Whether you’ve just sat through a nail-biting Knicks game, enjoyed a knockout Billy Joel performance, or explored the famed arena through an All Access Tour, chances are that you might be craving some serious eats following your visit to Madison Square Garden. Fortunately, MSG finds itself located in Midtown West, where delicious food abounds all day long and late into the evening. Whether you’re looking for full-service dining experience or a noteworthy dish that you can grab and go with, these five restaurants will leave you feeling utterly satisfied.
Where to Eat After an MSG Show: Turntable Chicken Jazz
There’s no place quite like Turntable Chicken Jazz, which combines crispy, Korean chicken menu items with jazz-themed décor. Choose whether you want your wings, drums, or boneless breasts coated in a soy garlic or hot (or half & half!!) flavor and then pair them with some kimchi, pickled daikon radish, and homemade pickles. The atmosphere here is trendy, yet relaxed, and you’ll find Turntable Chicken Jazz’s doors open until 4:00am on weekend nights. 314 5th Ave., 212-714-9700, turntablenyc.com
Where to Eat After an MSG Show: The NoMad Restaurant
The NoMad Restaurant’s seating is available in seven different areas throughout the NoMad Hotel, including the Atrium, the Parlour, the Fireplace, the Library, and the Rooftop. As for their entrees, you’ll find items such as the Whole-Roasted Chicken for Two (foie gras, black truffle, brioche with white & green asparagus) and Poached Lobster (spring onion and fine herbs) on the menu. While the kitchen closes between 10pm and 11pm, the restaurant itself stays open until until two in the morning Monday through Saturday. 1170 Broadway, 347-472-5660, thenomadhotel.com
Where to Eat After an MSG Show: Xi’an Famous Foods
Looking for some affordable, authentic Chinese food on-the-go? Xi’an Famous Foods serves up an array of dishes that incorporate hand-ripped noodles (the Pork “Zha Jiang” and Spicy & Tingly Beef are our favorites). Xi’an is also well known for their Stewed Pork and Spicy Cumin Lamb Burgers which are both reasonably priced and flavor-packed. Also worth ordering is the Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad which comes tossed in black vinegar, garlic, and chili oil. 14 E 34th St., xianfoods.com
Where to Eat After an MSG Show: Woorijip Authentic Korean Food
Since Madison Square Garden finds itself nestled nicely in the heart of Koreatown, it wouldn’t be right to complete this roundup without an authentic, Korean restaurant. Woorijip a grab-and-go style eatery that serves all of the Korean classics. You’ll find scallion seafood pancakes, kimchi fried rice, kimbap, bulgolgi, buckwheat noodles, and curry omurice on the menu, amongst other authentic dishes. Eat there or get your meal to go at this late night hangout, open until 2:00am–3:00am in the morning. 12 W. 32nd St., 212-244-1115, woorijipnyc.com
Where to Eat After an MSG Show: ilili
Every dish served at ilili comes from a traditional recipe that’s direct from Lebanon. However, things don’t stop there. Each recipe is updated to become a modern dish that incorporates new ingredients and cooking approaches. Some popular menu items include the Diver Scallops (cauliflower, cherries, lemon, brown butter), Kafta (spiced ground beef & lamb, sumac garlic whip, seasonal grilled vegetables), and Lamb Makloubeh (lamb shank, dirty rice, fried eggplant, cucumber yogurt, mixed nuts). 236 5th Ave., 212-683-2929, ililinyc.com
