This New York area has two names: Hell’s Kitchen and Clinton. One is used by real estate agents and the other by everyone else. Take one guess which is which.
Just to be clear, the New York neighborhood of Hell’s Kitchen has no relation to the Gordon Ramsay cooking show of the same name. It’s easy to get this mixed up, as Hell’s Kitchen is a hotspot for delicious cuisine and rows of bars, but the name actually stems from its gritty reputation in earlier centuries.
Today, most of the grit has worn off and in its place is redeveloped housing, an abundance of nightlife and a haven for aspiring actors. You can’t walk far without running into a recording or television studio. Diehard fans of The Daily Show may know that it has been taped in Hell’s Kitchen since it first began.
Foodies will find plenty of dining options to stay full for eternity. The actual kitchens in Hell’s Kitchen are filled with the delicious smells of food from around the world, including (but not at all limited to) Vietnamese, Chinese, Mexican, German, and Caribbean. Visit in May to wander the rows of the annual food festival, or pick any day of the year to tantalize your tastebuds with freshly cooked street food from a local food truck.
Here, visitors looking for a memorable evening after the sun goes down will be spoiled for choice. Hopping nightclubs line the streets, ready to welcome both locals and tourists for long nights of dancing to the latest hits and sipping on creatively named cocktails. It’s also a safe spot for New York’s gay community, with loads of gay bars.
Theater gurus should head to Hell’s Kitchen for the off-Broadway shows that take place in its unpretentious venues. Other entertainment options include a fascinating trip to the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum or a leisurely cruise along the glorious Hudson River departing from the riverfront.