Travel

Hell’s Kitchen

Establishment neighborhood
Marina Massage Therapy
409 W 48th St., Hell’s Kitchen
Sought after for her lymphatic drainage massage that models and actors swear by before big events, Baratashvili has been practicing body work for almost 40 years. The native Georgian studied acupuncture and massage in China, worked with the National Opera and Ballet Theater of Tbilisi to ensure the dancers felt strong and fluid, and now tends to her roster of clients in New York City, Greenwich, Conn, and the Hamptons. Her method is intuitive—her hands can exert break-you-in-half pressure or flutter ever so gently; her treatments for face and body feel utterly heavenly—and the way she sculpts, eases fascial tension, and invigorates muscles is truly incredible.
Tacuba
802 Ninth Ave., Hell's Kitchen
COVID-19 update: Open for pickup, delivery, and outdoor dining. After chef Julian Medina scored a hit in Astoria, Queens, with his Mexican cantina Tacuba four years ago, he opened this outpost in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen, with a bigger menu and more seating, two years later. The concept is classic Mexican with a few creative twists thrown in: chili rellenos filled with quinoa, mushrooms, and kale, chili-dusted fluke tacos with a kohlrabi-habanero slaw, and carne asada with a side of bone marrow fried rice. The atmosphere is generally boisterous, thanks in part to a big cocktail menu (we’re partial to the frozen tamarind margaritas), as well as the mezcal and tequila selection (there are hundreds—really, hundreds—of bottles on offer). COVID-19 disclaimer: We are working hard to keep our listings as up to date as possible (deliveries, outdoor dining, etc.), but given the evolving nature of local COVID-19 restrictions, we recommend double-checking the information in this guide with any business you plan on visiting. Also, please note that we have not vetted any businesses listed within our guides for their compliance with applicable safety regulations.
El Centro
824 9th Ave., Hell's Kitchen
Between bright, floral laminate booths, a wall full of shiny Mexican milagros, and a permanent crowd, the interior of El Centro is dizzying in the best possible way. There are frozen and fruit margaritas (although you'd do well to stick with the house version which is somehow only $8), overflowing bowls of guacamole, and a menu full of traditional Mexican dishes like enchiladas and fajitas. It's perfect for a quick, casual night out with friends.
Añejo
668 10th Ave., Hell's Kitchen
Exposed wooden beams on the ceilings and plentiful bar-height tables and chairs make this a cozy, yet lively hideout on frigid nights (both the Tribeca and Midtown locations are decorated in the same warm, rustic style). With plenty of small plates like guacamole, ceviche, and tacos, the menu is all about traditional Mexican cuisine. In keeping with the theme, the beverage program offers a long list of tequilas, which can always be ordered straight.
Ippudo
321 W. 51st St., Hell's Kitchen
The NYC Ippudo locations are the only branches in the United States. The noodles are hand-pulled on-site and cooked perfectly al dente. They're known for the super-flavorful tomkotso version, but we love the Miso Ramen and pork-free Wasabi Shoyu. They have some more contemporary restaurant-style dishes here, but the traditional ramen bowls are really where it's at. Prices are low, and it's first come, first sit, so be prepared to wait. The other location is in the East Village.