09/25/2026
For those who don’t know us yet, we’d like to introduce ourselves. We’re Nick and Ange Cortese, and we’ve also been proud to call the Manhattan community home for going on two years now. As we move forward with Midtown Bar & Grill, we want our neighbors to know a little more about who we are, where we come from, and what we’re about.
First, I’m not a political guy, so anything political that may have been previously scheduled at Midtown definitely wasn’t something I set up. Our focus is much different, and I think our history shows the kind of events Ange and I believe in and will continue to support.
Every year, we host Toys for Tots toy drives, including a large Toys for Tots motorcycle run and after-party on the day of the parade. We’ve been involved with biker events and benefit rides, veterans events, and every Memorial Day we host a Bike Blessing along with a prayer honoring our fallen soldiers.
Last year, we had the honor of recognizing Aaron Toppen, with Pam Toppen joining us as our guest speaker.
We’ve organized fundraisers for families going through difficult times, hosted events with K9s for Veterans, supported charitable causes, and put together countless live music events and shows.
THAT’S the kind of stuff we’re about…
For those who don’t know my background, I’ve spent most of my life around entertainment and live events in one form or another.
While I was in college, I was a professional wrestler with Wrestling Superstars Live and traveled around the country performing. I had the opportunity to wrestle on shows alongside some of the biggest names in professional wrestling, including Dusty Rhodes, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka, The Road Warriors, Diamond Dallas Page, Mick Foley, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Buff Bagwell, and many others.
That eventually turned into years of working in live entertainment, music, bars, restaurants, and producing events that bring people together.
As we move forward, our focus for Midtown is simple: good food, cold drinks, live music, sports, community events, and a good old fashioned neighborhood bar…
We want Midtown to be the kind of place where you can grab a great meal, watch the game, see a live band, support a fundraiser or community event, or just sit down and have a cold drink with friends and neighbors.
Manhattan isn’t just where our business is located it’s our community and our home too. Ange and I truly appreciate everyone who has welcomed us and supported Midtown through this transition. We’re excited about the direction we’re taking the bar and everything we have planned for the future.
We’re committed to continuing to improve Midtown, support our community, and create a welcoming neighborhood bar that Manhattan can enjoy and be proud to call its own.
