I am writing to you from center city Philadelphia as I am in some need of help. I will be at Terminal 5:
610 W 56th St.
New York, NY 10019
on Tuesday, for one of the last nine inch nails shows. Of course, the co-eater and I would like to eat and have a few pints before we go in (I am fairly certain we will be packed like sardines in there and would rather not fight for the bar).
I did look on some previous posts, and while looking delightful, the suggestions seem a bit too high brow considering our attire and intent (read: jeans and burger/beer). If there is ANY way you can recommend a pub or something similar within a reasonable distance, I would be forever grateful.
How about Wondee Siam (53rd and 9th) for Thai?
It's BYO, so you can stop by the nearest bodega to pick up beers on the way. Or, if you feel like walking a bit further, there is a Deli/Cheese store on 9th between 46th and 47th with a great to-go selection of high-end beers for you to bring.
Yeah, that would be my best suggestion, too. And if you want real Thai taste, make sure to convince them you really want it very spicy, just like they like it, and tell them you take responsibility if it should be too hot for you to eat. It helps me that I can tell them truthfully that I used to live in Malaysia. In three visits, I had a great meal, a very good meal, and a great meal.
That area is tough for food, not much around it.
You can go to Shorty's (9th ave b/w 41st and 42nd), a defunct Tony Luke's location where they have roast pork/ cheesesteaks and beers on tap for reasonable prices. I know sending someone from Philadelphia to get roast pork or cheesesteaks in NYC is a dumb idea, but I've enjoyed it when I've gone, but it's not as good as Tony Luke's in Philly.
You could also check out the burger joint @ the Parker Meridien (59th and 6th). Good burgers, and they server beer, I think.
Along with that, you could hit 123 Burger Shot Beer, which is very close to Terminal 5, but I've never been and can't comment on the food, beer or really anything about it.
That's a tough area, restaurant-wise. I'm pretty sure you can get empanadas (and maybe some other snacks) inside Terminal 5. For beer, the bar on the ground floor will be packed, but if you go up a few levels, you'll have an easier time of it.
If you're coming in on the train, you're better off eating near Penn Station, or somewhere else en route to the club.