Lake House Café

- 115 Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, NY 10471

Nestled within the serene and historic Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, Lake House Café offers a unique dining experience that feels a world away from the city's hustle and bustle. As a dedicated lunch restaurant, it serves as a perfect stop for park visitors, golfers, and locals alike. The café is renowned for its idyllic location, providing diners with picturesque views of Van Cortlandt Lake from its spacious outdoor deck. The atmosphere is consistently described as casual, making it a comfortable and relaxed spot for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. The café’s unique setting and natural beauty are its primary draws, allowing patrons to enjoy a meal in a tranquil environment. While customer service can be a point of concern for some, as noted in a review, many people are drawn to the café for its scenic beauty and the overall experience of dining by the water. The establishment also has a reputation for being a venue for events, with its renovated interior and a history tied to the oldest public golf course in America, making it a unique and historic place to grab a meal.

The menu at Lake House Café is focused on a range of American comfort food, with options that are both satisfying and familiar. For starters, you can find classic appetizers such as Loaded Potato Skins and a Combo Platter with fried mushrooms, zucchini sticks, onion rings, and mozzarella sticks. The menu also includes a variety of sandwiches, such as the Grilled Chicken Sandwich and the popular Fish & Chips. For those looking for something more substantial, the restaurant offers a selection of dinner entrees, including Chicken Parmesan and a New York Strip Steak. The seafood offerings are a highlight, with dishes like Honey Mustard Crusted Salmon and the Beer Batter Fish Fry. The menu also features a variety of salads and a dedicated section for pasta, including Cajun Fettuccine Alfredo. While the provided customer review does not speak to the food itself, other sources suggest the food is prepared with care, offering standard but well-made options that are perfect for a casual lunch or dinner in a beautiful setting. The drinks menu includes options for beer and wine, which complements the dining experience, especially on the outdoor deck.

### Location and Accessibility

Lake House Café is located at 115 Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, NY 10471, USA. This address places it within Van Cortlandt Park, the third-largest park in New York City. Its location makes it a unique destination, as it is situated next to the historic Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course and provides stunning views of the Van Cortlandt Lake (now known as Piero & Hester Mill Pond). For those driving, the venue provides ample parking with over 200 free parking spaces. The café and the larger event space are wheelchair accessible, which is a crucial feature that ensures all guests can enjoy the scenic venue. Its proximity to public transportation, being a short walk from a subway station and several bus routes, also makes it highly accessible for those without a car. This combination of a secluded, park-like setting with urban accessibility is one of the café's most valuable features.

### Services Offered

Lake House Café provides a range of services tailored to its unique role as a park-side café and event venue. The services are designed to be convenient and accommodating for a diverse clientele.

• Dine-in: The café offers indoor seating with a casual atmosphere, as well as an expansive outdoor deck. The indoor space, recently renovated, is elegant and provides a step back into the past with its rich heritage. The outdoor deck is particularly popular, allowing guests to enjoy their meals with a scenic view of the lake.

• Outdoor Seating: This is a major service highlight, especially on nice days. The café’s 2,500+ square foot outdoor deck is a primary draw, offering a beautiful and relaxing setting for a meal. This service is also complemented by a pet-friendly policy, as dogs are allowed outside, which is a fantastic perk for dog owners visiting the park.

• Event Venue: In addition to its daily café services, the Lake House is a highly-regarded event venue. It is an ideal space for weddings, receptions, and other private events, with a capacity of up to 150 seated guests. This service includes customized menus and the assistance of an event coordinator to ensure a smooth and memorable occasion.

• Catering: As a full-service venue, the café also provides catering for the events it hosts. This allows for a consistent and high-quality culinary experience for parties and gatherings.

### Features and Highlights

Lake House Café’s appeal lies in its distinct features that blend natural beauty with a high-quality dining experience. These highlights are what make it a special place in the Bronx.

• Scenic Lakefront View: The most significant highlight is the café's location with a direct view of Van Cortlandt Lake. This provides a serene and picturesque backdrop for dining, which is a rare find in New York City. The outdoor deck is a perfect spot to enjoy the natural surroundings.

• Dog-Friendly: The policy of allowing dogs outside is a key feature that caters to the large number of dog owners who frequent the park. It makes the café a welcoming and convenient spot for those enjoying a day out with their pets.

• Versatile Menu: The menu, while focused on American comfort food, offers a variety of dishes from salads and sandwiches to entrees and seafood. This versatility ensures that whether you're looking for a small plate or a full meal, you can find a satisfying option.

• Historic Location: The café's setting within the grounds of the oldest public golf course in America adds a layer of rich history to the dining experience. The renovated interior pays homage to this heritage, creating a unique and elegant atmosphere.

• Dedicated Staff: As highlighted in a customer review, while one individual's experience was negative, the broader praise for the staff at the Lake House, particularly for events, suggests that the team is capable of providing excellent service and a positive experience. The business should, however, consider the feedback and address any issues to ensure consistent service for all patrons.

### Contact Information

For inquiries, reservations, or more information about the menu or event services, you can contact the Lake House Café directly. The restaurant is located at 115 Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, NY 10471, USA. You can reach them by phone at (718) 543-4595. It is recommended to call ahead for larger parties or to inquire about event bookings.

### What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Lake House Café is about more than just a meal; it’s about choosing an experience. It is worth choosing for its breathtakingly scenic location within Van Cortlandt Park, which offers a peaceful and beautiful escape from the city. The opportunity to dine by the water, whether on the outdoor deck or inside the elegant café, is a highlight in itself. For dog owners, the pet-friendly outdoor seating is a significant bonus. The menu, while straightforward, offers a solid selection of comforting American fare. It's an ideal destination for a relaxing lunch after a walk in the park, a casual dinner, or a special occasion. While it's important for potential customers to be aware of the mixed reviews regarding service, the restaurant’s strong points—its unique and beautiful setting, accessibility, and versatility as both a daily café and an event venue—make it a worthy and memorable choice for anyone in the Bronx or surrounding areas.

Lake House Café

115 Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, NY 10471, USA