One visit to a Pig n Whistle location will make clear why this pub and restaurant has thrived in New York since 1969. The newest branch is in Times Square, with a comfortable interior finished with tasteful wallpaper, exposed brick, and vibrant flags. The scene stays lively, with music on stage or DJs seven nights a week, plus specials like Margarita Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, and Whiskey Wednesdays.
Being situated right in the thick of things makes this Pig n Whistle popular for both after-work and pre-theater crowds. Don’t worry if you enter to an energetic scene at the bar: there’s plenty more space upstairs, including an open-air balcony. Settle in and let one of the welcoming servers guide you through a menu that puts an elevated slant on pub favorites.
Pulled-pork sandwiches are major draws, joined by steak fajitas, fish ‘n’ chips, and nightly specials. Lighter appetites can enjoy fresh Caesar or baby kale salads. That baby kale appears again with mashed potatoes as a bed for the house’s grilled salmon, cooked to order and topped in a mango and citrus chutney that leans more tart than sweet, perfectly complementing the fish.
Wings, tacos, and fried calamari are among the stars of the starters. The house mussels come with tequila, jalapeño, and lime, with spicy chorizo sausage that somehow manages to not overpower the shellfish. Herbed garlic bread is perfect for sopping up the broth.
The house burger is a classic. You can devise your own with everything from blue cheese to sautéed mushrooms to a fried egg, or you can go with the Pig n Whistle Signature. It starts with Black Angus beef, which gets a perfect crust thanks to expert flame-grilling. There’s additional crunch from some crispy onions, and extra richness from pepper jack cheese and chipotle mayo. The whole thing comes together in a pretzel bun, and it’s cooked to order of course. Fries come on the side, crisp and golden, with tender insides.
The interior nods to both old-world charm (Irish green, white, and orange proudly flying in the stairwell, among many colorful flags) and New York character—witness the black ‘n’ white prints that show the vintage city. Like any good pub, there are flatscreens aplenty, enough to provide clear sightlines no matter where you’re seated. From MLB to the NFL to the UEFA European Championship and other soccer matches, all the fan favorites are here.
Friendly greetings and great deals can be scarce in Times Square, but you’ll find both at the Pig n Whistle. $15 weekend brunches come with a complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary. The $5 happy hour specials run weeknights from 4pm to 8pm, bar lunches are $13 and include a free drink, and you can slurp down $1 Blue Point oysters any time you like.
Pig n Whistle is located at 144 W. 46th St. (btw. Sixth & Seventh Aves.), 917-639-3864, pignwhistleon46.com.
