Hell’s Kitchen
I’ve spent a lot of time in Hell’s Kitchen. My best friend lived there from 2000-2008 so I know it well. It’s transformed a bit but it still has the same feeling it always did. A mix of young people, artists and working professionals as well as a hub of gay culture it’s a very progressive hood. Keep in mind, Broadway’s Theatre District borders Hell’s Kitchen, so it overflows with performing artists getting off work.
Due to its proximity to Times Square and Penn Station it also has a bit of a transient vibe. Like most neighborhoods in NYC, Hell’s Kitchen also has a great food scene and late night club atmosphere.
Where.
Hell’s Kitchen is bordered on the north by 59th and on the south by 34th with 8th Avenue and the river forming its East to West boundary. Broadway’s Theatre District borders it to the east, making it a great place for pre theater dinner.
Attractions.
Since Hell’s Kitchen borders NYC’s Theater District one of its attractions is performing arts. From Broadway to Off-Broadway the Hell’s Kitchen area is teeming with shows and performances. It also has a fantastic food scene which is a huge draw.
Another reason people love living in Hell’s Kitchen is the Hudson RIver Greenway along the river. Aside from access to cycling and running paths that circumnavigate Manhattan there are also places to sunbathe or have a sunset cocktail. The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum is also located here and is a very cool departure from NYC’s other museums.
Transit.
All of the trains flank Hell’s Kitchen on its eastern border, making it fairly accessible. It’s next door neighbor is Times Square, so you pretty much have every train combination possible to get there.
If you need to get to Hoboken, they have a ferry terminal that infinitely beats taking the Path Train.
Hudson River Park…
NYC’s Green Beltway
Hudson River Park.
Hell’s Kitchen has a few small parks centrally located (like DeWitt Clinton Park, named after my favorite NYC Mayor) but its main attraction as far as green space is concerned is Hudson River Park.
Located along the river it has just about everything you could want as far as activities. Kayaking, sunbathing, running, cycling, mini golf, boat tours, helicopter rides (if you’ve got the loot) and of course eating and drinking with a view.
Food & Drink
Hell’s Kitchen has always had a ‘bad boy’ reputation and even today it has a bit of an edge to it, which is part of its attraction. It has a wild nightlife scene but is also known for its wide variety of food options. From high end Italian on Restaurant Row to some of the best tacos (secretly located inside a bodega) the neighborhood is far from vanilla. The further west you venture the wilder it gets.
History & Architecture
Created from Crime.
Today’s Hell’s Kitchen is light years away from the early days of the ‘hood where its name is derived. In the late 1800’s there were butcheries all along the docks and the neighborhood was teeming with gangs. No one really knows where it got it’s name, but the strongest case was that of two police officers walking the beat during a very violent night. "This place is Hell itself." to which the other cop said, "Hell's a mild climate. This is Hell's Kitchen."