Jimmy's Corner is a classic dive bar in the heart of Hell's Kitchen. The walls are covered in boxing memorabilia, paying homage to its namesake, former boxing trainer and manager Jimmy Glenn. The bar has been a staple in the neighborhood since the 1970s and is still going strong today. It's the perfect spot for a cheap drink and some lively conversation with the regulars.Jimmy's Corner
Jimmy's Corner
McGarry's is a cozy Irish pub with a laid-back atmosphere. The bartenders are friendly and the drinks are reasonably priced, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The pub also has a great selection of pub food, including their famous shepherd's pie. If you're looking for a taste of Ireland in the midst of Hell's Kitchen, this is the place to go.McGarry's
McGarry's
Valhalla is a beer lover's dream come true. With over 40 craft beers on tap and a constantly rotating selection, this bar is a must-visit for any beer aficionado. The cozy and dimly-lit atmosphere adds to the charm of this hidden gem in Hell's Kitchen. They also have a small outdoor seating area, perfect for enjoying a cold one on a warm summer evening.Valhalla
Valhalla
Playwright Irish Pub is another popular spot for a taste of Ireland in Hell's Kitchen. The pub has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with live music and traditional Irish food on the menu. They also have a great selection of Irish whiskeys and beers to choose from. It's the perfect spot for a casual night out with friends or a cozy date night.Playwright Irish Pub
Playwright Irish Pub
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Smith's Bar is a neighborhood bar with a long history in Hell's Kitchen. It opened its doors in 1954 and has been a go-to spot for locals ever since. The bar has a welcoming and unpretentious vibe, with friendly bartenders and a great selection of drinks. They also have a pool table and a jukebox, adding to the laid-back atmosphere.Smith's Bar
Smith's Bar
The Pony Bar is a popular spot for craft beer lovers. With a constantly rotating selection of over 20 beers on tap, there's always something new to try. The bar also has a great selection of pub food, including their famous tater tots. The atmosphere is lively and the bartenders are knowledgeable about the beers they serve, making it a great spot for beer enthusiasts.The Pony Bar
The Pony Bar
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The Landmark Tavern is a historic bar in Hell's Kitchen that has been serving drinks since 1868. The bar has a cozy and old-fashioned feel, with dark wood furnishings and a fireplace. They also have a great selection of traditional pub food and live music on weekends. It's a great spot to step back in time while enjoying a cold drink.The Landmark Tavern
The Landmark Tavern
The Mean Fiddler is a lively Irish pub with a bustling atmosphere. The bar has a great selection of beers, whiskeys, and cocktails, as well as a menu full of Irish and American favorites. The bar also hosts live music and trivia nights, making it a popular spot for a fun night out with friends.The Mean Fiddler
The Mean Fiddler
Rudy's Bar & Grill is a no-frills dive bar that has been a neighborhood favorite since the 1930s. The bar is known for its cheap drinks and famous hot dogs, which are free with the purchase of a drink. The walls are adorned with quirky decor, making it a fun spot for a laid-back night out with friends.Rudy's Bar & Grill
Rudy's Bar & Grill
The Rum House is a speakeasy-style bar with a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The bar specializes in rum cocktails, but also has a great selection of other drinks. The bartenders are skilled at crafting delicious cocktails and the live jazz music creates the perfect ambiance for a date night or a night out with friends.The Rum House
The Rum House
The Rise of Hell's Kitchen Bars in the 1980s: A Look into the Tyson Era
The 1980s was a time of transformation for Hell's Kitchen, a neighborhood in Manhattan known for its gritty streets and working-class population. This was also the decade that saw the rise of bars in the area, fueled by the booming economy and the influx of young artists, musicians, and actors. But it was the presence of a certain heavyweight boxer that truly put Hell's Kitchen on the map: Mike Tyson.
Tyson, known for his fierce boxing skills and explosive personality, made his home in Hell's Kitchen in the early 1980s. This was a time when the neighborhood was still considered dangerous and rough around the edges, but Tyson saw the potential for growth and development. He opened a boxing gym on 42nd street, attracting a diverse group of individuals from all walks of life to train and socialize together.
But it wasn't just Tyson's gym that drew people to Hell's Kitchen. His larger-than-life persona and celebrity status made him a frequent patron of the local bars, turning them into popular hotspots for locals and tourists alike. These bars, once dark and dingy establishments, were now bustling with energy and excitement thanks to Tyson's presence.
Hell's Kitchen bars became known for their eclectic mix of patrons, with the common thread being a love for good drinks and great company. From dive bars to upscale lounges, there was something for everyone in this vibrant neighborhood. The 1980s saw the emergence of iconic bars such as Rudy's Bar and Grill, known for its cheap beer and free hot dogs, and Flamingo East, a popular spot for drag shows and live music.
But what truly made the Hell's Kitchen bar scene stand out was its sense of community. In a time when the city was facing economic struggles and a rise in crime, the bars in this neighborhood served as a safe haven for many. It was a place where people from different backgrounds could come together and form lasting friendships, all while enjoying a night out on the town.
The impact of Tyson and the bars in Hell's Kitchen during the 1980s cannot be overstated. They not only brought attention and business to the neighborhood, but also helped to shape its reputation as a diverse and welcoming community. Today, Hell's Kitchen is a thriving and sought-after area, with its bars still playing a vital role in its culture and identity.
In conclusion, the 1980s was a defining decade for Hell's Kitchen, and the bars that emerged during this time were a testament to the neighborhood's resilience and spirit. With the help of Mike Tyson and other influential figures, these bars transformed into vibrant and inclusive spaces, solidifying Hell's Kitchen as a must-visit destination in New York City.
