Haymaker Bar and Kitchen — Restaurant in New York

Before I review the restaurant, here is some context for credibility's sake... I have been living in Manhattan and now Brooklyn since '94. I cooked at Union Sq Cafe and wrote, directed and produced instructional cooking shows at Food Network in the aughts. Back I n the 90s, I was a Music News producer at VH1 during the Behind the Music era. My fam has also had season tix to the Knicks since 1980. So --- lover of the city, music, food and MSG.

With that in mind, I can say unequivocally that my fave pre-game/pre-show MSG establishment is the freakin' amazing Haymaker! You know when you hear someday say their dish is "made with love"? Well, that's the essence of Haymaker ... categorically (!) ... from the congenial bar and welcoming banquettes to the well-proportioned rear dining area. Even the bathrooms are spacious' and clean! And that magical beer list? Clearly curated by someone who absolutely loves the craft. Speaking of craft, the best beer list in the city alone would suffice on its own merit, but the Haymaker's cocktails are expertly made with precision and a dialed-in palate ... as is the focused menu which dabbles in a variety of both straightforward and global influences, each dish a people-pleaser. Yes, I am fawning because this place is the trifecta of value, location, and execution. On that last point, let me just say that the no-nonsense staff busts their collective butt. That team works with purpose, efficiency and a sense of urgency.

I love this place so much and will never look elsewhere for pregame or other when I am in the vicinity. I see you Haymaker peeps, both front and back of house, and I...

Haymaker bar is a great local spot. I live in the building next-door. It’s got a great bar with plenty of stools bar side, but then also great booths. It has almost 2 different personalities. One during lunch and some happy hours during the week which is packed to the gills with young, tech type people from nearby Hudson yards. This can be fun if you’re in the mood to be packed in with a pretty loud crowd. Lunch can be a little tricky in terms of service and being able to have a conversation across the table because it can get super loud. Most of the time I go when it’s not packed and it’s a great experience. It’s more elevated in terms of the quality of food and environment. Then you would suspect just looking from the outside. we have a booth with several people weeknights and have great conversations with the people that work there behind the bar or the servers. They have a great selection of different beers to try that are always being rotated so you can try something new. I also have a full bar if you prefer a cocktail. I’ve dragged several people from my friend groups, uptown, and downtown and all have enjoyed it. It would be a great spot if you were headed to MSG for a show, but could be slammed too. Just depends what you’re in...

I usually dont do this but the service here was extraordinarily awful. They sat us with a bunch of menus and after choosing our food they told us that the menu we were given was not one we could order from. Then they gave us a different menu for “late night bites” and gave us 2 minutes to choose because the “kitchen was closing” Mind you the host asked if i was there to eat or drink and i said EAT. and they sat us without saying that the kitchen was closing in 5 minutes. We should have left then and there but we settled on the veggie plate and fries which were pretty good. there were other tables that had food and drink and were being regularly checked on- but they literally ignored us the entire time we were there. I had to ask the bartender for our check. Extremely...