Hi folks!
2011 is almost gone and I only think it's fair that I filled you readers in on some pubs that I frequent. Oftentimes, I find myself in need of a tipple and some chow before my train leaves Penn Station (or possibly a show at the Hammerstein or Garden). Koreatown is okay with a large group (between 35-36th and Fifth and Sixth Aves), but isn't my cup of tea prior to a trip back Upstate. But don't fret! There are a few places that do fit the bill. Each of these three pubs are located a stone's throw from Madison Square Garden and Macy's Herald Square (both are connected by a plethora of Subway lines). It's only fair to start with the oldest of the three, The Blarney Rock.
If you have seen the movie "Big Daddy" you have already seen The Blarney Rock (BR). It was in the scene where they're watching the Jets game inside a bar (it's easily recognizable). The first thing you notice when walking into the BR is that it doesn't look like the interior has been updated in about 30 years. This is an old school bar when you can easily bump into the B & T brigade (Bridge and Tunnel, office workers that commute from NJ/Long Island daily) or union laborers (or any union-- electrical, masons, etc.) that have concrete or mud on their boots and Carhartts. You can see this is a union bar, on the bar mirror itself are "local" stickers from all over the state and city. I wouldn't venture in this place if you were a scab, you'd probably not leave it in one piece. Okay, onto the food.
The food is typical NYC pub grub. Noticeably, a lack of authentic Irish items disappoint this reviewer, but let's dwell on what they do well. I have been going here for awhile, but usually prior to shows at the Garden as the other two pubs get super crowded and I'm not a fan of waiting ten minutes for a beer! The wings and sandwiches are king here. They do them right and for a reasonable price (around the ten dollar mark). Of course they have dinner specials, but it's not the tastiest grub, rather bland and run of the mill. The beer selection is at best mediocre. They're catering to the working man, and that means plenty of light beers on tap (with Sam Adams being the top of the heap). Prices aren't terrible for this part of town and a pint should set you back between $5-6. So, that's The BR, let's review it's next door neighbor, Stout.
Stout is a "mega-pub" that opened a few years ago. Frankly, it's a welcome change to the neighborhood. I am all for nostalgia, but Stout has upped the bar (no pun intended) in a major way! This place is huge. A two story pub with seating upstairs (and a ton of TVs to watch the European or American sporting events). The vaulted ceilings give the place a cavernous feel. In addition to the main bar, there is a smaller bar downstairs (with tables) that is open Pre-Garden events and busy weekends. There is also a large banquet room that's capable of hosting parties (usually corporate types).
Okay, so what's the deal? Well, the beer list is huge. Of course you have your Guinness along with the local faves like Brooklyn and Six Points. They have a fairly large (about 5-10) seasonal beer list on any given day. They also have a few ciders on tap here, which I really like (variety is the spice of life!). However, the main portion of the list is the pub's namesake, stouts. They have about 30 different types of stouts from all over the world, even Japan! If you're brave enough, try an Imperial Stout-- which can be mistaken for diesel fuel (very high alcohol content). I like a Guinness now and again, but that's not why I come here. The high-test beers float around $8-15 and regular beers, around $5-6.
I came once and keep returning to this pub because the food is outstanding. I loved each and every item that I have eaten as this establishment, whether it is the Full Irish Breakfast (with black and white pudding! $10.95), or the oysters they have-- the list is quite big. The best bargain on the menu is the fried calamari at $10.95, the portion is absolutely monstrous and could easily feed three people (as a a starter). I am also a huge fan of their burgers. They cook these to order and they ask how I'd like it cooked-- you know from prior posts that's a good sign of quality ($9.95 with options that cost $1.50). There are the usual Irish items like bangers and mash, fish and chips and pies (meat). This type of food I reserve for the winter (so perhaps early next year, I will be trying them).
One strange item that they have listed that I am not really interested in is "Wisconsin Style Thin Crust Pizza." It's basically a pie that's stacked with toppings right to the edge. I am familiar with this style from living in Columbus, OH and frankly, I am not a fan. Perhaps you'd like to try it, but I like my NYC slice better than any variety in the world. Okay, last but not least, Féile.
Féile in Gaelic means "festival" and this is a pretty fair assessment of the times I have had there. Féile opened about a year and a half after Stout and is owned by the same management company. Therefore, the food is of similar quality, but the menu is very different that it's larger brother. Stout has roughly twenty tables for eating in and a large bar that anyone can feel welcome. The bartenders are usually from Ireland and I know for a fact, so is the chef (thank God!). I haven't eaten here a lot, but I can vouch for the Duck Sausage and Mash (with red currant gravy).... yummy! The sixteen dollar price tag for this item is a bargain and this dish will stuff you! On one recent visit, I spotted a menu item I couldn't pass up. Shepherd's Pie (which oddly they call Cottage pie) made with pulled braised lamb shank meat ($16). This is the most authentic shepherd's pie I have eaten in the United States. For some odd reason, Americans think that Shepherd's Pie is made with beef. WRONG! Who does a shepherd look after? Not cattle, that's for sure! The Americanized version is Cottage Pie, and should be called as such (with beef). One item that caught my eye, but I haven't tried is the Mac and Cheese Croquettes (basically a fried stuffed dumpling) served with bacon and leeks ($8). I think I will be venturing outside the box and try it next time. The food is a bit more imaginative than next door at Stout. The chef here wants to wow you and he does. I have also had the burgers here, including the "Angry Bleu Cheese Burger." The angry BCB ($11), comes dipped in Frank's hot sauce and is served with crumbled (and melted) bleu cheese on top (and it's really hot). It made me sweat a bit whilst eating it! You really can't go wrong with anything you order here, it's all going to be good... but be wary if there's a crowd (you might need to wait quite some time, as the kitchen isn't very large).
Okay, onto the drinks. They also have a large list, while not as big as it's brother, it's a well thought out menu for draught beers. They don't have Magner's Cider on tap here, but do have it in the 750 ml bottles (at $8 or $9). There are also seasonal brews which pass through quarterly. They also have a nice whiskey list for the brave. I know I turn into Mr. Hyde on whiskey and pass on that option. :)
The Verdict:
Well, if you are looking for a slice of old NY, by all means check out The Blarney Rock. Their friendly service and come as you are attitude makes this place great for drinking and a simple meal, just don't bring the non-union guy with you).
Stout is great for those seeking a big city bar that dazzles you and assaults your senses-- a great (and rowdy) place to catch a game or to get tuned up before that concert at MSG. The food is good, and you can be adventurous here (try the oysters!).
However, If you're looking for primarily food, Féile is where you should be. The well thought out menu and nice atmosphere make it a pleasant place to dine-- but be aware folks! All three of these places are bursting at the seams on event days. So? Which one is my favorite? I'm not telling... and I think you should be the judge. After all, they're all right next to each other, which makes a literal pub crawl possible.
Have a Happy New Year folks and keep your eyes peeled for new adventures and reviews in 2012!
-TT/FF
Féile
Stout
*At the time of publication, The Blarney Rock's website was undergoing changes and therefore it isn't working. It will be found here.
The Blarney Rock
2011 is almost gone and I only think it's fair that I filled you readers in on some pubs that I frequent. Oftentimes, I find myself in need of a tipple and some chow before my train leaves Penn Station (or possibly a show at the Hammerstein or Garden). Koreatown is okay with a large group (between 35-36th and Fifth and Sixth Aves), but isn't my cup of tea prior to a trip back Upstate. But don't fret! There are a few places that do fit the bill. Each of these three pubs are located a stone's throw from Madison Square Garden and Macy's Herald Square (both are connected by a plethora of Subway lines). It's only fair to start with the oldest of the three, The Blarney Rock.
If you have seen the movie "Big Daddy" you have already seen The Blarney Rock (BR). It was in the scene where they're watching the Jets game inside a bar (it's easily recognizable). The first thing you notice when walking into the BR is that it doesn't look like the interior has been updated in about 30 years. This is an old school bar when you can easily bump into the B & T brigade (Bridge and Tunnel, office workers that commute from NJ/Long Island daily) or union laborers (or any union-- electrical, masons, etc.) that have concrete or mud on their boots and Carhartts. You can see this is a union bar, on the bar mirror itself are "local" stickers from all over the state and city. I wouldn't venture in this place if you were a scab, you'd probably not leave it in one piece. Okay, onto the food.
The food is typical NYC pub grub. Noticeably, a lack of authentic Irish items disappoint this reviewer, but let's dwell on what they do well. I have been going here for awhile, but usually prior to shows at the Garden as the other two pubs get super crowded and I'm not a fan of waiting ten minutes for a beer! The wings and sandwiches are king here. They do them right and for a reasonable price (around the ten dollar mark). Of course they have dinner specials, but it's not the tastiest grub, rather bland and run of the mill. The beer selection is at best mediocre. They're catering to the working man, and that means plenty of light beers on tap (with Sam Adams being the top of the heap). Prices aren't terrible for this part of town and a pint should set you back between $5-6. So, that's The BR, let's review it's next door neighbor, Stout.
Stout is a "mega-pub" that opened a few years ago. Frankly, it's a welcome change to the neighborhood. I am all for nostalgia, but Stout has upped the bar (no pun intended) in a major way! This place is huge. A two story pub with seating upstairs (and a ton of TVs to watch the European or American sporting events). The vaulted ceilings give the place a cavernous feel. In addition to the main bar, there is a smaller bar downstairs (with tables) that is open Pre-Garden events and busy weekends. There is also a large banquet room that's capable of hosting parties (usually corporate types).
Okay, so what's the deal? Well, the beer list is huge. Of course you have your Guinness along with the local faves like Brooklyn and Six Points. They have a fairly large (about 5-10) seasonal beer list on any given day. They also have a few ciders on tap here, which I really like (variety is the spice of life!). However, the main portion of the list is the pub's namesake, stouts. They have about 30 different types of stouts from all over the world, even Japan! If you're brave enough, try an Imperial Stout-- which can be mistaken for diesel fuel (very high alcohol content). I like a Guinness now and again, but that's not why I come here. The high-test beers float around $8-15 and regular beers, around $5-6.
I came once and keep returning to this pub because the food is outstanding. I loved each and every item that I have eaten as this establishment, whether it is the Full Irish Breakfast (with black and white pudding! $10.95), or the oysters they have-- the list is quite big. The best bargain on the menu is the fried calamari at $10.95, the portion is absolutely monstrous and could easily feed three people (as a a starter). I am also a huge fan of their burgers. They cook these to order and they ask how I'd like it cooked-- you know from prior posts that's a good sign of quality ($9.95 with options that cost $1.50). There are the usual Irish items like bangers and mash, fish and chips and pies (meat). This type of food I reserve for the winter (so perhaps early next year, I will be trying them).
One strange item that they have listed that I am not really interested in is "Wisconsin Style Thin Crust Pizza." It's basically a pie that's stacked with toppings right to the edge. I am familiar with this style from living in Columbus, OH and frankly, I am not a fan. Perhaps you'd like to try it, but I like my NYC slice better than any variety in the world. Okay, last but not least, Féile.
Féile in Gaelic means "festival" and this is a pretty fair assessment of the times I have had there. Féile opened about a year and a half after Stout and is owned by the same management company. Therefore, the food is of similar quality, but the menu is very different that it's larger brother. Stout has roughly twenty tables for eating in and a large bar that anyone can feel welcome. The bartenders are usually from Ireland and I know for a fact, so is the chef (thank God!). I haven't eaten here a lot, but I can vouch for the Duck Sausage and Mash (with red currant gravy).... yummy! The sixteen dollar price tag for this item is a bargain and this dish will stuff you! On one recent visit, I spotted a menu item I couldn't pass up. Shepherd's Pie (which oddly they call Cottage pie) made with pulled braised lamb shank meat ($16). This is the most authentic shepherd's pie I have eaten in the United States. For some odd reason, Americans think that Shepherd's Pie is made with beef. WRONG! Who does a shepherd look after? Not cattle, that's for sure! The Americanized version is Cottage Pie, and should be called as such (with beef). One item that caught my eye, but I haven't tried is the Mac and Cheese Croquettes (basically a fried stuffed dumpling) served with bacon and leeks ($8). I think I will be venturing outside the box and try it next time. The food is a bit more imaginative than next door at Stout. The chef here wants to wow you and he does. I have also had the burgers here, including the "Angry Bleu Cheese Burger." The angry BCB ($11), comes dipped in Frank's hot sauce and is served with crumbled (and melted) bleu cheese on top (and it's really hot). It made me sweat a bit whilst eating it! You really can't go wrong with anything you order here, it's all going to be good... but be wary if there's a crowd (you might need to wait quite some time, as the kitchen isn't very large).
Okay, onto the drinks. They also have a large list, while not as big as it's brother, it's a well thought out menu for draught beers. They don't have Magner's Cider on tap here, but do have it in the 750 ml bottles (at $8 or $9). There are also seasonal brews which pass through quarterly. They also have a nice whiskey list for the brave. I know I turn into Mr. Hyde on whiskey and pass on that option. :)
The Verdict:
Well, if you are looking for a slice of old NY, by all means check out The Blarney Rock. Their friendly service and come as you are attitude makes this place great for drinking and a simple meal, just don't bring the non-union guy with you).
Stout is great for those seeking a big city bar that dazzles you and assaults your senses-- a great (and rowdy) place to catch a game or to get tuned up before that concert at MSG. The food is good, and you can be adventurous here (try the oysters!).
However, If you're looking for primarily food, Féile is where you should be. The well thought out menu and nice atmosphere make it a pleasant place to dine-- but be aware folks! All three of these places are bursting at the seams on event days. So? Which one is my favorite? I'm not telling... and I think you should be the judge. After all, they're all right next to each other, which makes a literal pub crawl possible.
Have a Happy New Year folks and keep your eyes peeled for new adventures and reviews in 2012!
-TT/FF
Féile
Stout
*At the time of publication, The Blarney Rock's website was undergoing changes and therefore it isn't working. It will be found here.
The Blarney Rock
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