Legasea Bar & Grill in the Moxy Times Square has the perfect atmosphere for an entertaining dining experience–but that is to be expected from the legendary Tao Group Hospitality. I recently went to Legasea and liked that it had a casual vibe with high end yet simple cuisine. There is truly something for all tastes here!
The menu is a refreshing version of American bar and grill favorites with light seafood influences. Menu favorites include the wagyu pigs in a blanket, crispy blooming onion, spicy crab beignets and wagyu steak frites with the choice of green (salsa verde) or gold (Bernaise) sauce. I had the Wagyu Steak Frites (pictured above) and all I can say is “wow” to the perfectly marinated, well marbled skirt steak used, the amazing fresh herb filled salsa verde (aka chimichurra sauce) and perfectly golden steak fries. This is among the most mouthwatering skirt steaks that I ever had and it was reasonably priced as well.
There are many great sides offered at Legasea but I was thrilled to see broccolini offered. It is sautéed to a medium level of tenderness with olive oil and thinly sliced pepperoncini, then squirted with lemon juice. This was a generous portion, big enough for two to share. You can get other healthy veggies or use one of the wonderful pastas offered (like fresh Cacio de Pepe) as a side to be shared.
A real legend at Legasea that serves as both an app and a main course are the Korean chicken wings. There is a slight kick in the sauce–but it also has a little honey to calm things down. These are extra large, meaty wings and you get about eight to a serving. I would love to have these at happy hour when drinks are half price–and there are oysters offered at only $2 each that I would partake of as well.
I need to add that each table gets warm Hawaiian bread in a metal pan that helps keep it warm. On the side is an amazing spread of Boursin mixed with farm fresh cream cheese and herbs including basil. You will get addicted to this but if you eat the whole pan of rolls, you will be too full for your other food, LOL!
The desserts are divine and extra large at Legasea. I had the amazing carrot cake that is topped with a lovely, not to sweet pineapple mixture. For the month of October, the icing is pink to remind everyone that it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The layers has a gingery taste and there are small pieces of carrots and nuts throughout. The person at the next table got the Key Lime Pie and the homemade meringue on top looked totally heavenly. There is a huge array of homemade ice cream and sorbet offered for dessert as well.
Legasea is located in the heart of Midtown so it is close to many of New York City’s most popular destinations, including Macy’s, the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, Penn Station, the Theater District, and Times Square. The retro design that looks like a classic 1920’s New York bar is by the notable. Rockwell Group. The white tile floors and comfortable booths amplify the convivial and approachable vibe. Guests first walk into a spacious atrium whose globe pendant lamps float beneath a generous skylight. Subway tiles, polished copper and leather accent and antique mirrors provide a warm, old school yet modern environment. The elegant private dining room has a woven cane ceiling, painted lacquered wall panels, and classic embossed old school leather chairs. Reservations are recommended but not necessary. Most entrees are in the $20 to $30 range, so they will not break the bank. For more info, go to https://moxytimessquare.com/dining/legasea-bar-grill/.
