New York City has everything sports fans could possibly want. But with so many choices, you might need help selecting your best options in this massive melting pot of spectacular food, drinks and attractions — especially if you are venturing out in the city to catch a game. We got you. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the city that never sleeps the next time you head out to cheer on the Yankees, Mets, Knicks, Rangers, Giants or Jets.
Things to Do Near Madison Square Garden
The self-proclaimed “world’s most famous arena,” Madison Square Garden lives up to that reputation as home to both the Knicks and Rangers. It sits on some of the planet’s most prime real estate, which means there is a dizzying number of top-rated places to fill up and drink up.
- When you just can’t pick a place to eat, head to The Pennsy Food Hall (2 Pennsylvania Plaza), located right next to the Garden, where you can find vendors for every appetite, like vegan-friendly favorites The Cinnamon Snail and The Little Beet, high-quality meat purveyors Pat LaFrieda, and Neapolitan pizza specialists Ribalta.
- If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, try the nearby Keens Steakhouse (72 W 36th St.) for a classic Manhattan dining experience with their “Legendary Mutton Chop.” Even closer to the arena, you can cozy up in a red-leather booth and indulge in comfort food fusions like cheesesteak egg rolls at Pennsylvania 6 (132 W 31st St.).
- There’s also no shortage of high-end cocktail bars and sports pubs in the vicinity, starting with The NoMad Hotel’s chic NoMad Bar (10 W 28th St.), where you can splurge on upscale pub fare and a house-made cocktail with rare spirits. Beer lovers may want to check out Flatiron Hall Restaurant and Beer Hall (38 W 26th St.) for a specialty brew.
Things to Do Near MetLife Stadium
You have to head roughly eight miles west of NYC to catch the Giants or the Jets at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, so you’ll probably work up an appetite (and you might be especially thirsty after the game depending on the outcome.)
- Find game day specials at Redd’s Restaurant & Biergarten (317 Washington Ave.). Enjoy jumbo wings, cheeseburger sliders and a beer or two before hopping on their shuttle service to the stadium.
- If you’re itching to get to the game, the stadium itself (1 MetLife Stadium Dr) offers an array of international eats. Grab a spicy chicken sandwich at Fat Rooster , bao sliders at Bahnbekyu and a s’mores empanada at Global Pies — or lean hard in the opposite nutritional direction with a baby kale salad at Petite Greens.
- Those partial to Italian food will find a number of options nearby, including Annabella’s House of Mozzarella (900 Paterson Plank Rd.), a gourmet Italian deli that lives up to its name, and Vesta Wood Fired (64 Hoboken Rd.), a cozy spot to dig into a wood-fired pizza.
- Slightly farther away, Park Avenue is filled with options for a pre- or post-game meal, from classic American comfort food at Rutherford Pancake House (40 Park Ave.) to Cuban specialties at Mambo Tea House (98 Park Ave.) to creative tasting menus at the elegant Cafe Matisse (167 Park Ave.).
Things to Do Near Yankee Stadium
Home to the 27-time World Series Champions and Major League Soccer’s New York City FC, Yankee Stadium is the most expensive stadium ever built, but that doesn’t mean you have to blow your budget on a day out at the ballgame. Here are some places to go before or after seeing your beloved Bronx Bombers — no matter your budget.
- Those looking for a whole pre-game adventure should explore some of the Bronx’s most treasured and tranquil spaces, like the Bronx Zoo (2300 Southern Blvd.) or the New York Botanical Garden (2900 Southern Blvd.), both roughly 30 minutes away from the stadium via foot and metro.
- If time is at more of a premium, consider a quick trip to The Bronx Museum of the Arts (1040 Grand Concourse), where you can see contemporary art exhibitions representing the local community — and it’s free.
- For a pre- or post-game bite, the stadium’s own NYY Steak (1 E 161 St.) offers top-notch surf and turf, or you can head across the street to get more of the flavor of the neighborhood with some authentic Caribbean cuisine. Practically at the foot of the stadium, you’ll find Eating Tree (892 Gerard Ave.), where you can fill up on stewed oxtail and mac ‘n’ cheese, and Flavas International Grill (854 Gerard Ave.), another Jamaican soul-food standby.
- For drinks, head straight to Stan’s Sports Bar (836 River Ave.) or Yankee Tavern (72 E 161 St.), both popular watering holes for die-hard Yankee fans, or to the trendy Bronx Draft House (884 Gerard Ave.) to grab a bite and the latest microbrew on tap.
Things to Do Near Citi Field
The Mets may not have the same history as their Bronx counterparts, but they’re certainly the stars of Queens. Mets fans heading to Citi Field also have plenty of options for exceptional brews and bites.
- The ballpark itself (123-01 Roosevelt Ave) houses a wide selection of local favorites: Check out Pizza Cupcake for fresh Italian flavors in mouthwatering bites, Catch of the Day for lobster nachos, Fuku for spicy fried chicken and Milk Bar cookies or Porsche Grill for a full sit-down meal.
- Near the right field gate of Citi Field, you can find Mikkeller Brewing NYC (123-01 Roosevelt Ave.), a spacious brewery that boasts 60 beers on tap and satisfying game-day grub like burgers and hot dogs. There’s also McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon (36-02 126th St.), located next to the third-base entrance, where you can grab wings, sliders and tater tots while rubbing elbows with your fellow Mets fans.
- After the game, take a 10-minute walk to the Holiday Inn, where the unassuming Pine Restaurant & Sports Bar (37-10 114th St.) serves up pints and hefty Italian-inspired dishes in a room decked out in Mets memorabilia — and on occasion, Mets players themselves have been known to stop in.
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