Madison Square Garden: Best Place to Eat Before a Game or Show

Madison Square Garden (MSG), the iconic venue in the heart of New York City, is known for its unforgettable events and electrifying atmosphere. But did you know that MSG is also surrounded by a diverse array of mouthwatering culinary options? Whether you’re looking for a quick bite before a game or a leisurely meal after a show, this post Madison Square Garden: Where to Eat Before a Game or Show has got you covered.

SESAMO – Italian Restaurant Hell’s Kitchen NYC

If you’re craving authentic Northern Italian cuisine, look no further than SESAMO – Italian Restaurant Hell’s Kitchen NYC. This cozy and inviting eatery, located just a stone’s throw from Madison Square Garden, is renowned for its housemade sausages and cured meats. The moment you step inside, you’ll be transported to the heart of Italy, surrounded by the tantalizing aromas of freshly prepared dishes.

SESAMO’s menu features a tantalizing array of Northern Italian specialties, each crafted with the finest ingredients and traditional techniques. From the succulent housemade sausages to the expertly cured meats, every bite is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity. And with its proximity to MSG, SESAMO is the perfect spot to indulge in a memorable meal before or after your event.

But don’t just take our word for it – SESAMO boasts an impressive 4.7-star rating on Google, with customers raving about the exceptional food, warm atmosphere, and friendly service. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Italian cuisine or simply looking to expand your culinary horizons, SESAMO is a must-visit destination near Madison Square Garden.

Get Directions to SESAMO

Keens Steakhouse

Step back in time and experience a true New York City institution at Keens Steakhouse. As one of the oldest steakhouses in NYC, Keens has been serving up classic American fare in its wood-paneled dining space for over 130 years. And with its prime location just a short walk from Madison Square Garden, it’s the perfect spot to indulge in a hearty meal before or after your event.

Keens is renowned for its signature dish, the Keens Mutton Chop – a succulent, 26-ounce cut of lamb that has been a favorite among diners for generations. But that’s not all – the menu also features an extensive selection of prime steaks, fresh seafood, and classic sides, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate.

And if you’re worried about parking, fear not – Keens is conveniently located near several parking garages, making it easy to find a spot and enjoy your meal without the hassle. So why not make a night of it and treat yourself to a classic New York City dining experience at Keens Steakhouse?

Eataly NYC Flatiron

For a truly immersive Italian dining experience, head to Eataly NYC Flatiron. This sprawling, 50,000-square-foot food hall is home to seven Italian restaurants, each specializing in a different regional cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, pasta, seafood, or something in between, Eataly has got you covered.

But Eataly is more than just a collection of restaurants – it’s a celebration of Italian culture and cuisine. In addition to the dining options, you’ll find a variety of cafes and counters serving up gelato, baked goods, and more. And with its prime location just a short walk from Madison Square Garden, Eataly is the perfect spot to explore before or after your event.

One of the best things about Eataly is its flexibility – with so many dining options under one roof, it’s easy to find something to suit your taste and budget. And with its extended hours of operation (most restaurants are open daily from around 11:00 AM), you can enjoy a leisurely meal without feeling rushed.

So why not make a day of it and explore all that Eataly NYC Flatiron has to offer? With its unparalleled selection of Italian cuisine and its convenient location near MSG, it’s a must-visit destination for any food lover.

Her Name Is Han

For a taste of modern Korean cuisine in the heart of Koreatown, look no further than Her Name Is Han. This sleek and stylish restaurant, located just two blocks from Madison Square Garden, offers a unique twist on traditional Korean dishes, with a focus on bold flavors and creative presentations.

Her Name Is Han’s menu features a tantalizing array of signature dishes, from the succulent pork belly to the comforting bibimbap. But the real star of the show is the Korean fried chicken – crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect snack to enjoy before or after your event at MSG.

And with its cozy and homey dining atmosphere, Her Name Is Han is the perfect spot to relax and unwind after a long day. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, this modern Korean eatery has got you covered.

But Her Name Is Han isn’t just about the food – it’s also conveniently located near several parking options, making it easy to find a spot and enjoy your meal without the hassle. So why not make a night of it and treat yourself to a taste of modern Korean cuisine at Her Name Is Han?

Piggyback by Pig & Khao

For a fun and flavorful dining experience near Madison Square Garden, head to Piggyback by Pig & Khao. This lively Asian-inspired eatery, located just across the street from MSG, offers a menu of shareable plates that are perfect for groups.

Piggyback’s menu features a wide variety of unique and creative dishes, from the Thai Mango Salad to the Lamb Rendang. But the real standout is the Fried Pho – a crispy, savory twist on the classic Vietnamese noodle soup that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

And with its laid-back dining space and casual atmosphere, Piggyback is the perfect spot to relax and unwind before or after your event at MSG. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, this Asian-inspired eatery has got you covered.

One of the best things about Piggyback is its convenient location – with Madison Square Garden just steps away, it’s easy to grab a bite without missing a moment of the action. And with several nearby parking options available, you can enjoy your meal without the hassle of searching for a spot.

So why not gather your friends and head to Piggyback by Pig & Khao for a fun and flavorful dining experience near MSG? With its unique menu and prime location, it’s a must-visit destination for any food lover.

Other Notable Eateries Near Madison Square Garden

While the top 5 restaurants mentioned above are certainly worth a visit, there are plenty of other notable eateries near Madison Square Garden that are worth checking out. Here are just a few:

• New York Pizza Suprema: A classic NYC pizza joint that’s been serving up slices since 1964.
• Club Bar & Grill: A refined restaurant located inside MSG that offers delicious American cuisine.
• Nick + Stef’s Steakhouse: A top-notch steakhouse that also serves up mouthwatering seafood and wine.
• Daily Burger: A fast-food burger stand located right at MSG that’s operated by a renowned gourmet restaurateur.
• Tick Tock Diner NY: A retro-style diner that’s open 24/7 and serves up classic American fare.
• biricchino: An authentic Northern Italian restaurant that’s known for its fresh, housemade sausages and cured meats.
• The Landing: A newly opened bar and restaurant that’s perfect for grabbing a bite before an event at MSG.
• Legasea Bar & Grill: An elegant spot that offers classy cocktails and dishes like steak and fries.
• Kobeyaki: A casual Japanese eatery that offers quick bites and creative dishes.
• Elmo: A trendy spot that serves up American cuisine in a cool, hip environment.
• Capizzi Pizza: A family-run pizza joint that’s known for its wood-oven pies.
• Carmine’s: One of NYC’s oldest and most famous family-style Italian restaurants.

MSG’s In-House Food Options

In addition to the many restaurants and eateries located near Madison Square Garden, there are also plenty of in-house food options available inside the venue itself. Here are just a few:

• Carnegie Deli: The only remaining location of the iconic NYC deli, serving up classic sandwiches and more.
• Fuku: A casual fried chicken joint by David Chang that offers sandwiches, tenders, and fries.
• Avenue Cantina: A Mexican spot that serves up crispy tacos with a variety of fillings.
• Gluten Free at The Garden: A dedicated gluten-free stand that offers sandwiches, pizza, burgers, and more.
• Lavo Meatballs: An Italian spot that serves up classic dishes like meatballs and cheesesteaks.
• Mike’s Hot Honey: A stand that offers hot honey fried chicken, wings, and more.
• Go Beyond Grill: A plant-based stand that offers burgers, tacos, and more.
• Paulie Gee’s Pizza: An outpost of the iconic Brooklyn pizzeria that serves up delicious slices.
• Baked by Melissa: A dessert stand that offers bite-sized cupcakes in a variety of flavors.
• Tao Sushi: A sushi spot that offers fresh rolls, poke bowls, and more.

There are also plenty of additional food options available throughout the venue, including Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque, Fratelli’s Deli, Arancini Brothers, Monster Bodega, and Top Dog.

Tips for Enjoying Local Flavors Near MSG

If you’re planning on enjoying some of the delicious local flavors near Madison Square Garden, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Make reservations in advance: Many of the popular restaurants near MSG can get busy, especially on event nights. To avoid disappointment, be sure to make reservations in advance whenever possible.
• Consider pre-booking parking spots: Parking can be a challenge in the area around MSG, so consider pre-booking a spot in advance to save time and hassle.
• Allow sufficient time before and after events: Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy your meal before or after your event at MSG.
• Explore diverse culinary options: With so many different types of cuisine available near MSG, don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try something new. Whether you’re in the mood for Italian, Korean, Mexican, or something in between, there’s sure to be a restaurant that will satisfy your cravings.

Conclusion

Madison Square Garden may be known for its world-class events and unforgettable moments, but it’s also surrounded by a vibrant and diverse culinary scene that’s worth exploring. From the top 5 must-try restaurants like SESAMO, Keens Steakhouse, Eataly NYC Flatiron, Her Name Is Han, and Piggyback by Pig & Khao, to the many other notable eateries and in-house food options available, there’s no shortage of delicious flavors to discover near MSG.

So the next time you’re headed to an event at Madison Square Garden, be sure to arrive early or stay late and explore some of the incredible local flavors that the area has to offer. With so many different types of cuisine available and plenty of convenient parking and reservation options, there’s never been a better time to taste your way around MSG.

By following these tips and exploring the diverse culinary options available near Madison Square Garden, you’re sure to have a memorable and enjoyable dining experience that will enhance your overall MSG visit. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start tasting some of the incredible local flavors that this iconic NYC venue has to offer!