By Paddy McCarthy
Yes! I did the rounds last week and visited a few bars and restaurants that are/ I have to tell doing very well. I have been saying this for a very long time: the best places to ever visit are Irish bars, pubs and restaurants because they’ve got what it takes to have a cocktail and a meal, now where would yea get it? Only in an Irish establishment no matter where you go. I would love to mention them all only it would take up the whole paper to tell you all about them, but here are a few of them that I did visit for a pint; now remember I was Out&About working, ha, ha. I will start off with the great news that Tracks Bar and Grill has reopened with all new renovation and it looks beautiful in Penn Station. I am so happy for the owner Bruce Caufield who is so happy to be back in his old location, with new renovations that as I said look beautiful and very comfortable. Bruce will be there to greet you with a good Irish welcome, céad míle fáilte. Penn Station is the biggest hub railway station that you can visit in North America. The station is bustling with all the new outlets that cater for all your traveling needs before or arriving at the station. It has all the different food tastes to fit your liking whether it’s coffee, pizza, sandwiches, cakes and anything else that you would like, now how about that. Back to Tracks Bar, it is again a commuter favorite right on the concourse right by all the entrances so you just can’t miss it. Just to let you know this about Bruce Caufield, he has been in the bar and restaurant business for a very long time and he knows his trade very well and that is why he is so popular as when he opened back the doors the customers flocked in to standing room only, I have to say well done Brucen you have the magic touch and it shows.
Just to tell you again in case you forget. The owner of Tracks Raw Bar & Grill at Penn Station is Bruce Caulfield. He has been involved with the establishment since its inception and is very excited about its recent reopening after renovations. He has owned Tracks since it opened 2003,and his thoughts were aiming to create more than a typical bar and grill and that is what he has done. For commuters and sports fans catching trains in New York’s Penn Station, Tracks Bar and Grill is an oasis offering drinks and a renowned shellfish fresh raw bar that is back again. Congratulations Bruce well done you deserve all the success in the world and you will get it I can tell yea…
The other two bars and restaurants that I did visit on my out and about were the Pig ‘n’ Whistle on 36th Street, the ultimate rugby pub in New York City. Just two blocks from Madison Square Garden, New York City, it offers a vibrant atmosphere as it is also an Irish Pub with a very nice menu for you to view. It is just two blocks up from Penn Station that I have to admit I frequent very often when I am in Manhattan thanks to Cormac McCormack, the Managing Partner and a great establishment I might tell yea as well. The last establishment that I visited on that day was the one of the best Irish Pubs in Times Square is the one and only McCarthy’s Pub, at 144 West 46 Street believe it or not just off the famous Times Square in New York City. I just have to tell you that it has wonderful staff and in saying that I am talking about the manager, waitress’s and bartenders as they are top shelf when it comes to service. The bartender on day is Amanda from Mayo who will greet you as you visit there with great service, I recommend you can bring your crew in to McCarthy’s and sit at a table upstairs or the main floor also at the bar. They also have a great menu that has an Irish Beef Stew, featuring tender braised hanger steak, creamy mashed potatoes and roasted carrots and parsnips in a savory red wine reduction, as you can see that its hearty and satisfying. Now don’t forget to pay them a visit as I know you won’t be disappointed, the food is mouthwatering.
See you all again next week when I am Out&About again…