Seemor
Haymaker Bar and KitchenB+Worth Trying
252 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001
· Bar, American restaurant, Brunch restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (970 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Craft-beer focused gastropub near MSG with creative bar food; great drinks and some standout plates, but service consistency and late-night seating policies can frustrate.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Haymaker Bar and Kitchen delivers solid gastropub dining with strong food quality highlighted by standout chicken confit and crispy fries, plus knowledgeable bartenders steering guests through an impressive beer program. However, service ranges from warm to indifferent when busy, and inconsistent execution on items like tacos and burger seasoning prevents grade A territory. The convenient MSG-area location and creative global-fusion menu make it a worthwhile neighborhood destination, though not a citywide draw.
Restaurant Summary
A craft-beer gastropub a short walk from MSG and Penn, this spot feels cozy yet vibrant with booths, sports on, and a steady after-work crowd. Guests highlight attentive bartenders who can steer you through the taps, and one diner raved, "fries came out hot and crisp while the chicken confit absolutely hit." Service ranges from warm to aloof when slammed, and late-night seating rules can rub people the wrong way. In the kitchen, it leans contemporary gastropub with global touches—think adobo-glazed ribs, spicy miso on the chicken sandwich, coconut-curry cauliflower, and silky dips. It is not basic bar food; the menu rewards diners who enjoy creative flavors alongside a serious beer list. Most plates land well, though a few mention small portions or uneven tacos, and cocktails sit at the pricier end for the neighborhood. Families can make this work earlier in the day: kids often like fries and flatbreads, with mac and cheese and burgers as safety nets. At night it gets lively, and the bar-forward vibe plus spicier flavors may suit adventurous teens more than very young eaters; there is no specific kids menu noted.
At a Glance
- Extensive and knowledgeable craft beer program
- Creative gastropub menu with global flavors
- Service can be curt or slow when busy
- Portions feel small to some at this price
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- serious_craft_beer_program
- creative_global_pub_menu
- pre_msg_convenience
What People Love
- Knowledgeable bartenders who guide beer picks
- Crispy, well-seasoned fries and shareables
- Chicken confit and flatbreads that overdeliver
- Cozy booths and clean space near big venues
Points of Concern
- Service inconsistencies from warm to dismissive during rushes
- Late-night menu and seating rules can feel unwelcoming
- Some items skew spicy or bold even when unexpected
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($18-$31 plates; ~$17 cocktails)
- Creative/fusion menu - limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$42-$58 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair adobo pork ribs with a malty amber or brown ale
- Match fig flatbread with a saison or lightly hopped pilsner
- Choose a crisp lager for fries and deviled eggs
Perfect For
- Pre- or post-MSG meetups
- After-work beers with shareable plates
- Casual date night with craft brews
- Group hangs where beer choice matters
Location Insights
Area: Busy edge of Chelsea near Penn Station and MSG; after-work and event crowds; mixed offices and hotels.
Safety: Generally safe, heavy foot traffic; typical Midtown West bustle and lighting.
Nearby: Steps from Penn Station and MSG; convenient pre/post-event stop with many bars nearby.
ChelseaChelsea offers a dynamic dining scene ranging from trendy eateries and upscale restaurants to casual cafes. The area is lively with a mix of creative types and professionals, making it a popular spot for both social dining and business lunches. The neighborhood is generally safe and highly accessible by public transit.
Chelsea Market DistrictCentered around Chelsea Market and the High Line, this micro-neighborhood is a bustling hub for food lovers, featuring artisanal food vendors, trendy restaurants, and a vibrant market atmosphere. It attracts a diverse crowd seeking unique dining experiences in a lively urban setting.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday15:00–01:00
Tuesday14:00–01:00
Wednesday14:00–01:00
Thursday14:00–01:00
Friday14:00–01:00
Saturday15:00–01:00
Sunday15:00–01:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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