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Opening Hours
Today: 11am–4am
Thurs:
11am–4am
Fri:
11am–4am
Sat:
11am–4am
Sun:
12pm–4am
Mon:
11am–4am
Tues:
11am–4am
Location
8 West 38th Street
Blaggards Pub 1 Pubs Irish Bars Beer Bars Tenderloin Garment District Midtown West

Despite the fact that the definition of a blaggard is a scoundrel, this Irish bar had none to be found. It is as relaxed and down-to-earth as one could hope, with the kindest owners and staff. The menu features Irish classics. In addition, for the American palette, there are eleven different burgers to choose from, and of course, lots of beer choices to wash it all down. When we asked owners Don and Liam to chat about their pub, they summed it up in a nutshell: it's a great place to "meet, eat, and certainly, to drink."

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Blaggards Pub 1 Pubs Irish Bars Beer Bars Tenderloin Garment District Midtown West
Blaggards Pub 2 Pubs Irish Bars Beer Bars Tenderloin Garment District Midtown West

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Proper West 1 Bars American undefined

Proper West

Described as an “upscale sports lounge, ” Proper West creates an interesting fusion between classy interior design and a classic sports bar atmosphere, complete with an abundance of flatscreen televisions. When we stopped by, we had the chance to sit down with owner Will Strozer to learn more about the history of Proper West. Originally from DC, Will worked in real estate finance for eight years before opening a downtown bar - Manhattan Proper - with partner Rob Zahn. Appropriately, the initial idea to open a bar was worked out over a few beers, and when the opportunity to make the dream a reality presented itself, they took it and ran with it. “It started as a drunken conversation and the next thing you know, we had found a place, ” says Will. The menu consists of traditional American dishes, but aims to “give bar classics a bit more flavor. ” While sitting with Will, Chef Colette Carlos prepared a few favorites, including the Ahi tuna burger with alfalfa sprouts and the balsamic grilled chicken with quinoa salad. With a happy hour that fuels the crowd for watching sports on any of their fourteen flat screens, Will commented, "I don’t watch sports but Rob does, so it is a good balance. " He went on to say that he is more interested in the atmosphere of the restaurant, and is thus in charge of the elegant and chic décor. The space is intricately and interestingly put together, featuring large white flower arrangements, complexly patterned wallpapers, and enormous black and white photographs by artist Reka Nyari with long leather couches for wrap around seating. Will told me that the aesthetic is reminiscent of that of Manhattan Proper, and commented that he hopes to continue creating this unique atmosphere as they expand further. “I want to open one of these every year, ” he says, stating his philosophy as“doing it well, and doing it right. ”

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Arno Ristorante 1 Italian undefined

Arno Ristorante

Before discussing anything about Arno with the Manhattan Sideways team in the summer of 2017, the manager, Carlos Pereira, spoke like a true local. He lamented the state of New York’s transportation infrastructure, insurance, taxes, and cleanliness, only to then reveal that he commutes each day from his home in New Jersey. After receiving our education on the state of 38th Street, we learned a bit about this extraordinary man's career. Born in Portugal, where he was a bartender at age sixteen, he traveled to New York in 1989. He scored a position at the legendary Le Cirque  (in its original location) - ”I received the best culinary education in America by owner Sirio Maccioni" - before becoming the manager of Arno in 2007. Carlos had plenty to share with us about Arno, which he did over meticulously prepared dishes, including a rare treat of risotto with shaved truffles. It was like a bowl of diamonds being set down before us. As we savored every single bite, Carlos gave us a lesson on the world of black and white truffles. The story of Arno traces back to Florence, near the Arno River from which the restaurant draws its name. There, the two founders met and discovered a mutual ambition. Managing partners Milan Licul and Branko Turcinovic emigrated to the U. S. as waiters, but soon opened a restaurant called Morano in 1984. Morano was later renamed Delmonico’s Kitchen, and was followed only a year later by Arno. While Delmonico’s Kitchen specializes in meats and steaks, Arno is known for its old-school, classic Italian cuisine. There were many challenges in the years between 1984 and the present that could not be shrugged off by restaurants in the Garment District. Carlos related that this particular swath of New York has seen countless restaurants come and go, and yet the owners held fast to Arno. Even in the 1980s, when the area was bad enough that Arno often had to close by 7pm, the restaurant remained "a true testament to who they were, " Carlos proudly stated. The staff wear the neighborhood as a badge of honor, subtly adorning the restaurant with buttons and thread inset into tables, a wall of colorful fabrics, fashion photos - "This is what keeps us sexy, " according to Carlos - and various other garment motifs. So how has Arno endured the trials of time? Carlos believes it is “because we treat clients like family. ” This approach certainly cultivates a comfortable atmosphere, as Carlos claimed that ninety percent of their dedicated clientele are regular customers. In addition to the lengthy list of fashion designers and celebrities that Carlos recited, he told us that many come into the city for Knicks games and other events at Madison Square Garden, and stop by Arno for a familiar meal of traditional homemade pastas, eggplant rollatini, grilled zucchini, tomato, mozzarella and peppers, veal parmigiana, numerous seafood options, and, of course, the Delmonico classic steak. Carlos even shared that they have over 150 "house accounts, " a rarity in the present day. What struck a particular chord with me was the dessert cart that strolls through the restaurant at every meal, as I have fond memories of this practice from when I dined out as a child. It is filled with some of the best classic desserts prepared by their French pastry chef and, like the restaurant itself, is animated by the spirit of the old country, but seasoned with the flavor of New York.

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Archer Hotel 1 Hotels undefined

Archer Hotel

Having a personal guided tour by sales manager, Jason Sturtevant, made me aware of many details I might otherwise have never learned, as well as making my experience at The Archer a superb one. Since the hotel is located in what was once the thriving, garment district, the interior of the lobby is designed to be reminiscent of the 1940s, with large steel structures stylishly cutting through the room. The entrance features a small bar, Bugatti, named after the brand of restauranteur, David Burke’s beloved car. With a garage-style door that opens to the street in warmer weather, and a bright yellow decor, the atmosphere of the bar is charming and laid back. Viewing several different rooms, Jason explained that each one displays slight variations of beautiful designs and color schemes. Averaging 200 square feet, the rooms, as Jason put it, are “intimate in size, in true New York fashion. ” The use of the space has been done in an elegant fashion with the floor-to-ceiling windows working wonders to open up the rooms. Many have hardwood floors and exposed brick walls, creating a tasteful and stylish atmosphere throughout. While guests will not meet the eponymous Archer, who functions as “the personification of gracious hospitality, ” they are certain to feel his presence during their stay. Each room is made ready for arrival with a personalized note, bottled New York City water, his and her robes and slippers, and a selection of books, including Archer favorites Gift From The Sea and The Little Prince. There is a well-stocked minibar with one side of the fridge allowing for personal storage, and complimentary espresso and grab-and-go coffee are available in the lobby. Encouraging their guests to work out “with New Yorkers, like New Yorkers, ” Archer also offers passes to a nearby gym. Additionally, the Archer is environmentally conscious with sensors and efficient solutions for saving energy implemented throughout the building. The selection of art found in the hotel is remarkable. Curated by art consultant Deborah Davis Goodman, almost every piece on display in the Archer was created by New York artists. This commitment to supporting local artists and businesses is further established in the curated retail section at the front of the hotel where jewelry, trays, sea salt caramels, and pocket squares, all made by New York City artisans, are proudly on display. From the captivating art to the jar of homemade peanut brittle, it is the impressive attention to detail that makes the Archer stand out. The New York City Archer opened at the end of May 2014, and two more hotels are expected to open in Napa, California and Austin, Texas by 2016. Filled with personal touches, the hotel certainly comes across as welcoming, detail-oriented, and cohesively designed. Having gained four diamonds by AAA and in the process of getting its four star rating from TripAdvisor, the Archer seems to have already established itself amongst the favored New York City boutique hotels.

Lost Gem
Hecht Sewing Machine & Motor 1 Sewing Founded Before 1930 undefined

Hecht Sewing Machine & Motor

Do not be fooled by the curiosities and vintage artifacts that cover the windows and walls of Hecht. Besides repairing industrial sewing machines, this company is in the business of buying and selling plants (the manufacturing kind). The vintage pieces scattered throughout the small space are absolutely not for sale, but rather a part of the owner’s personal collection. As I walked around and examined the curiosities, he insisted that he uses "every single one of them. "The owner bristled when I described the fascinating space as "small" and proceeded to show me that there was much more to Hecht than meets the eye. He opened a door in back, which gave way to a much larger, warehouse-like room, which was similarly jam-packed with vintage artifacts. He immediately walked over to a Howe sewing machine, which he proudly disclosed was the first of its kind in the world. He had just gotten it back from the Smithsonian, he said, showing me the official museum tags. While so much is continuously changing around them, the Hecht family is determined to remain a Garment District institution, having opened their doors between 1910 and 1920. The ambiguous establishment date is not because the owner does not care to remember, but rather because Hecht opened its doors as the building in which it still stands was being constructed. "They built around us as we worked, " the owner explained. They are the very definition of a neighborhood institution; As the owner says, "In the garment industry, we're a legend. "

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Reichenbach Hall 1 Bars Beer Bars German Gastropubs undefined

Reichenbach Hall

Oktoberfest is celebrated every day on 37th Street with German beers and a menu that replicates all the favorites found in this country. Dressed in blue and white-checkered shirts with lederhosen socks, the staff is vibrant and jovial, and the seating is partially communal with wood tables and stools scattered throughout the massive hall. The menu impressed us; beginning with the soft, warm pretzels that come in two sizes - with the bigger one filling a large pizza tray. There are several kinds of charcuterie, and with a bit of a twist, there is even a vegan tofu "wurst. " Schnitzel can be prepared with chicken, turkey, veal or pork. Hearty sides including, of course, German potato salad, pair well with the Schnitzel but a favorite for us was the Spatzle simply prepared with butter, salt and pepper. And then there is the beer - fourteen taps, all German, served in half-liter or one-liter mugs, or two-liter boots. The German background music is upbeat as is the crowd that hangs out here. We witnessed a table participating in the "shot ski. " Two waitresses came out ringing bells and presented a long piece of wood resembling a ski that had shot glasses attached. Four guys stood up to the cheers of their friends, and together on the count of three, downed the mixture of vanilla baileys, and honey whiskey. Opened in the spring of 2013 by two of the grandchildren of Willy and Gerda, who came to the U. S. in the mid 1900s, this bar is fantastic. As their families grew, they continued the custom of gathering to share good German food and drink in their home. By instilling the importance of tradition, Willy and Gerda's grandsons, Keith and Willy, were inspired to try to recreate the spirit of their home country. And we believe that they have honored them well.