Madison Square Garden Guide: Best Seats, Close Bars & Food, Brief History

Madison Square Garden in NYC is one of the world's most iconic venues, and should be on your NYC bucket list.But before you go, read this guide to make sure you have the best experience possible!What we'll cover:Brief history of Madison Square GardenGetting to the arenaBest pre-game bars and restaurantsBest food and drink options inside MSGBest seatsExtra tips & things to knowLet's do it. 👇🗽 Join the newsletter for free access to the NYC Navigation & Transportation Guide + curated Google Maps lists (including spots near MSG): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rebrand.ly/nyc-newsletterBrief History of Madison Square GardenMany would argue that Madison Square Garden is one of the most iconic venues in America, and possibly the world. Originally opened in 1879, it has been home to a plethora of famous concerts, sporting events, and cultural events. Memorable events at MSG include:Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier's boxing match in 1971Marilyn Monroe’s famous birthday serenade to President John F. Kennedy in 1962Multiple benefit concerts following events like 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and moreLive performances by the likes of Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Taylor Swift, Madonna, and many, many moreWhile MSG is currently located on 31st and 33rd Street from Seventh to Eighth Avenue, it is actually the fourth iteration of the iconic venue.Getting to the ArenaAs mentioned in the previous section, getting to and from Madison Square Garden is straightforward due to its being built on top of a major transit hub.Penn Station funnels travelers right below MSG, with the NJ Transit, Amtrak, and Long Island Rail Road systems offering train service in and out of this area. There are also multiple subway lines that run straight into Penn Station, including the 123, ACE. Additionally, the NQRW and BDFM trains have stops nearby at 34th St. Herald Square.Best MSG Pre-Game Bars & RestaurantsBe aware that before Knicks and Rangers games, the surrounding bars can be extremely crowded and hectic. Don't let that stop you, though. Just soak in the atmosphere and know it may take longer to get your food or drink.Here are some of our favorite bars to eat and drink at near MSG:StoutFèilePennsylvania 6Jack Doyle'sMustang Harry'sPioneers Bar NYCLegendsFinnerty'sThe Liberty NYCTemakase Hand Roll Bar (10 min walk from there to MSG)KazuNori Hand Roll Bar (10 min walk from there to MSG)Seeyamañana (Mexican food)Ayza Wine and Chocolate BarKeens Steakhouse (higher-end steak house)Best Food & Drink Options Inside MSGInside Madison Square Garden, expect to pay higher-than-average prices for both food and drink. Here are the average prices for food and drinks at MSG:Hamburgers - $17Chicken fingers and fries - $21Mixed drinks - $25Tall boy beer cans - $18Draft beer - $18Best Seats at MSGMost seating options at Madison Square Garden are great. But this is quite dependent on the type of event.The best seats for basketball may not be the best for concerts, for example. While looking for tickets, we highly recommend checking aviewfrommyseat.com and seeing if there are example photos for the specific type of event you're attending.Of all the events, your seats for a basketball game are probably the least important compared to hockey or concerts.For hockey, we usually try to prioritize better seats than when attending basketball games. Sitting in the upper rows of the 400s at MSG for hockey isn't the best experience due to the puck's size and the gameplay.Concerts at MSG have multiple different setups. We have absolutely loved sitting on the side of the stage. This allows you a much closer view without missing much, especially since there is usually a large video board on each side of the stage.You'll Have to Check It Out - Chick ChickThe best Korean fried chicken in the city! https://maps.app.goo.gl/1hXAqLTquhXf3Vqi9See the full article with video views & photos of different seats here.

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