I really enjoy foodie locations in Manhattan that are no musk, no fuss. In other words: straight to the point kind of cuisine in a great location. TGA NYC, a newly opened sports bar only blocks away from Madison Square Garden, is that and then some, as it tickled my culinary bone in more ways than one.
TGA NYC is located on 320 W. 36th street between 8th and 9th avenue. It is connected to the super posh Crowne Plaza HY36 Midtown Manhattan, making it a great 2-for-1 special for anyone who stays there as they get the best of both worlds: food and comfort. Sign me up.
What I found so fascinating about TGA NYC is that it takes the concept of the words “sports bar” and elevates it to another level. It doesn’t appear like the run-of-the-mill ones that you see all around Manhattan, it actually has an elegance and refinement to it that adds a level of sophistication to it the minute you walk inside.
It’s spacious enough for a large group gathering right before a show or a game, yet intimate enough for a dinner for two. TV screens play all around the sprawling bar that encompass its middle, so it does help if you are actually there to watch the big game.
I stopped by TGA NYC recently and was jazzed to be there as I was particularly starving upon entry. The food that they provided was out of this world good, as they came up with some ideas that I’ve never had before (and I’ve eaten quite a lot over the years).
If you are looking for straight appetizers, then their New Orleans Wings will do the trick. The sauce on these perfectly cooked wings, Jack Daniels Bourbon Sweet Chili Sauce, is something that should be bottled and sold as I would gladly put my whole head right in it. It’s one of the best damn wings I’ve had in a very long time.
Something that I also really enjoyed was their Hawaiian Black Salt Shrimp. What surprised me about this was the pineapple relish that was a fantastic contrast to the spicy garlic sauce that was prepared to go along with the dish. Pineapple is a very controversial food product, in that you love it or hate it, but they made me love it even more with this yummy plate of food.
Overall, if you are looking for a place to enjoy a great night in that is steps away from some of Manhattan’s biggest landmarks, then TGA NYC is the place to be.
For more information on TGA NYC, please check out their official website.