I am a skeptic about signs that claim “the best” anything, especially in New York City. But the combination of a sign and recommendations from neighbors was enough to make me investigate the Piper’s Kilt further.
Open since the 1980s, this pub has all of the requisite items: large TVs with American sporting events, a weekly trivia night, a wide selection of beers, and pub food made from scratch.
I’ve now visited the Kilt four times, and each time has been rewarded with friendly conversation, good food, and cold beer – at very reasonable prices. Today’s Manhattan Burger (Canadian bacon, swiss cheese, grilled onion and tomato) and a pint of Coor’s Light came to about $16 including tax and tip. Try doing that in midtown Manhattan.
But it’s not just the price that made me like it. The burger was a plump, probably close to a half-pound, mound of fresh and moderately lean ground beef. It had the distinct flavor of meat that had been freshly ground – a fact that the bartender verified, informing me that the custom-ground beef is delivered fresh seven days a week.
The burger menu includes the Manhattan (pictured,) the Bronx Bomber (swiss cheese, grilled onions and barbecue sauce,) the Eastchester (bacon, cheese, onion rings, lettuce, tomato and a side of chili,) and eight other variations. The prices range from $7.50 to $13.25.
Other menu items include a daily soup, a variety of salads and sandwiches, daily entree specials, plus chili, steaks, chicken and pasta dishes.
Good martinis, too.
On my list of things to-do is the Piper’s Kilt Sunday brunch, which includes typical brunch entrees and a choice of an unlimited beverage.
Former USA Today reporter Doug Levy lives in New York City and spends a lot of his free time searching for great food and wine. As a PR pro, he specializes in healthcare and life sciences. Doug enjoys sharing his culinary observations which you can also read on his personal blog at Food and Wine World.
