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Not very long ago the food and drink options before and after a Knick or Ranger game were limited to a few Blarney Stones and their infamous steam table fare. But things have changed around Madison Square Garden. The sprawling, bi-level Mustang Harry's, with televisions at almost every vantage point, is the 21st century version of the Blarney Stone—minus the steam table. Mustang Harry's is undoubtedly a sports bar, but it's a sports bar with ambition. While you're watching Australian Rules or Arena football you can munch on chicken satay, chicken cordon blu, fish & chips, or blackened catfish. But getting too glamorous at a sports bar is usually a mistake, and Mustang Harry's is no exception. Stick to the standards: chicken wings, fried calamari, burgers, and wraps. A salad might not seem hearty enough for sports bar grub, but not so at Mustang Harry's. No one will think any less macho of you if you order their substantial chicken Cobb salad, overflowing with chunks of tender chicken, or the perfectly cooked broiled salmon medallions served over mixed greens. If the ESPN onslaught is too much for you, grab a table in the quieter, upstairs dining room. — Brian Silverman

Chicken Cobb salad, $17.95; Mustang burger, $10.95; fried calamari, $9.95; Mustang wings, $8.95