Hell's Kitchen

Address: 679 Ninth Ave
Zipcode: 10036
Phone Number: 212- 977-1588

The name is the only nod to the once infamous, rough and tough ’hood. Billed as progressive Mexican cuisine, Hell’s Kitchen dishes up upscale nosh that beats a Taco Bell fix any day. Chef Jorge Pareja excels at appetizers, pairing luxe ingredients with traditional Mex grub. Faves in-clude filet mignon taquitos, duck confit empanadas and, of course, the guac and chips. But the real reason to come to Hell’s Kitchen is the giant, deliciously frozen margaritas in mango, straw-berry and lime, not to mention the gorgeous selection of tequilas. Reservations are a must — the space, while not small, fills up fast with the pre-theater and post-work crowd. Expect an eclectic mix of suits and hipsters in ripped denim. And though you shouldn’t fill up on the bread and beans (on every table), they’re so good you won’t be able to help it.