Why I love… Hell’s Kitchen

St. George, Staten Island | Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn | Hell’s Kitchen

“The streets are no longer filled with hookers, gangs and junkies!” exclaims Adam Fulrath, design director. “But Hell’s Kitchen is still holding gentrification at bay longer than most Manhattan neighborhoods.” The shops remain of the mom-and-pop variety, and the area is home to an amazing selection of affordable restaurants and a unique mix of people that make it feel alive.

His favorite restaurants

Piece of Chicken (630 Ninth Ave at 45th St, 212-582-5973) “One dollar buys a piece of chicken at this take-out-only storefront that was once the kitchen to now-defunct Jezebel. If you’re looking for more Southern cooking, there’s a deliciously greasy menu of ribs, chicken livers and sides all served in classy Styrofoam containers.”

Room Service (690 Ninth Ave at 47th St; 212-582-0999, orderroomservicenyc.com) “With every third restaurant along Ninth Avenue offering Thai food, Room Service stands out for its sexy ambience and waitstaff. The fact that they offer affordable and creative takes on traditional dishes (like mango pad thai) is a tasty bonus.”

Ruby et Violette (457 50th St between Ninth and Tenth Aves; 718-728-6250, rubyetviolette.com) “You wonder how a small café in the middle of a long block can stay in business for as long as this one, which is run by three sisters. Simple: It serves delicious cookies and brownies that live up to names like Root Beer Float and Rocky Seduction.”

Sullivan St Bakery (533 W 47th St between Tenth and Eleventh Aves; 212-265-5580, sullivanstreetbakery.com) “Attached to the warehouse that ships fresh goods all over town, this tiny storefront offers excellent straight-from-the-oven dolci, pizza and panini.”

Meskerem (468 W 47th St at Tenth Ave, 212-664-0520) “As tradition goes, you have to eat the food at this low-key Ethiopian restaurant with your hands. But the large-portioned vegetarian and meat dishes are so delicious, you may find the urge to lick it up directly using your tongue.”

Agua Dulce (802 Ninth Ave between 53rd and 54th Sts; 212-262-4109, aguadulceny.com)“One of the newest additions to the nabe, this Latin-influenced restaurant feels like a 1950s beach club. Boasting a beautiful outdoor patio, excellent seafood selections and infused flavored waters, this place is perfect for a fancy night out.”

His favorite bars

Fusion (818 Tenth Ave between 54th and 55th Sts, 212-397-1133) “Somehow this local bar, with reasonable drink prices and a cute back garden, is never so crowded that you can’t find a comfy couch in the back.”

Kemia Bar (630 Ninth Ave at 45th St; 212-582-3200, kemiabarny.com) “Located in the basement of the restaurant Marseille, this hard-to-find bar (the entrance is on 44th Street) has a sexy Moroccan vibe, tasty cocktail specials and very friendly waitstaff.”

His favorite shops

Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market (W 39th St between Ninth and Tenth Aves; 212-243-5343, hellskitchenfleamarket.com) “If you’re ready to do some bargaining, there are amazing deals to be found here every weekend. I recently scored an authentic nine-foot-long church pew for $40. It fits nicely in my Jesus room.”

Outcasts Resurrectible Goods Thrift Shop (660 Tenth Ave at 46th St; 212-974-0121, outcaststhrift.com) “With an extensive (and random) collection of secondhand goods, it’s easy to get lost in all the store’s nooks and crannies. If you ever make it out, be sure to revisit, because the bric-a-brac inventory changes frequently.”

Delphinium Home (653 Ninth Ave at 46th St; 212-333-3213, delphiniumhome.com) “Delphinium manages to have everything you need for your apartment and that perfect gift for your favorite aunt.”

K. Charles, Inc. (786 Ninth Ave between 52nd and 53rd Sts, 212-397-1291) “Stop in here to pick up a gift for your lady friend. That is, if you think she’ll like (reasonably priced) vintage jewelry from the likes of Givenchy, Tiffany and Gucci.”

DVD Depot (725 Eighth Ave at 46th St, 212-586-2525) “Yes, its primary business is pornography, but thanks to the city’s 60/40 rule, the finds also include hard-to-find anime and Hong Kong cinema (for just $8.99!).”

St. George, Staten Island | Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn | Hell’s Kitchen

related

Great walks: Hell’s Kitchen

See more Why I love…

More in Real Estate