Two new rooftop bars just conveniently opened across from MSG

It's been a busy playoff season for New York sports fans: alas, though the Knicks' NBA Finals hopes came to an end earlier this month when the Indiana Pacers knocked them out in the second round of the playoffs, the New York Rangers are still making the city proud in their quest for their Stanley Cup. (They'll next hit the ice in the NHL playoffs tomorrow opposite the Florida Panthers.) And, in perfect timing, a duo of brand-new rooftop bars has just opened near Madison Square Garden, in case fans need to drown their athletic sorrows or cheers their team's victory. 

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At 1 Pennsylvania Plaza, Avenida is doling out vibrant Mexican dishes (pork belly tostadas, Juarez-style burritos, shrimp ceviche with citrus cuvee), freshly squeezed margaritas (classic, spicy, frozen) and more, all of which can now be enjoyed al fresco at the restaurant's recently unveiled rooftop space. (Just look for those bright yellow umbrellas across from MSG!) The high-energy eatery, which debuted earlier this spring, also offers several great pre-game options during happy hour, held daily between 11am and 6pm: think $12 margaritas and sangria, $7 Modelo cervezas or shareable five-beer buckets for $32, with your choice of Michelob Ultra, Monopolio, Tecate, Corona, Corona Light and Negra Modelo. 

And The Rutherford, an elevated sports pub located nearby at West 33rd Street and Eighth Avenue, has also expanded its seating with its own outdoor rooftop area, primed and ready for pre-rink drinks or simply a warm summer evening. Along with its regular menu of bar bites like hoisin garlic wings, fully loaded nachos, a double-patty Smashburger and more, The Rutherford also has numerous happy hour specials itself, including $7 brewskis (Guinness, Stella, seasonal IPA), $10 wines and $12 cocktails such as a Pornstar Martini and stone fruit-flavored Old Fashioned.