Although Hell’s Kitchen derived its name from a notorious motorcycle gang, this formerly gritty neighborhood has become a hotspot for residents of all ages. Reasonably priced housing, incredible dining and entertainment options, and diverse transportation options make this revitalized area a great place to call home. Check out our guide to Hell’s Kitchen and see if it’s the right fit for you.
The Basics
Location: Hell’s Kitchen is located in the the western portion of middle Manhattan, stretching from 34th Street to 59th Street, with 8th Avenue and the Hudson River as its eastern and western boundaries, respectively.
Borders: Hell’s Kitchen is bordered by Chelsea to the south, Theater District and Garment District to the east, and the Upper West Side to the north.
Commute: Although Hell’s Kitchen is about as west as you can get, there are plenty of transportation options to get you around the city. The A/C/E trains run along the eastern edge of the neighborhood. While the A/C trains run along the entirety of 8th Avenue, the E train cuts east along 53rd Street going into Queens. Along the southern edge of the neighborhood, the 7 train stops at 34th Street and 11th Avenue, before going east along 42nd Street, and connects residents with Queens.
Major transportation hubs, Penn Station and Port Authority Bus Terminal, are also steps away from Hell’s Kitchen, providing residents with access to additional subway lines like the 1/2/3 and N/Q/R/W. You’ll also find access to a variety of transportation options like the Long Island Railroad, NJ Transit, and charter buses to Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.
Hell’s Kitchen Today
Hell’s Kitchen is an ever-evolving neighborhood, home to a mix of longtime residents, young professionals, families, and members of the performing arts community. Located just steps away from Times Square and the Theater District, this neighborhood breathes life into the city. In its eastern portion is where you’ll find all the bars and restaurants–and there are a lot of them–but the atmosphere dramatically changes as you move west towards the Hudson River, where the water offers a slight reprieve from the activity and congestion of the city.
Housing in Hell’s Kitchen is a combination of affordable well-maintained walk-ups, doorman buildings, and newer luxury high-rises along the waterfront. Streets are lined with a diverse set of restaurants from a variety of cuisines, as well as local eateries, cafes, and bodegas. Several low-key bars and clubs serve as great nightlife options for locals.
Eat
Grab your morning coffee at Rex Coffee. Despite being located in the middle of the city, this cozy cafe’s cozy and welcoming vibe continues to draw customers in for their tasty treats. Expect a line out the door for its acclaimed selection of drip and pour over coffees with a variety of milk options to choose from, including the newly-popular oat milk. Don’t miss out on the customizable egg sandwiches, only available during breakfast hours. If you’re stopping by in the afternoon, the muffins are a great choice and come in gluten-free varieties.
Totto Ramen has two locations, and both get lines out the door on a daily basis. This cash-only establishment serves delicious soul-warming bowls of ramen in chicken-based broth, a nice change from the typical tonkotsu broth, If you’re looking for the more classic take, head to Totto Next Door (which is literally next door). Fresh scallions, nori, and bean sprouts compliment the springy thin noodles, and flavorful pork char siu adds richness to the broth. Be prepared to wait at least 30 minutes for a table during peak hours.
Pio Pio serves up authentic Peruvian cuisine. Although they have locations across all five boroughs, their Hell’s Kitchen spot is one of their most popular. Expect at least a 30-minute wait if you walk-in, just enough time for a drink at their bar upstairs. Order the Matador Combo for the table and enjoy a family-style meal of juicy, flavorful roasted chicken accompanied by fresh avocado salad, yellow rice & beans, tostones (twice-fried plantain slices), and salchipapas (homemade fries and mini sausages).
The original outpost of Amy’s Bread is a Hell’s Kitchen NYC staple. Locals and tourists alike line up to sample their high quality baked goods and breads. Combining elements of a classic Parisian boulangerie with the coziness of a cafe, Amy’s Bread makes delectable scones, fresh loaves of bread, and dense cake doughnuts.
Every neighborhood needs a solid pizza place and, in this case, it’s B-Side Pizza. Not your average dollar slice pizza, this nook serves creative pies and seasonal small plates. Indulge in the Carbonara pizza topped with fontina, mozzarella, pancetta, panna, parmesan, black pepper, and egg, or try the Oscar the Grouch; topped with spinach, black kale, garlic, and mozzarella fonduta, this one is truly unique and tasty. Pair your artisan pies with one of the craft beers or wines available on tap.
Play
If exploring and searching for treasure is your kind of adventure, be sure to visit the Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market, now technically part of the Chelsea Flea Market. Small vendors from across the city convene in this outdoor space and bring a wide selection of items ranging from antiques and electronics to clothing and books. It’s the perfect place for a weekend stroll!
Terminal 5 is one of New York’s staple music venues and it’s right in your backyard. This warehouse-inspired concert venue features bars on each of its three floors, paired with two spacious balconies that offer fantastic views of the stage. Head over and check out its ever-changing line-up spanning all musical genres.
Looking for fresh, high-quality, affordable produce? Stop by The Farmacy for your grocery needs. Open during the warmer months, this intimate farmers market sources its selection of fruits, vegetables, proteins, dairy, and desserts from local farms within 100 miles of New York. Helpful and friendly staff are available to answer all of your questions, and they accept credit card payments. What’s not to love?
With several theaters, comedy clubs, and studios nearby, you’re sure to find something entertaining to do. Support local performers and catch an evening comedy show at the famous Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, or check out a performance of Drunk Shakespeare at The Lounge on the 2nd Floor. Try to snag tickets to a live filming of The Daily Show with Trevor Noah or Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.
Overlooking the Hudson River, the paved pathway of Pier 84 at Hudson River Park is the perfect place to jog along, and the well-maintained grassy areas are perfect for sunbathing and picnicking. During the summer months, the boathouse rents out kayaks for those interested in going out in the Hudson.
Drink
Enjoy panoramic views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline from the comfort of The Press Lounge, recognized as one of New York’s best rooftop destinations. It’s open year-round, and offers a selection of seasonal cocktails and local wines complemented by small plates and house-made accompaniments.
Ardesia Wine Bar is a charming gem, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With impeccable service and intimate atmosphere, it’s easy to lose track of time here. Sip on glasses of wine and snack on delectable tapas. Come here on a date or just to catch up with friends, either way you’re sure to have an enjoyable experience.
Check out Sidepiece, a low-key speakeasy-style bar attached to the Hell’s Kitchen outpost of The Meatball Shop. Classically decorated with black-and-white tiling and blonde-wood furniture, this cozy spot’s creative menu features a rotating lineup of cheekily named cocktails, along with a selection of brews and spiked, house-made sodas. Pair your drink with delicious bites off the shop’s menu, like Meatball Nachos.
Cleverly named as an homage to its main menu item, On the Rocks is a whiskey-centric tavern. Step inside and admire the impressive selection of whiskey, scotch, and rye on the warmly lit shelves. Small, dim, and quiet, compared to other Hell’s Kitchen spots, relax and unwind in the intimate ambience of this establishment. Friendly patrons and knowledgeable staff continue to make this a favorite amongst locals and visitors.
Feel like you’re on the California coast as you step into Réunion. Decked out in tiki and surfer themed decor (think colorful bathing suits, surfboards, colorful lights, and beach tunes), enjoy Réunion’s array of house-infused rums or selection of frozen cocktails with a side of fish tacos.
Specializing in shots, Barcelona Bar is the place to go to kick off a night on the town. With an extensive menu of over 100 different options to choose from, ranging from standard $5 shots, like the Jolly Rancher, to $8 Harry-Potter-themed shots complete with an accompanying musical and theatrical act, there’s something for everyone at this divey watering hole.
Enticed by all the things Hell’s Kitchen has to offer? Find your apartment before you get there and get ready to enjoy the perks of living in this slice of Manhattan.
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