When asked about their favorite local restaurants, Manhattan’s councilmembers served up a buffet of neighborhood flavor — but Hell’s Kitchen readers may do a double-take at one pick on the plate.
Hell’s Kitchen councilmembers Erik Bottcher and Gale Brewer were included in the NYC Hospitality Alliance’s second annual District Dining Guide. Photos: Phil O’Brien
In the NYC Hospitality Alliance’s second annual District Dining Guide, Councilmember Gale Brewer, who represents the Upper West Side and the northern section of Hell’s Kitchen above W55th Street, selected Manny’s Bistro, a French spot known for its warm neighborhood atmosphere and the owner’s occasional turn as singer. Her go-to order? Mussels and salad — a classic. “There is never, never a brown leaf,” Brewer told NY1. “Everything has to be super fresh. That’s what makes Manny’s so good — and the neighborhood keeps coming back.”
When it comes to dining out in Hell’s Kitchen, Brewer recommends Kashkaval Garden, where she enjoys the atmosphere, cheese fondue and the local clientele. Brewer notes she helped the owners navigate the city bureaucracy to solve a problem once and they were very appreciative.
Brewer recommends Kashkaval Garden, where she enjoys the atmosphere, cheese fondue and the local clientele. Photo supplied.
Meanwhile, further downtown, Councilmember Erik Bottcher — whose District 3 covers the heart of Hell’s Kitchen — left some locals scratching their heads with his choice: Carmine’s. Yes, that Carmine’s — the cavernous, Times Square Italian restaurant with locations from Las Vegas to DC to Atlantic City, best known for feeding crowds family-style and packing in tourists pre-theater.
“When my family visits from the Adirondacks, we almost always go to Carmine’s,” Bottcher said. “There’s nothing quite like good Italian food served family-style.” His go-to order? Baked clams.
Last year, Bottcher’s pick was Cafeteria in Chelsea — a stylish, 24-hour haunt more closely tied to his home turf and neighborhood nightlife. This year’s jump to one of Midtown’s most tourist-trafficked eateries is, if nothing else, a bold choice.
Carmine’s in Times Square is best known for feeding crowds family-style and packing in tourists pre-theater. Photo: Phil O’Brien
W42ST checked in with CM Bottcher for his Hell’s Kitchen favorites…
Arriba Arriba – This is a local classic when you feel like just letting your hair down and not taking yourself too seriously (with a fishbowl margarita).
West Bank Café – Tom and Michael D’Angora have continued the legacy of Steve Olsen and supercharged it (you never know which Broadway star you’ll be sitting across from).
Hudson VU Rooftop – If you haven’t been to this rooftop restaurant atop the Ink 48 Hotel, definitely check it out for the best views of Hell’s Kitchen.
’ritas – Across the street from Arriba Arriba and a notch higher brow — a great place to sit outside and watch Hell’s Kitchen go by.
Turco Mediterranean Grill – Try the chicken soup that comes with their homemade bread!
Across the five boroughs, however, councilmembers largely stuck to local charm. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams picked Compass Café in Jamaica, Queens for its lattes and crepes. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso gave props to Kashkar Café, a rare Uyghur restaurant. Bronx Councilmember Oswald Feliz stayed true to Arthur Avenue with Roberto’s chicken parm, and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine leaned Dominican with mofongo at Malecon.
And for the city’s Comptroller Brad Lander? He’s keeping it low-key with pelmeni dumplings at Village Café in Brooklyn — a “hidden gem,” he claims.
“We have our local elected officials tell us their go-to restaurants and dishes, and you get to know the neighborhood gems,” said Andrew Rigie, Executive Director of the NYC Hospitality Alliance.