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As a part of Madison Square Garden's $980 million renovation, the management recently tapped some serious talent to create concessions for the stadium.
There are still plenty of stands serving popcorn, hot dogs, and draft beer, but now you can also get a chicken sandwich from Jean-Georges Vongerichten, a sausage from Andrew Carmellini, smoked brisket on a potato roll from Hill Country, and a burger from Drew Nieporent, to name just a few of the new options. So far the critics and the food bloggers mostly love all the fancy new snacks. Here's a guide to where to eat when you're watching a Rangers or Knicks game, or when you're taking in a concert at The Garden:
Madison Square Garden's Five Standouts
The Ainsworth Prime: At this new full-service gastropub — which is open during games and events as well as two hours before and after — you can get individual pizzas, classic pub grub like buffalo winks and potato wedges, and entrees like lasagna, sesame-crusted ahi tuna, a prime angus burger, or steak frites. The food costs more than what you'll find at the concession stands, but it's not outrageously expensive (most entrees are in the 20s; most snacks are in the teens). [Level 3]
Sausage Boss: Star chef Andrew Carmellini consulted on this sausage stand, and man, they grill up some good dogs. The one to get here is the pork sausage "pizzaiolo," with sweet peppers, tomatoes and onions. The cheddar-stuffed bratwurst is also delicious. [Three locations on Level 6: 107, 112, and 116]
Hill Country: One of New York's most respected barbecue joints has a stand in MSG, serving their delicious smoked brisket on a potato bun, and a sandwich of medium-rare prime rib with jus, on a roll. Exactly what you want to eat when you're watching the game. [ Level 6, 107]
Carnegie Deli: This stand serves the same thinly-sliced, pleasantly-fatty pastrami that made the Midtown deli famous. The only difference it that here, you get a big-ass pile of meet on a bun for just $15 ( a two dollar savings compared to the original). Not that you would, but one $15 sandwich is easily enough to share between two people. Creamy knishes are just $5. [Level 6, 105; Level 8, 345WC]
Daily Burger: Restaurateur Drew Nieporent, the king of Tribeca, operates this burger shack. Drew put some thought into the burgers here: the meat is a custom blend Pat La Frieda patty — a blend of brisket, short rib and chuck — topped with bacon jam and cheesy sauce. This is one of the best things to bring back to your seat. [Two locations on Level 6: 106 and 115]
* indicates special Eater recommendations
Level 3
The Ainsworth Prime: At this new full-service gastropub — which is open during games and events as well as two hours before and after — you can get individual pizzas, classic pub grub like buffalo winks and potato wedges, and entrees like lasagna, sesame-crusted ahi tuna, a prime angus burger, or steak frites. The food costs more than what you'll find at the concession stands, but it's not outrageously expensive (most entrees are in the 20s; most snacks are in the teens). [Level 3]
1879 Club: A posh limited access lounge sponsored by Chase with cocktails and light bites. [Level 3]
Legends Room: Another limited access club and event space. [Level 3]
Level 5
Delta Sky360 Club: A limited access club with a menu designed by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, featuring a few of the favorite dishes from his more casual restaurants, plus a full bar program. [Level 5]
Delta Sky360 Bar: A limited access bar and lounge with a full list of beer, wine, and cocktails. [Level 5]
Garden Market: Hot dogs, chips, and sodas. [Tower A]
Level 6
Simply Chicken: Chicken sandwiches, chicken salads, and chicken dogs from Jean-Georges Vongerichten. [Two locations: 106 and 112]
Carlos & Gabby's: Kosher food including chicken taquito dogs, knishes, and pastrami sandwiches. [111]
*Sausage Boss: Star chef Andrew Carmellini consulted on this sausage stand, and man, they grill up some good dogs. The one to get here is the pork sausage "pizzaiolo," with sweet peppers, tomatoes and onions. The cheddar-stuffed bratwurst is also delicious. [Three locations on Level 6: 107, 112, and 116]
Chicken & Fries: MSQ has two locations of this chicken strips and fries stand. [109, 115]
Coffee and Desserts: A sweets stand serving a few items from Bouchon Bakery and Magnolia. [114]
*Daily Burger: Restaurateur Drew Nieporent, the king of Tribeca, operates this burger shack. Drew put some thought into the burgers here: the meat is a custom blend Pat La Frieda patty — a blend of brisket, short rib and chuck — topped with bacon jam and cheesy sauce. This is one of the best things to bring back to your seat. [Two locations on Level 6: 106 and 115]
16 Handles: High quality fro-yo. This stand frequently attracts long lines. [115]
Garden Pub: A place to drink a beer and watch the game on TV. [102]
Bar Madison: A bar serving beer and a full selection of booze. [101]
Lobster Shrimp Roll: A stand from Aquagrill serving only one item: a lobster and shrimp roll made with a potato bun. Some people complain about sogginess. [118]
Senzai Sushi: Sushi to go, made on site. A lot of people have had bad experiences here. [118]
*Hill Country: One of New York's most respected barbecue joints has a stand in MSG, serving their delicious smoked brisket on a potato bun, and a sandwich of medium-rare prime rib, with jus, on a roll. Exactly what you want to eat when you're watching the game. [107]
Bottled Beer: Budweiser in bottles, to go. [110]
Garden Market: Hot dogs, chips, and sodas. [Five locations: 104, 108, 112, 115, and 120]
*Carnegie Deli: This stand serves the same thinly-sliced, pleasantly-fatty pastrami that made the Midtown deli famous. The only difference it that here, you get a big-ass pile of meet on a bun for just $15 ( a two dollar savings compared to the original). Not that you would, but one $15 sandwich is easily enough to share between two people. Creamy knishes are just $5. [105]
Farley's: Beer and mixed drinks in a space that somewhat resembles a pub. [112]
Pizzeria Dell'Orto: Individual pizzas to take back to your seats. [117]
Draft Beer: Bud and Bud light on tap. [110]
Healthy at The Garden: A small selection of entirely Gluten-free sandwiches and snacks. [119]
Bar at the Garden: Sip beer, wine, and cocktails, and watch the event on TV. [105]
Ice Cream: Chocolate, vanilla, almond, and raspberry ice cream pops. [110]
Mixed Drinks: Cocktails to go, but not the top-shelf stuff. [Two locations: 103 and 114]
Popcorn and Bottle Drinks: Sodas and movie theater-style popcorn. [Two locations: 113, 119]
Level 8
Lobster Shrimp Roll: A stand from Aquagrill serving only one item: a lobster and shrimp roll made with a potato bun. Some people complain about sogginess. [301]
Simply Chicken: Chicken sandwiches, chicken salads, and chicken dogs from Jean-Georges Vongerichten. [301]
Mixed Drinks: Cocktails to go, but not the top-shelf stuff. [327]
Garden Market: Hot dogs, chips, and sodas. [Three locations: 319, 325, 345]
Bar at the Garden: Beer, wine, and mixed drinks. [345WC]
*Carnegie Deli: This stand serves the same thinly-sliced, pleasantly-fatty pastrami that made the Midtown deli famous. The only difference it that here, you get a big-ass pile of meet on a bun for just $15 ( a two dollar savings compared to the original). Not that you would, but one $15 sandwich is easily enough to share between two people. Creamy knishes are just $5. [345WC]
Level 10
Bridge Pub: Beer, wine, and cocktails, with TVs showing the game or event. [West Balcony]
Garden Market: Hot dogs, chips, and sodas. [West Balcony]
Lobster Shrimp Roll: A stand from Aquagrill serving only one item: a lobster and shrimp roll made with a potato bun. Some people complain about sogginess. [West Balcony]
Pizzeria Dell'Orto: Individual pizzas to take back to your seats. [West Balcony]
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