in Places, Hell's Kitchen, NYC

Our Favorite Bars in the Hell’s Kitchen Area of New York City

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Hell’s Kitchen is known for top-notch dining, chic condos, and a lively nightlife scene. It has many fun places to go out with friends or to enjoy a nice meal.

delicious whiskey toast at Hells Kitchen bars

Whether you’re into luxury lounges, casual pubs, or hip watering holes, there’s something for everyone in this distinct part of Manhattan.

So, if you’re looking for where to go out near the Hudson River, check out my list of the best bars in Hell’s Kitchen NYC.

Rudy’s Bar & Grill

627 9th Ave, Manhattan, NY 10036
Phone: (646) 707-0890
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Rudy’s Bar & Grill is an old-school bar with duct tape holding the booths together, all since it’s been operating since 1933!

Located near Producers Club Theaters, this relaxed, no-frills tavern offers cheap pitchers of beer and free hot dogs!

What more could you ask for?

On the Rocks

696 10th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Phone: (212) 247-2055
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On the Rocks is a very small and cozy watering hole that’s a whiskey-lover’s dream!

This sleek yet easygoing bar is located near Hell’s Kitchen Park, and whiskey is surely the liquor of choice here, as their selection is massive.

And if you don’t know much about whiskey cocktails — don’t worry. The bartenders love figuring out your drink through thoughtful conversation and considering what you’ll love.

Dutch Fred’s

307 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036
Phone: (646) 918-6923
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Dutch Fred’s is an inviting cocktail bar near Times Square that offers cozy indoor and outdoor seating.

I love coming here for weekend brunch before a Broadway show and splitting several small plates with friends. Plus, their chicken and waffles are to die for!

Flaming Saddles Saloon

793 9th Avenue, between, 52nd W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
Phone: (212) 713-0481
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Flaming Saddles Saloon is one of the most fun places to get drinks, and it’s conveniently located near the Broadway Comedy Club.

This gay bar has a Wild West theme, so feel free to wear rock your favorite boots and hats while sipping on beer and line dancing to country-western jams!

Pocket Bar NYC

455 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036
Phone: (646) 682-9062
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Pocket bar NYC is one of my favorite spots to hit up in Hell’s Kitchen due to its extensive wine selection and delicious sangrias.

I usually split one or two carafes with my friends, but sometimes I try out their other drinks like Watermelon Session IPA or sake. The free popcorn they provide is also a big plus!

Beer Culture

328 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
Phone: (646) 590-2139
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Beer Culture, near Restaurant Row, is a beer lover’s paradise, as they offer over 20 rotating drafts of both local and international brews.

I love their pretzels, which come with three different dipping sauces: honey mustard, cheese, and Bavarian beer sauce.

And if you’re looking for something heartier, they also have burgers and “Big Ol’ Nachos” that’ll fill you right up!

Ardesia Wine Bar

510 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019
Phone: (212) 247-9191
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Ardesia Wine Bar is a swanky spot for wine lovers near Columbus Circle and DeWitt Clinton Park.

I love coming here for happy hour after work and enjoying their reasonably priced glasses of wine. The small plates are also well-priced and perfect for sharing with friends, especially the NY soft pretzels.

Barcelona Bar

923 8th Ave, New York, NY 10019
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Barcelona Bar, across the street from the SPYSCAPE museum, is a hilariously entertaining place to get drinks and get a little wild on a night out.

They have the longest list of curated shots I’ve ever seen at a bar — over 100 shots!

My favorites include The Fresh Prince, Blue Steel, Fire & Ice, and Evil Buzzard. It’s hard to tell by the name what’s in them, which is a part of the fun!

Boxers HK

735 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Phone: (212) 951-1518
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Who says gay bars and sports bars don’t mix? Boxers HK, near New World Stages, proves that misconception wrong by offering a lively tri-level sports bar catered to the LGBTQ+ community.

It’s also one of the few gay bars with a rooftop in the area, making it even more appealing. I love going here to drink mango margaritas and dance the night away.

Back Pocket Bar

462 W 49th St, New York, NY 10019
Phone: (646) 609-4500
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Back Pocket Bar, close to the Clinton Community Garden, is owned by the same folks as the Pocket Bar listed previously.

So yes — you get free popcorn here as well! Additionally, I like this spot for its casual vibes, great 90s music selection, and fruity cocktails.

Hold Fast Kitchen and Spirits

364 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
Phone: (917) 261-6691
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If you’re hoping to find a hip, eclectic space near Restaurant Row for happy hour or brunch, look no further than Hold Fast Kitchen and Spirits.

Hold fast is a favorite of mine due to its unique combination of low-key lighting and cheerful vibes. Deviled eggs, chicken and waffles, and cheese platters are my top picks here, but you really can’t go wrong.

And during brunch, you can get bottomless mimosas!

Haswell Green’s

240 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019
Phone: (212) 245-2801
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Haswell Green’s offers an old-school yet highly trendy courtyard space near the August Wilson Theatre.

It’s the perfect spot to grab creative cocktails, listen to live music, play bingo, eat pizza, or simply enjoy a few cocktails with friends.

As Is NYC

734 10th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Phone: (646) 858-1153
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As Is NYC is a fantastic bar in Hell’s Kitchen NYC because it has a rotating list of craft beers, delectable bar eats, and a vintage design. What’s not to love?

They also offer a decent list of natural wines and house-made craft cocktails. My favorite is the Costa Nostra with aged rum and Averna amaro.

Final Thoughts

If you’re visiting or living in the Hell’s Kitchen area, you may be interested in checking out the Time Warner Center, shopping around Columbus Circle, or listening to live jazz at the Lincoln Center.

But you’d be remiss not to stop by one (or more) of the best bars in Hell’s Kitchen NYC. Let us know your top choice in the comments below!

Best Bars in Hell’s Kitchen, NYC

  1. Rudy’s Bar & Grill
  2. On the Rocks
  3. Dutch Fred’s
  4. Flaming Saddles Saloon
  5. Pocket Bar NYC
  6. Beer Culture
  7. Ardesia Wine Bar
  8. Barcelona Bar
  9. Boxers HK
  10. Back pocket bar
  11. Hold Fast Kitchen and Spirits
  12. Haswell Green’s
  13. As Is NYC
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Please drink responsibly, be fully accountable with your alcohol consumption, and show others respect.

Written by Paul Kushner

I have always had a deep interest in the restaurant and bar industry. My restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. By the time I turned 17 I was serving tables, and by 19 I was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week.

In 2012, after a decade and a half of learning all facets of the industry, I opened my first restaurant/bar. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

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