will be attending a concert at madison square garden on a thurs.night.What are some good restaurants within walking distance to the garden.Something fairly casual for thrre couples in their mid forties.Thanks

How casual?

Niles, Mustang Sally's, Mustang Harry's, Triple Crown all on 7th ave
between 27-32 streets might fit the bill.
check out www.menupages.com

http://www.sevenbarandgrill.com/

Sally's is probably a good suggestion as is Tira Nog, an Irish Pub across the street from the GArden on 8th Ave between 33rd and 34th.

Other than that not much in the immediate area other than fast food. If you want to walk a bit further there is a VERY good Japanese restaurant a couple of blocks up 8th on the east side of the street.

Biricchino just down 8th Ave. Excellent Italian

oops-forgot to mention Seven which
is a tad more upscale than the ones I mentioned...used to lunch there alot and food is good.

For excellent Chines: Chef Yu on Eighth Ave/36th St. That stretch of Eighth Ave is very slowly gentrifying, much of it looks pretty desolate, but it is perfectly safe. Anyway - the food is fantastic, authentic, pretty inexpensive (entrees under $15) good for a group.

Brother Jimmy's is right near there, which has great BBQ. There are a few other locations in the city, but this one is on the larger side:

http://www.brotherjimmys.com/

Why did I think this was going to be a post asking for restaurants with msg-free food?

For two very different restaurant experiences

Hangawi-A sedate Korean veggie reaturant.

Skyline Diner-on 34 and 9th. It is an outer boro diner in Mnahattan.

The other thing you can do is eat in the Meatpacking district and take the 8th Avenue Line or bus to MSG in no time.

So did I, Neo.

Mandoo Bar is a Korean on 32 st. that's very good too.