It's always nice when there is something new in the neighborhood to spruce up the environment, especially when craft beer is involved. Enter Haymaker Bar & Kitchen, which just opened its doors to the public two weeks ago on 29th Street between 7th and 8th. The surrounding area can be a little seedy as a lot of the bars have the word "dive" in front of them with the "Post Sports Game MSG" people coming to them, however Haymaker is the exact opposite.
Haymaker Bar & Kitchen, which used to be a barbershop, has been renovated to be very spacious, roomy and chic all under one roof. The dimmed lighting at night adds to a great atmosphere where you can have an intimate dinner for two or hang by the bar and have a nice get together with a bunch of friends.
Seeing as they are a craft bar they have an amazing line of drafts available at your disposal, as well as unique drink concoctions that are tasty and delicious. In rotation in their draft line are items such as the Gigantic Saboteur, which is Roasted malt and slight bitterness with chocolate and coffee notes. Chocolate and coffee not really what suits your needs? Maybe the Grimm Super Symmetry would work for you. What is in that? Coming from Brooklyn, is it Dry Hopped Gose with lemon zest, tart with hints of lemon, salt, grapefruit, and hoppy floral notes. Refreshing with a great zing to it. My favorite on this list is the Prairie Bomb, coming from Tulsa, Oklahoma. It is (13%) Imperial Stout, brewed with espresso beans, vanilla beans, chocolate, and Ancho Chile peppers. A bomb of flavors in your mouth indeed.
Haymaker goes beyond what you would typically get for your standard bar food and elevates it to another level in terms of taste and value. An amazing starter is the Baked Dry Chicken Rub Wings, with Haymaker Spice Blend, Lime, Sweet Chili and Crispy Garlic. Doesn't need to be smothered in sauce to be a good wing, and this is a prime example of that. Cheese is always my good friend, so I would recommend going with the Pimento Cheese Spread, which comes with Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Cream Cheese Blend, and Crudité. The variety of cheeses mixed with the crudite really go well together. For their entrees, go with the Haymaker Burger (7 oz. Pat LaFrieda Beef, Caramelized Onion Jam, Vermont Farmhouse Cheddar on a Sesame Seed Bun) or the Braised Short Rib Sloppy Joe (Slow Braised Short Ribs on a Sesame Bun Made in the Classic Fashion). With a side of fries, both options will fill you up and leave you satisfied.
Haymaker's is a simple concept upon arrival with a slam dunk exit when you leave. I highly recommend trying this place out next time you are headed to or leaving Penn Station and just want to relax with some good brews, food and friends. Check out their official site for more information.
Happy Eating Everyone!
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