There is absolutely some fire stadium food, but we all know it’s not as good as what you can get outside. And with the NCAA tourney in town, hosting six games in two days, you will definitely be spending some time outside of the Barclays Center. So with March Madness in mind, we see it as a great opportunity to build a superteam of dishes at restaurants near this arena so you can eat like a champion on game day.

This article is just a small taste of the 🔥 dishes on 8it. Hit the green button at the bottom of this article to explore all NYC’s top dish recos, new dish drops and food pop-ups on the 8it app.

Sichuan Shrimp
No Pork Halal Kitchen

Harness some BSE before heading in to cheer on your squad. That is Big Shrimp Energy, a la Mugsey Boges. This spicy Sichuan shrimp will get you all fired up as you head into the arena. Don’t sleep on the dumplings either. Go with the shrimp and beef dumps as a perfect accompaniment with the spicy shrimp.

This dish is recommended by: Eater

Classic Burger
Harlem Shake

Keep it classic with this Pat LaFrieda burger that gives some Johnny Rockets and Shake Shack vibes, but better. They double team you with two thinner patties stacked high. And don’t forget to wash it all down with a shake or a beer. Major Americana vibes with this classic burger shake combo as you cheer your team on to the next round.

This dish is recommended by: The Infatuation

Chili Chicken Sandwich
Pecking House

The Maybach of fried chicken, Pecking House came to be when fine dining alum Eric Huang left his Sous Chef post during the pandemic. He took his Michelin-level experience and engineered the optimal fried chicken. Crunch, juiciness and heat collide when you bite into this fried chicken sando that always scores the and-1… meaning you’ll probably get a second order after your first.

This dish is recommended by: 8it

Meatball Slice
Parashades

On the run in between games, or the subway was delayed in getting you to the stadium? Order ahead and pick up this pie as you rush to your seat. This super thin and incredibly delicious pizza will keep you satiated so you don’t have to run out to grab something from a stand and miss any of the on court action. If you do have an extra minute, sit down at Parashades and enjoy a cocktail with your pie.

This dish is recommended by: It’s Mostly Food

Dan Dan Ramen
Momo

Just witnessed a last minute buzzer beater that when the wrong way for your team? You need something comforting, and a hot, deep and rich bowl of this Dan Dan Ramen will do just the trick. Drown your sorrows in this spicy meaty bowl of deliciousness that will for sure make you forget, if just briefly, the agony of defeat.

This dish is recommended by: Eater

Braised Lamb Shank
Sofreh

The Brooklyn bracket has teams spanning the east coast from Vermont to Boca Raton and small schools like Stetson with 2,500 students, to large universities like Wisconsin with 50,000. But no matter where you come from, or which school you claim, we can all agree on the deliciousness of a fall of the bone lamb shank. Before tip-off, find a rival and toast with them over this deliciously prepared shank.

This dish is recommended by: Timeout

“Chicken Tacos”
The VSpot

The NCAA tournament is where imposters go to die. Maybe you have a stellar regular season record, but is it just smoke and mirrors? All the teams that make it here are good, so fakers will be exposed. These plant based tacos might be a filled with chicken substitute but they are the real deal. One bite and they will convince even the biggest skeptics.

This dish is recommended by: Refinery 29

Pastrami Beef Rib
Morgan’s Brooklyn Barbecue

Morgan’s Brooklyn Barbecue is kind of like UCONN in this years tourney - the public’s favorite and it seems like they can’t do any wrong. Almost everything on this menu is worthwhile, but this pastrami beef rib is something special. Cured and then smoked slow and low, its so good you might find yourself savoring it a bit too long and end up running late to the game.

This dish is recommended by: 8it