Before the start of the 2002-2003 season, I thought that I would put together a review of some of the MSG-area bars so that you could all get an idea of what’s available before you headed out for a game. Unfortunately, life got in the way, and I just never had the time to put it together.

Well, here’s my first crack at it. Since it’s been a long time coming, I’m worried that you’ll be a bit disappointed – that it won’t live up to what you’re expecting after such an extended delay. To that end, consider this a work-in-progress. I’m going to start with a few of the bars that I’ve been to several times. As I add more establishments to my arsenal, I’ll be sure to update and give you the scoop.

Let’s get this pub crawl started, shall we?

BLARNEY ROCK PUB
137 West 33rd Street
(212) 947-0825
Mass Transit: Near Penn Station 1,2,3,9,A,C,E, NJT, LIRR; Herald Sq. B,D,F,Q,N,R

The Blarney Rock really has the feel of what, in a few conversations that we’ve had, Rocha refers to as an “old man” bar. To me, though, it falls into a very distinct subcategory – “Irish/Cop Bar.” Places like the Blarney Rock are really my favorite places to drink. At the Blarney Rock, you’ll find tons of New York sports and law enforcement memorabilia on the walls – including the requisite pennants stained by years of cigar and cigarette smoke. They’ve got a pretty good selection of beers on tap, as well as the usual suspects in bottles. Furthermore, if you're into the harder stuff, they seem to be pretty well stocked in the whisky department. The bartenders and wait staff (yes, they serve food - but god luck getting a table on a game night) are very friendly, and the bartenders are pretty good about keeping your glass full even when the bar is packed.

Be careful not to confuse the Blarney Rock with the Blarney Stone on West 32nd Street. The fact that two similarly-named drinking establishments are so close to one another has torpedoed many attempts by friends to meet up for pre-game drinking - particularly if you've already been pre-gaming. I’ll cover the Blarney Stone in more depth in the future, but the short description would be very similar to the ‘Rock.

The Blarney Rock is a great place to go after a game, as they have often had free bar food (wings, etc.) after 10pm on game nights. It can get a bit loud and crowded in there, but the atmosphere is really relaxed – it’s not a place where you’re going to see the corporate stiffs who go to games to talk on their cell phones all night. If you are looking for something other than a straight-up blue collar bar, keep walking – you’re in Midtown; there are plenty of bars for the suits.

A word of warning – I’ve heard from some folks that the bathroom can be a bit scary (never used it there myself), but I guess that depends upon what you consider to be a scary bathroom; after using the bathroom at 30th Street Station in Philly, I’ve never feared another. Worse comes to worse, there’s a Sbarro’s Pizza a block away – and you know people aren’t going there for the food. For the full experience, be sure to engage in conversation with the Black Israelites if they're making an appearance. Be sure to ask about the "evil wizard" who created white people. Who says street theater is dead?

Conclusion

For me personally, a Rangers game isn’t complete without a stop at the Blarney Rock. It’s a great place to meet beforehand, or to knock back a few beers and bitch about the latest on-ice disaster while I wait to make a desperate sprint to Grand Central Terminal to catch the 11:17. Typically, the Blarney Rock has been my Ranger Game Bar of Choice for several seasons running.

Next Installment: The Harp Pub and Restaurant.

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