We heard exactly the same double-talk last summer over a garden table at Tavern on the Green. The reservationists mislead you into thinking you've got an outdoor table when they don't have authority to guarantee one. That was the case at Tavern, where management responded promptly to our gripe and reminded reservationists to clearly state that outdoor seats were first come, first served. The people in charge of seating are playing games. We had come to American Park to dine outdoors under the prettily lit trees and enjoy the salt air.
Truth be told, it is the only reason to go to American Park.
The night turned into a test of wills with the manager. They will not leave. They are reserved. It took 40 minutes before the manager begrudgingly ushered us outdoors. We watched a long, empty table get dismantled and reset as four small tables.