Hell’s Kitchen Returns to Hell’s Kitchen as Neighborhood Staple Reopens with Italian Flair, Cocktails and Community Love

Hell’s Kitchen (the restaurant) has reopened in Hell’s Kitchen — but don’t confuse it with Hell’s Kitchen (the reality TV show) or Hell’s Kitchen (on Broadway)!

Local hospitality group Chow Down has reopened its restaurant at 754 9th Avenue, switching up from Mexican to Italian cuisine. W42ST popped in last night for the launch of their soft opening and to chat with owners — and Hell’s Kitchen residents — Maren Powell and John Dempsey.  

The space, just south of W51st Street, has hosted a number of Chow Down ventures over the years including the beloved Vynl, the original Mexican-inspired Hell’s Kitchen, holiday-themed pop up Sleigh Bar and now an Italian-inspired version of Hell’s Kitchen. Other popular Chow Down restaurants include El Centro, ’Ritas, Bodega and Gilda. Odds are, if you have lived in the neighborhood long enough, you have likely eaten at one of their restaurants.

Maren and John have been in the neighborhood for 30 years and their love for the community is evident. As Maren put it, “We’re in the neighborhood. We’re targeting neighborhood people.” The New Yorker magazine cover posters on the walls illustrate that love, with a theater side and a Hell’s Kitchen side featuring local landmark Manhattan Plaza. The posters were framed just down the street at JMC Custom Framing. 

The cocktail menu was crafted by bartender Tantai “Tan” Khantachavana, former lead bartender at Lumière Brasserie in Southern California. Butterfly Kiss is textured and tart with butterfly flower infused gin, sweet vermouth, cassis, lemon and egg white. The Paradiso is a tiki-style punch made with white rum, Italian brandy, house-made tropical liqueur and coconut water. Hell’s Kitchen also features a rotating selection of craft beers and an extensive wine list. 

Much of the menu inspiration is pulled from a past Italian concept a few blocks south called BSquared, which took the place of the original Hell’s Kitchen location — are you keeping up? Antonio Gomez, the former chef at BSquared, is now at Hell’s Kitchen making fresh pasta daily alongside chef Josh Eden, also known as “Chef Shorty”. Chicken Parmesan, a top seller at BSquared, has returned to the menu and is sure to be a hit again. Detroit-style deep-dish pizza will be making its way onto the menu in the coming weeks. 

While we were there, we ran into Hell’s Kitchen resident and CBS anchor Dave Carlin, who was having dinner before heading off to see Hell’s Kitchen on Broadway. It doesn’t get more “Hell’s Kitchen” than that — unless Gordon Ramsay were to walk in and start barking orders! 

Speaking of the famously outspoken chef, Maren takes pride in having claimed the @hellskitchenrestaurant handle on Instagram before the reality show ever aired. John recalled, “When Hell’s Kitchen was on 9th Avenue and 47th Street, a couple of suits came walking in the door…they started talking and asking questions and said they were from the Fox Network.” After telling him about the show, they wanted to make sure there wouldn’t be any litigation issues, to which John replied, “I’m a nobody, but you guys are Fox Network, this big, massive conglomerate, do you really think I’m gonna sue you guys?”

John may have felt like a “nobody” at the time, but he has certainly made a name for himself in Hell’s Kitchen. And for those missing Gilda — fear not, John and Maren say it will be back in the coming months! In the meantime, check out Hell’s Kitchen for your handcrafted cocktail fix.

Hell’s Kitchen is currently open Tuesday through Sunday from 4pm to Midnight.