Jalen Brunson's 5 Favorite Post-Game Restaurants
The Knicks point guard tells us his favorite spots in NYC for a post-game meal.
Welcome to Perfect For, an Infatuation series of ultra-specific restaurant recommendations from people around town you don't know personally, but might wish you did.
When Jalen Brunson signed with the Knicks in 2022, he immediately changed the trajectory of the team overnight. Fans now pack into Madison Square Garden to see the point guard's stepback jumpers and watch this team make some noise in the playoffs for the first time in a long time. Check out his recommendations on what restaurants he hits up post-game—there are plenty of carbs, sushi rolls and crudo, and a still-in-rotation Italian restaurant where he went after his first home game in NYC.
When he’s not knocking down clutch buckets or dining at NYC clubstaurants, Brunson is busy giving back with Second Round Foundation, his charitable organization that will support programs that benefit young people in school, sport, or within the community.
"Ever since my rookie year, a trip to NY or LA required a trip to Catch and now it’s become a staple ever since I moved to New York. Rushing out of MSG after a win to get to Catch is always worth it. Sushi is my favorite food and orders of the Catch roll and Hellfire rolls are both ordered immediately. Cannot miss the truffle sashimi which always requires multiple orders throughout the meal. The crispy shrimp and chicken bao buns round out the opening course hit list."
photo credit: Kate Previte
8.2
"After a big win in the Garden, there’s nothing better than a big family meal at Carbone. Yellowtail special to start, scratch that: bread basket to start. The classic spicy rigatoni is a must and then throw some lobster ravioli in and you have a potent one-two punch. Can never choose between the dover piccata or bass Allison, but they’re both winners in my book."
"This one’s easy! Sushi is one of my favorites, and after a long game, going to Sugarfish requires less figuring out what to get than an opposing team’s defense. The “Don’t Think. Just Eat. Trust Me” is the easy choice!"
"You can never judge a player based on their physical makeup, and the same can be said about when you arrive to Beauty and Essex after the game. After you enter through a thrift shop, every item on the menu is shareable for a true team effort. Start with the Korean-style fish tacos and the Thai-style deep-fried shrimp to get the meal off to a great first quarter! Then comes the game-winner: the grilled cheese soup dumplings. I’m telling you not one, not two, maybe three orders of these are necessary. Finally, make sure you save some room for the doughnut Ferris wheel to win this meal!"
"Little known fact: I went here after my first home game in New York, so of course it has to stay in the rotation. The housemade ricotta and yellow tail crudo to start are easy choices. The world-famous chicken parm pizza is a must and enough for the whole table. Can’t miss the corn crème brûlée which doubles as a dessert for me! If you’re going uptown then Quality Italian is a must."
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