Get a taste of NYC in Glasgow at 63rd+1st

Inspired by TGI Fridays

The chain has venues in Cobham, Harrogate and Edinburgh (coming later this year) as well as here in Glasgow. It takes its cue from the original TGI Fridays bar in New York, which opened on the corner of 63rd Street and 1st Avenue back in 1965. Diners and imbibers receive a warm welcome in what is a casual venue, with a professional vibe. You can relax within stylish surroundings. 

Setting the scene

The walls are filled with funky, US-themed prints and papered in bold patterns. Diners are propped up by on-trend cushions, bolsters and seated on either cool blue velvet banquettes, leather pouffes, or comfy easy chairs. Globe lighting and palms contribute to an Art Deco feel that’s reminiscent of the Big Apple. Adding to the atmosphere, 63rd+1st curates its own playlist to set an ambience, and so diners can enjoy the soulful beats at home, too.

Simple yet surprising

The brand describes its food offering as “simple and accessible, but surprising”. Small plates and platters encourage diners to try something new. Unsurprisingly, given the theme, there are plenty of nods to the other side of the pond. The robata grill-cooked dishes are a highlight. Sourced from Donald Russell, the steaks are British and aged for 35-days before making it onto your plate. Buttermilk chicken skewers are also cooked on the robata, as are cauliflower steaks with chimichurri. If you’re avoiding certain allergens or counting the calories, that’s all good here. The menu provides a filter to check what’s in each dish and notes the kcal figure at the bottom of every item. 

A journey around NYC

From Friday to Sunday you can book for the Bottoms Up Brunch, which for just £35 includes four drinks (fizz, wine, lager or softs) and an egg, avo or full-English based main. And on the day of rest, you can stop in for a traditional beef or nut roast with all the trimmings. The Grazing Menu is available all week, with items categorised and themed according to three New York districts: Soho, Midtown and Upper East Side — choose a dish from each for just £12 per person.

Cocktail and food pairings

Perhaps the most exciting option on the menu is a curated list of pairing cocktails, which can be enjoyed alongside specific dishes — a super alternative to the already prolific wine pairings available throughout the city. Try combinations such as the Boston Tea Party (Stolichnaya Premium vodka, Auchentoshan 12-Year-Old whisky, Cointreau, Havana Club Anejo Especial rum, Tanqueray London Dry gin, Cocchi Vermouth Di Torino, orange, lime and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar) alongside a Mozzarella Corn Dog (beechwood smoked bratwurst and mozzarella in beer batter with American mustard and ketchup). Or a Sordid Tryst (Ketel One vodka, merlot, Crème de Framboise and Maraschino cherry) with the PBJ Donut (peanut butter and strawberry jelly).

Wine that reveals a heritage

The ever-present New York links continue on into the wine menu, where vinos are categorised according to neighbourhood. Try a red from Harlem, The Bronx, or Hell’s Kitchen, a white from Chelsea or the Lower East Side, or some rose and orange, from the Greenwich Village list. If you’re celebrating, push the boat out with a magnum of Laurent-Perrier La Cuvee. Or opt for the humble cuppa — the restaurant stocks the long-standing Californian Good Earth brand’s delectable leaves. 

Keep a look out for special events too. We’ve spotted whisky tastings, live jazz music, DJ sets, Valentine’s menus and more. 63rd+1st has set up its own app to keep fans informed, giving sneak peeks of what’s new, as well as advanced bookings and VIP offers. The venue welcomes small and medium-sized dogs and kids, so you can bring your human and furry family members along.  

63rd+1st is getting excellent reviews across sites like TripAdvisor, Google and Facebook, so get a date in the diary to experience it for yourself soon.