Boca's Wick Theatre Channels Tavern on the Green With New Tavern Restaurant

If you've ever dreamed of dining at landmark The Tavern on the Green in New York City's Central Park, Boca Raton might have the next best thing. Well, you can get there without a plane ticket, anyway.

This month, Palm Beach County's Wick Theatre and Costume Museum debuted a new feature, a full-service restaurant designed as a sort of mini-replica featuring one of New York City's most iconic restaurants.

Dubbed The Tavern, the Wick's new restaurant  is open to both theatre patrons and the public for dinner, brunch, and private catered events with a menu that offers a variety of American, French, Continental, and country-style cuisine. 

According to the theatre proprietor Marilynn Wick, the idea to open a restaurant has been a long time coming. Over the years, she's received multiple requests to implement a dining experience for theatre guests, she said.

"Now, we are thrilled to finally open The Tavern to the public," said Wick, who has given the space a decided historic ambiance with dining room decor meant to evoke a similar experience to New York's Tavern on the Green, which closed in 2009.

Many of The Tavern's elements — from the chandelier and table settings, to the photo replica wallpaper depicting the Tavern on the Green's garden panorama — are original pieces sourced from Central Park's best-known restaurant.

To execute the menu Wick has chosen executive chef William Walden, who brings over 30 years of experience including L’Auberge Chez Francois and La Fleur de Lis in Virginia, and Washington D.C.'s Goodstone Inn.

Walden says he has "expansive plans" for The Tavern, but will be building the full dining experience act by act. In other words, the menu will change for each production, offering a number of price-fixe selections including a salad, choice of several entrees, and dessert starting at $35 per person. There is also a full liquor bar and wine list.  

The Wick Theatre and Costume Museum is located at 7901 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton. The Tavern is open Wednesday through Sunday starting at 5 p.m. Call 561-995-2333, or visit thewick.org.

Nicole Danna is a food writer covering Broward and Palm Beach counties. To get the latest in food and drink news in South Florida, follow her @SoFloNicole or find her latest food pics on the BPB New Times Food & Drink Instagram.