10 Places To Eat And Drink Near Madison Square Garden That Won't Scare You
Last week, we brought you a bunch of places to eat and drink near the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Now we take on the food near Madison Square Garden, which has long had a reputation for not being the best food neighborhood in basically all of Manhattan. But if you look past the chain hamburger sellers and that giant Sbarro, you'll find some really interesting things less than a 10-minute's walk away.
The Breslin
With all that scene and style at the anchor canteen of the Ace Hotel in the heart of the newly emerged NoMad district, the food at this April Bloomfield gastropub oftentimes gets overlooked. Think again. If it's hearty, stick-to-your-ribs fare you are in search of (and one that pairs nicely with a six-beer Knicks loss), go with the stellar lamb burger with feta, cumin mayo and some pretty much near perfect fries. More adventurous eaters can have their seafood sausage with beurre blanc and chives, or a dozen pristine oysters. Though, if raw seafood is your pick, you might as well head next door to the John Dory Oyster Bar. They do it right. And their oyster pan roast is not to miss either. 16 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001 thebreslin.com
Arang
At first glance, is appears that Arang is the kind of place that you go after a long night of karaoke — the heavy dishes (there is a range of souped-up rice cakes and fried objects) are perfectly made to soak up the drunkenness that had you singing "Freedom 90" in front of strangers a few hours earlier. But trust us here, it's one of the best Korean restaurants on the 32nd Street stretch known as K-town. Go with a monstrous plate of rice cakes mixed with spicy kimchi, sautéed pork and a gochujang-based sauce. The entire thing is topped with American cheese. And like that, ladies and gentlemen, we have introduced you to Korean nachos. 9 W 32nd St., Second Floor, New York, NY 10001
No. 7 Sub
Can the Knicks and Nets come together over General Tso's seitan? Representing both our MSG and Barclays Center guides is No. 7 Sub, headed up by Food Republic favorite Tyler Kord. The chainlet's take-out location in the Ace Hotel features the aforementioned veggie creation, as well as our personal favorite: The Godfather Part II. We're talking salami, Mexican chorizo, ham, Muenster cheese, pickled jalapeños, sweet potatoes and Thai basil, all packed in a crusty baguette. Looks like Raymond Felton may have enjoyed one too many of these babies during the offseason. 1188 Broadway, New York 10001 no7sub.com
Han Bat
There's a faded letter tacked to the wall of Han Bat, written in Korean for all of the Korean-speaking world to see. "You won't find better cooking in Korea," jokes the note's scribe. But it's a true testament to the authentic, country-style cooking you will find at a restaurant tucked between the better-known Cho Dang Gol and Madangsui. Though it's open 24/7, serving a breakfast menu of kimchi jjigae and solangtang (a milky ox bone soup seasoned with onions and salt), you'll find it mostly crowded at night — a mix of Koreans and in-the-know non-Koreans. oondae is one such dish, a mild blood sausage consisting mostly of dangmyeon noodles and stuffed into a casing with barley and other bits that a best left unsaid. Drink with beer. Lots of it. 53 W 35th St., New York, NY 10016
Lena Latin Grill
Though it lacks style points, this popular lunch take-out spot is open until 9 p.m., when the bustling Garment District workers have gone home and the hungry Knicks and Rangers fans are combing the streets for pre-game eats. Lena plays out like a South American version of Chipotle; from a counter in the rear you can order a salad, wrap, sandwich or plate loaded with a choice of six proteins (including grilled chicken, marinated steak, tofu) and a dozen add-ins. The sauces are the best part — from house-made chimichurri and chipotle mayonnaise to blended avocado and tomatillo. Plates run a little more and include two sides like coconut rice and yucca fries. 34 West 35th Stree, New York, NY 10001 lenanyc.com
Keens Steakhouse
Ever wonder where the corporate crowd heads during the middle of the 3rd quarter every night when the 'Bockers are trailing big? Look no further than this staple of old-school luxury, a city institution since 1885. Home to the world's largest collection of pipes, Keens dishes out expertly charred steaks and legendary mutton chops alongside an impressive selection of single malts and classic cocktails. Its burger – available to order at the bar – is one of New York's most underrated. Come prepared to impress a date...and with a fat wallet. 72 W. 36th Street, New York 10018 keens.com
The NoMad
Recently awarded a Michelin star, the NoMad Hotel's elegant first floor dining room is worth a visit if only for the much-lauded chicken for two. Executive chef Daniel Humm (of Eleven Madison Park fame) stuffs the whole bird with a healthy portion of foie gras and black truffles, and its golden brown skin is crisped to perfection. The cocktail program was recognized this year at Tales of the Cocktail with the World's Best Hotel Bar accolade. The hotel is also serving white truffles – at cost – with a variety of dishes, while in season. Grab a friend and go. 1170 Broadway, New York 10001 thenomadhotel.com
Sweetgreen
Salad isn't exactly what comes to mind when contemplating pre or post-game grub options, but Sweetgreen has captured the hearts of New Yorkers since its summer opening. The DC-based chain utilizes organic ingredients from local farmers in its creations, which include the wildly popular Kale Caesar and Wild Rice Bowl. Freshly pressed juices and house-made frozen yogurt complete the meal. Visit during non-peak lunch times or for dinner to avoid insanely long lines and an annoyingly annoying clubby crowd. 1164 Broadway, New York 10001 sweetgreen.com
Hill Country
There is nothing quite like authentic Texas barbecue, but Hill Country is among those leading an urban 'Que movement in the Big Apple. Go for the moist brisket (ordered by the pound, naturally) and accompany it with plump sausages sourced directly from Lockhart. Awarded two stars by Pete Wells, the Flatiron pit recently opened a fried chicken outpost a block down the road. There is also an HC stand serving brisket, pulled pork sandwiches and pies inside the Garden itself. 30 W. 26th Street, New York 10010 hillcountryny.com
Kabooz's Bar & Grill
We had to include one of the dozen (more?) dining facilities in Penn Station, which is attached to Madison Square Garden. But, frankly, they all smell kinda funny. But if you must visit one (and sometimes you must), you have to go here. The food is America, right down the middle. Reubens, steak and eggs, domestic beers, artichoke dip. You can get in and out within 45 minutes and not miss the tip. 2 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001