Best cocktails Near Central Park in New York City - Right inside of Central Park is the restaurant/bar alongside the lake known as The Boathouse. You may have just a drink or you can have a drink and a meal. Of course, you don't have to have an alcohol-based drink at all, you can have a soda or iced tea. Don't forget your special romantic birthday gift ideas! If you want to have a very romantic, easy going old world cocktail, then have a drink at the small bar located inside the restaurant of Cafe des Artistes. It's expensive but you won't be rushed, you won't be elbow to elbow with hordes of tourists. And if you are visiting from Charlotte and it's a birthday party, then now is the time to present the unique birthday gift Charlotte you brought to town!