Hell’s Kitchen, also known as Clinton, is considered one of the most significant neighborhoods in Manhattan that spreads west of 8th Ave to Hudson River, and 34 St to 59 St . Home to the working-class and poor Irish-Italian-Americans up until the 1980s, this rough neighborhood always had a characteristic grittiness associated with it. Known as the turf of gangs and gangsters up until the 1970s, it inspired the creation of some popular fictional superheroes like DareDevil (Marvel’s blind vigilante of Hell’s Kitchen), which reflects accurately on the troubled past of this neighborhood. However, times are changing. Due to its proximity to Midtown, which was quickly gaining commercial importance during that time, the gentrification of the area became rapid post-1980s. Also, its closeness to Broadway theatres and Acting schools attracted a lot of struggling actors to this neighborhood. Tom Hanks was one of such superstars who used to rent their apartments here during their early days.
The landscape of this neighborhood has transformed a lot. There has been a constant influx of great eating joints. Former hardware shops have turned into fancy cafes and bakeries, smoke shops have become exotic cuisine restaurants, and mom-and-pop cafes have been re-incarnated as hip & trendy restaurants. 9th Avenue is known as the restaurant street of Hell’s Kitchen and offers a plethora of options and a wide variety of cuisines. It also holds an International food festival every year in May. Needless to say, Hell’s Kitchen is a fantastic neighborhood for all food lovers.
Some of the best places to eat in Hell’s Kitchen are:
Totto Ramen — 366 W 52nd St
The battle for the best Ramen in NYC is still ongoing. But make no mistake, Totto is the prime contender for that spot. One of the best and most authentic places for Ramen lovers. The miso ramen and pork buns are to die for. Small place, long wait time, and cash only. It is worth the wait and effort though.
NYC has much to offer than just Shake Shack in burgers. With 5 Napkin Burgers, your burger craving will remain satisfied. 5N is a local chain that started from the Upper West Side and keeps trying to reinvent the burger. Their original 5N burger with a 10-ounce ground beef patty with caramelized onions and rosemary aïoli is scrumptious. You will not regret ordering it!
One of the many little gems in this neighborhood for sandwiches. They use Portuguese meats like Paio, and Alhira (sausage), Morcilla (blood sausage) in their sandwiches. Try the ‘Franco’, ‘LGBT’, or ‘James’ sandwich from their great selection. They also have an interesting dessert selection which includes Portuguese Pasteis de Nata.
Peruvian restaurant is famous for its rotisserie chicken in homemade green sauce, and ceviches. Don’t forget to try their ‘Matador combo’ and ‘Mixto ceviche’
Upscale Mexican restaurant with a great selection of tequila and agave-based liquor. Must try the short rib taco, shishito peppers, or chicken empanadas with amazing red salsa. A great place for good times.
One of the best places for cookies in NYC. With more than 45 types of different cookies, and seasonal flavors, this place offers way too many options for a cookie. The chocolate chip cookie is as close to perfection as possible. Must visit for all the sweet tooths.
If you decide to walk a little further west until 11th Avenue, there awaits a great food surprise for you. A food court that sprawl over an entire block on 11th Ave, home to two of the finest chefs of NYC in Seamus Mullen and Ivan Orkin, and rivaling the charm of Chelsea in the meatpacking district. This food court boasts some amazing eating joints:
For all the tourists coming to Hell’s Kitchen, if you are thinking of exploring any of these places in Hell’s Kitchen, but the weight of your luggage is pulling you down; Vertoe presents a unique and exclusive solution to the short-term luggage storage problem. Just book online at Vertoe, and choose from any of these multiple locations close to Hell’s Kitchen to drop your luggage worry free — Enjoy the free roam in the streets of Hell’s Kitchen
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