Your fave restaurant guide chick is back-back-back-back-again. This time, I’ll be breaking down one of Manhattan’s most culinarily diverse neighborhoods: Hell’s Kitchen. Based on the name, it is safe to assume that Hell’s Kitchen is a melting pot of different cuisines (it also offers itself up to a ton of food puns, and for that, we are grateful).
Where is this mysterious Hell’s Kitchen, you may be wondering. Welp, Hell’s Kitchen is also known as Midtown West and it is located between 34th Street in the south, 59th Street in the north, Eighth Avenue in the east, and the Hudson River to the west (thanks, Google!). Check out this handy-dandy guide to the dopest brunch, lunch, dinner, happy hour and dessert spots in this magical neighborhood. You’re welcome.
Best Brunch Spots
44 & X Hell’s Kitchen
This place is classy, I’m not gonna sugar coat it to you. You can’t be rolling up in here, hungover as hell. This is a perfect brunch spots for when you’re with the rents (cause that means they’ll pay). Their spinach, mushroom and goat cheese omelet is a must.
Amy’s Bread
What we’re having for breakfast today – Blueberry Almond Treats. Pairs just beautifully with (Iced) Coffee. #amysbread #hellskitchen #chelseamarketNY #thevillage #blueberry A photo posted by Amy’s Bread (@amysbread) on Jul 30, 2015 at 5:24am PDT
I don’t know about you, but the smell of bread is everything to me. Amy’s Bread knows bread (no duh). They are hella affordable and hella authentic, having been on the scene for more than 23 years. Pop in for a pastry and stay sippin’ on one of their cafe au laits. Try this monkey bread at home; it may taste just as yummy as Amy’s.
Westway Diner
You’re probably thinking to yourself, “A diner? What are we in Jersey?” Hear me out. Westway Diner isn’t just any old diner. Not only do they have your typical, beloved diner fare (eggs, pancakes, etc.) but they have mouthwatering specials like their Chocolate Nut Blast French Toast and Cheese Blintzes. Hangover instantly cured.
Best Lunch Spots
Gotham West Market
Hot diggity dogs for dinner (with so many toppings & condiments!) at @TheCannibalHK. A photo posted by Gotham West Market (@gwmarket) on Aug 5, 2015 at 4:32pm PDT
Do you love Chelsea Market but hate the touristy feels? Avoid that BS and come to Gotham West Market where they have even more awesome vendors for whatever kind of food you’re in the mood for: Ivan Ramen Slurp Shop, Choza Taqueria and Indie Fresh are only a few of the choices.
Totto Ramen
It’ll feel like you’re back in the dorm, only not, because this ramen will be the best ramen you’ve ever had in your life. Don’t believe me? Try the Miso Ramen or Mega Ramen and then get back to me. Check out these ways to amp up your basic-white-girl ramen.
The Marshal
#Lunch A photo posted by Zhoujin Lin (@lllizzzjjj) on Mar 28, 2015 at 4:43pm PDT
Definitely a nicer place for lunch, but your friends will be so impressed with your culinary expertise, you won’t even look at the prices on the menu. The ingredients at The Marshal are locally-sourced, so you’re giving back to small farmers by eating here while also enjoying tasty food. As if you needed any more reasons to eat local food… #winwin
Best Dinner Spots
Frankie & Johnnie’s Steakhouse
Photo courtesy of localeats.com
Right in the heart of the Theater District, F&J’s is perfect for an early bird dinner before the show or late night eats. This place was originally a speakeasy way back in 1926 so one might say that they know what they’re doing.
Hell’s Chicken
Hell’s Chicken gets extra points just based on the fun name. Well played, Hell’s Chicken. They do Korean-styled Fried Chicken in the most dank way possible with a variety of unique soy-based sauces. It’s finger-lickin’ good.
Nizza
Pizza for breakfast is totally acceptable #eeeeeats A photo posted by Amie Diamond (@amie_diamond) on Aug 8, 2015 at 11:23am PDT
Mmmm, pizza. I could honestly eat pizza any time of day, but for social norm’s sake, Nizza makes the best dinner spots, no question. Do you like fantastic pizza? If the answer is yes, then get your booty over to Nizza for authentic, Italian ‘za. Oh, and if you don’t know these pizza facts, you ain’t even a real pizza lover.
Best Happy-Hour Spots
Rudy’s
If you haven’t heard of Rudy’s, you’ve clearly been living under a rock. They’re the super-cool dive bar with the giant pig outside of their front door. In addition to cheap beer, get this: free hotdogs with every drink purchase. WHAT?
Sangria 46
#Cava #Sangria!? . . . . #hellskitchen #스파클링와인.으로 만든 #상그리아 #cava #sangria #nyc #sangriaporn #wineporn #foodporn A photo posted by @voiz on Jan 23, 2015 at 5:36pm PST
Like every other basic girl in the world, I love a good glass of sangria. Red, white, doesn’t really matter as long as I can get a nice buzz. Enter Sangria 46. $4 glasses of sangria and $3 beers make this an obvious and necessary happy hour spot. Try this white wine sangria when you’re back at school with all of the ingredients available to steal at you local dining hall.
Don’t Tell Mama
Photo courtesy of foursquare.com
This place is v. cool. From a piano bar to live Cabaret, you actually have entertainment while your getting sauced. Speaking of getting turnt, $4 beers and $5 well drinks makes me a happy (albeit, drunk) girl.
Best Dessert Spots
Schmackary’s
I literally become the Cookie Monster when I walk into Schmackary’s. It takes me forever to choose which cookie I want because they are all. so. good. The best ones, in my humble opinion, are the maple bacon, red velvet, and carrot cake cookies. NOM.
Underwest Donuts
Starting off National Doughnut Day with the best doughnut ever- the MAPLE WAFFLE from @underwestdonuts #pceluvfood A photo posted by ALWAYS EATIN’ IN NYC ???? (@pce_luv_food) on Jun 5, 2015 at 11:36am PDT
Dooooooooonutttttssssss. Say buh-bye to Dunkin’ and hello to Underwest who boasts delectable flavors like Brown Butter, Coco Raspberry and Coconut Lime. We won’t tell anyone if you have to undo that top button on your pants.
Holey Cream
Your diet will have to start tomorrow, sorry. Holey Cream has it all. From hand-dipped donuts to donut, ice-cream sandwiches, to brownies, to cookies, to fro-yo, this place has something for everyone’s sweet tooth.