightly spiced-up Moscow mule) and the Café Overtime, an espresso martini with chocolate shavings. The latter was tasty but a little too sweet for me, sugar spike and all. Note to self: read the menu next time before ordering based on how “pretty” the drink looks.
The Verdict
The bill came out to about $100 per person, which isn’t bad for a night of drinks, food, and zero regrets. Nobody drove (Uber only, be smart, a DWI is 10 grand, Uber’s 50 bucks), and everyone made it home safe.
I’ll definitely be back; the service was on point, the food was great, and the vibe hit just right once the game noise died down. Next round, I’m trying the smashburger or maybe finally getting a bite of that French dip (if Jamie learns to share).
PMAC keeps proving why they’re one of the most consistent hospitality groups in NYC. From concept to execution, they always deliver.
Banana Juice Theory: Comfort Meets Consistency
The magic of PMAC spots is that you know what you’re getting. Every time. No ego, no gimmicks, just quality and consistency wrapped in good vibes. That’s the banana juice of hospitality. The predictable comfort that still surprises you just enough to feel fresh. When a place can make you feel at home in a city that never slows down, that’s worth another round.
Look, I’m just a Fat Guy from Brooklyn giving you my two cents. If you want more Top 10s—steakhouses, burgers, restaurants, you name it—click the words and keep going.