I had time to think about the charcoal-grilled burger and fries I was craving. Time, as I was isolating after a bout with omicron.

When I was finally allowed out, I headed to Peter McManus Cafe, open since 1936. It’s an Irish pub with old-city charm that includes torn plastic seats on their cozy corner round booths.

I was the only person in the dining room as I went at an off time. That was even better than I had hoped for my first post-COVID outing. I ordered my medium-rare cheddar cheese bacon-topped burger with crispy fries then sat back dreaming about that first bite.
It was perfection.  Juicy. Smoky.  Satisfying.

At that moment, I realized that only one bite of this burger was all I needed to satisfy my red-meat craving.  And made a mental note that I planned to have even more meatless meals.

That said, for a fun Irish pub do visit Peter McManus, the oldest family-run bar in the city.

Peter McManus Cafe
Chelsea
152 7th Ave,
New York, NY 10011
petermcmanuscafe.com
917-261-5504