Manhattan Chili Company, Perfect before a show!!
Written: Oct 22 '03 (Updated Jul 05 '04)
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Pros: Good quick eats. Can be a fine relaxing dinner too. Happy Hour 4-7pm
Cons: Can be a bit noisy
The Bottom Line: This is a great place for a quick stop before a show or a break during a busy day of sight seeing.
The food is good and hearty!
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Manhattan Chili Company |
My wife and I have gone to shows in the city after she comes home from work. That gives her enough time to freshen up, jump on a train, and then have a some time for a quick dinner before the show.
Unfortunately it's tough to know if you will be served fast enough to be in attendance before the curtain goes up.
A PLACE FOR A QUICK MEAL BEFORE A SHOW
There are two places I know that you can go to when you have little time to have a good meal, and be punctual for the show. Ollies Noodle House is one place. The other is The Manhattan Chili Company. Both have a couple of places in the theatre district.
The Chili Company has two Broadway locations. One is near 53rd street and the other, where we have gone, is on 43rd.
One reason we go to that one is because it's just steps from the subways. About ten or more different subway lines converge on 42nd and Broadway. When you come out of the main station you look uptown. On your right is The ESPN Zone. Go up to the next block on your right and you are at the Manhattan Chili Company.
Now let me first say, this is not a fine dining experience for us. We go there because we know it's good and the service is as fast as we need it to be. Remember, Chili is simmering in a pot ready to be ladled out. However, there is so much more you can order and have a comfortable dining experience.
THE PLACE
Think Tex-Mex colours of reds, greens and yellows. Put a lot of small tables for two on the wooden floor pretty close together and have some fairly loud music. Add to that a nice sized bar that is active and has a good selection beers. Next get a few eager and attentive people to make up the waitstaff, and you are ready to order at The Manhattan Chili Company. The place is clean. It has been a bit loud and very busy when we have gone. We are there at peak time before the shows so it is to be expected. I have walked by many other times and that same crowd just isn't there. Even at lunch time it's a much quieter atmosphere.
CHILI CHOICES
Though it's busy, we have never had to wait for a table. They do "get 'em in and get 'em out", yet, they don't rush you, they just get things to you right away. The first thing they bring as soon as you are seated is a bowl of tortilla chips, salsa, and some bean dip. It's pretty non descript but perfect while waiting for the main dish. As soon as you finish or near finish the chips, salsa and dip they bring more to the table.
We have gone to this place just for the chili. They have about a dozen chili selections. Each has a note at the end as to how they will be to the palate. mild, medium hot, and hot hot. These are the recommended way they like to serve the particular chili. You can have any of the selections custom spiced in the kitchen or you can do it at the table.
I have had two different choices. The names and descriptions are right from the menu. Numero Uno -Coarse ground beef, bean, tomato juice, cumin, cocoa, and cinnamon. Intensely spiced(medium hot). It was excellent!!!
Another time I was a bit more daring. I went for the Texas Chain Gang -Coarse ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and fresh and smoked jalapenos(hot hot) and it (was was). I had sweat coming out of my head. It was still pouring out when we hit the cold winter air a half hour later!! There is something about hot chili's that just keep me wanting more.....and more.....and more.
Both these dishes go for about $10.00. In fact that is pretty much the price for any of the chili selections.
You can have two topping on the chili. Onions, sour cream, cut up tomatoes, jalapenos, scallions, and my wifes favorite cilantro. I just don't care for that stuff. I ask for it not to be put in my guacamole if I order it. Whoops, I forgot to mention cheese topping.
It all comes out in a large wide bowl that is nicely garnished. The chili also comes with a small bowl of rice and some cornbread. Butter is at the table too.
My wife is a ginger lover. They serve a Ginger Chicken Chili also described from the menu, -Tender chunks of white meat and fresh ginger with mushrooms, corn, celery, bell pepper, and hominy(medium hot) They have another chili with ginger too. That one is the Cincinnati Lamb -Chunks and coarse lamb seasoned with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and black pepper, served with jalapeno hominy.(medium hot)
The menu also has a few other non beef chili's. One is the Tierra del Fuego 3 bean Chili. I would be real careful of this one before a show. It has -Black beans, kidney beans, and garbanzo beans with green peppers, celery, and smoked jalapenos. (medium hot)
Other non beef offerings are High Plains Turkey(medium hot) and a Totally Vegetable Chili(mild)
Going back to beef they also serve The Real McCoy -Chili the way they like to make it in the Lone Star State...Chunks of beef and two kinds of chili powder. No beans, no tomatoes, no bull( medium hot). This is probably the safest to have when you must be in close quarters!
My wife and I agree that the chili served in this place is excellent. My wife makes a pretty good chili herself and I look forward to the two or three times a year she makes it.
The Manhattan Chili factory gives me the opportunity to "fill in" my chili urges the rest of the year. More than that, I get to try different kinds.
Each time I had it here the presentation was nicely done. I know, it's just a bowl of chili, however, the kitchen takes the time to place the toppings with care and flair.
You can request additional hot sauces and spices so that you can season to taste. They have quite a selection of them. I had mine "as is", it was good to taste the flavors as the chef meant them to be enjoyed.
LIQUID REFRESHMENT
It is my opinion that nothing goes better with chili than a cold beer. I don't recall what we have had there but they do have a decent selection. If you like Mexican beers for the occasion they have it bottled and a couple on tap. If we weren't always running to a show I would have to try one of the many different Margaritas they serve. My wife also makes a mean Margarita. It is from hers that we judge all others. The selection and size look quite tempting. It's also good to know that they have "Happy Hour daily from 4:00PM-7:00PM. Margaritas are $5.00 at that time.
They have sodas, teas, and water available too.
MORE THAN JUST CHILI
There is even more to check out.
You can make a nice dining experience in this place if you care to. Unfortunately, we are always "on the run" when we stop by.
The menu has a fine order of about ten or twelve appetizers. These are mostly Mexican and Tex-Mex offerings. The Chicken and Cheese Flautas looked particularly good at a nearby table. So did the Guacomole on the tri-coloured chips and the quesadilles.
They also have wings and soups. The prices go from 5-10 dollars for the soups, appetizers and wings according to portion size.
The Entrees
The entrees that are price at $7.50 - $15.00 consist of more traditional Tex-Mex, Mexican foods.
Two specialty entrees at the top of the menu that looked and sounded terrific were the Coconut Shrimp Taco and the Drunken Peanut Chicken. All kinds of Fajitas and Burritos are offered too.
The burger and sandwich selections looked awesome!! A few choices were Bourbon BBQ Pulled Pork, Grilled Chicken & Guacamole Wrap, Roasted Vegetable Fajita Sandwich, Broadway Burger, Manhattan Chili Cheeseburger and more. Each burger and sandwich was loaded with the toppings you ask for and once again, though it's just a burger, they dress the plate up nicely and it comes as a fine looking presentation.
The burgers are all made with sirloin and served with regular or string fries, side salad or potato salad. I haven't tried one yet, but they sure look good!
They do have a limited, though interesting, looking dessert menu. Kona Forest Macadamia Bar-Chocolate, coconut, macadamias, almonds, pistachios, and graham cracker crumbs. is one. Another is the Chocolate Banana Flour Tortilla Cake With Chocolate sauce. Desserts were $2.00-$5.00
Curtain Time
Gotta go, the show will start soon. Stop here if you gotta move in and out quickly or if you have the time enjoy all the selections properly.
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Stardust DinerA great place for before a show in Times Square. Aspiring actors are here.
The Manhattan Chili Company good quick eats before a show.
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TGI Friday's Times Square Location.
Pig'n'Whistle, a great Times Square Pub
Ollies, Broadway
Sylvia's, a southern soul restaurant in Harlem
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Fraunce's Tavern Lower Manhattan. GW ate here.
Katz's Deli A NYC landmark
New York City Things to do and see.
NYC sites within walking distance from the Manhattan Chili Company
Times Square Visitors Center
TKTS half price tickets to Broadway
Aida, the Broadway Play Great show at half price
Thoroughly Modern Millie A 6 Tony award winner Broadway Play
Central Park
Radio City Music Hall A Spectacular place to see a show!
Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum
The INTREPID Sea-Air-Space MUSEUM It's a good one!
The Empire State Building
Other Times Square reviews by Popsrocks
TKTS half price tickets to Broadway
Aida, the Broadway Play Great show at half price
Thoroughly Modern Millie A 6 Tony award winner Broadway Play
Times Square, the Heart of NY
Times Square Visitors Center This is a MUST stop for free surprises
Radio City Music Hall A Spectacular place to see a show!
The INTREPID Sea-Air-Space MUSEUM It's a good one!
Museum of Natural History
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
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