The New York Knicks are gearing up for an epic NBA Finals showdown, and the kosher food scene is buzzing with excitement. This year's Finals marks a special return to a 1999 NBA Finals rematch against the San Antonio Spurs, and the kosher community is ready to cheer on their beloved team in style. Here's a comprehensive guide to the best watch parties and dining options for Knicks fans across the New York metro area, ensuring you can enjoy the games with your fellow kosher-keeping friends and family.
Brooklyn's Best
BHI Thursdays: This place is a Thursday night phenomenon, with big screens, a full bar, DJ energy, and a crowd that knows how to party. It's the perfect spot for catching a Knicks game in Brooklyn. Address: 722 Kings Highway, Brooklyn.
Castell’s: Located in Gravesend, Castell’s offers a unique blend of Italian dairy cuisine and sports bar vibes. Enjoy excellent pasta and a good glass of wine while watching the game. Contact them for watch party details and reservations. Address: 222 Avenue U, Brooklyn.
Manhattan's Upper West Side
- Talia’s Steakhouse & Bar: A Upper West Side institution for over two decades, Talia’s is the perfect spot for late-night kosher dining, especially on Game 5 Motzei Shabbat. They open an hour after Shabbat ends and stay open until the early morning, ensuring you can catch the entire game. With a full bar, big atmosphere, and a menu that can handle a crowd, it's the ideal place to celebrate a Knicks victory. Address: 668 Amsterdam Avenue (between 92nd and 93rd Streets).
Long Island's Five Towns
Wicked Wiches: This new spot near the Hewlett LIRR station has quickly become a favorite for build-your-own sandwiches and bowls. It's a fast, solid, and convenient option for the commuter crowd. Contact them for watch party details on game nights. Address: 10 Franklin Avenue, Hewlett, NY.
Munchy’s Grill: A Five Towns institution, Munchy’s offers shawarma, burgers, and a menu that holds up late into the night. Their hours run well past midnight on weeknights and into the early morning on Saturdays, making it the perfect casual option for the Woodmere crowd during the series. Address: 12 Irving Place, Woodmere, NY.
Westchester's Kosher Sports Bar
- The North End Grill: New Rochelle's kosher sports bar is the place to be for the Finals in Westchester. With a dozen televisions, a full bar, and a menu built for game night, it's the perfect spot for wings, burgers, ribeye, tacos, and over 20 sauces. The space has real sports bar bones from its previous life and the full OU-certified kosher kitchen to match. This is the Westchester watch party destination for the series. Address: 1301 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY (Quaker Ridge Shopping Center).
The Jersey Shore's Kosher Sports Bar
- Stingers at 656 Ocean: Located in Long Branch, Stingers is the only kosher sports bar on the Jersey Shore, and it's the perfect spot for Monmouth County and Deal residents to watch the Knicks. With multiple screens, a bar, and a menu centered on a serious burger bar alongside the upscale 656 Ocean steakhouse, it's the ideal place to celebrate a Knicks championship. Address: 656 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch, NJ.
Game Schedule
The NBA Finals schedule is as follows (all times in Eastern Time):
- Game 1: Wednesday, June 3, 8:30 PM - Knicks at San Antonio
- Game 2: Friday, June 5, 8:30 PM - Knicks at San Antonio (Shabbat)
- Game 3: Monday, June 8, 8:30 PM - San Antonio at MSG, New York
- Game 4: Wednesday, June 10, 8:30 PM - San Antonio at MSG, New York
- Game 5: Saturday, June 13, 8:30 PM - Knicks at San Antonio (Motzei Shabbat)
- Game 6: Monday, June 16, 8:30 PM - San Antonio at MSG, New York
- Game 7: Friday, June 19, 8:30 PM - Knicks at San Antonio (Shabbat)
Know a Spot We Missed?
This list will be updated throughout the series. If your local kosher restaurant is hosting watch parties and isn’t on here, send us a message at info@yeahthatskosher.com or DM us on Instagram, and we’ll add them. You can also find all these restaurants and more on the KosherNearMe app, which you can download at YeahThatsKosher.com/app.
In my opinion, this NBA Finals is shaping up to be a thrilling showdown, and the kosher community is ready to rally behind the Knicks. With so many great watch parties and dining options available, it's the perfect opportunity to gather with friends and family, enjoy some delicious kosher food, and cheer on our New York heroes. Let's make this a memorable series for the kosher community!
