Hellbender
Esquire Best New Restaurants #25
Our verdict
Hellbender is a Mexican-American restaurant and margarita bar in Ridgewood, Queens. Its published menu spans Oaxacan cheese, mushroom esquites, chicken milanesa and lamb barbacoa; brunch Friday through Sunday is also offered.
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- Address
- 68-22 Forest Ave, Queens, NY 11385
- Hours
- Mon 5–10 PMTue ClosedWed–Thu 5–10 PMFri–Sat 11 AM–3 PM, 5–11 PMSun 11 AM–3 PM, 5–10 PM
- Website
- hellbendernyc.com
- Directions
- Get directions
- Booking
- Book on Resy
The menu
What to order
- Masa pancakes
- Crispy lamb tacos
- Fried Oaxacan cheese
- Squash blossom quesadilla
Hellbender is a Mexican-American restaurant and margarita bar on Forest Avenue in Ridgewood, Queens. The menu is specific: fried Oaxacan cheese, oyster-mushroom esquites and skirt steak with guacachile share space with arctic char in creamed-corn mole. Margaritas come by the glass or pitcher.
Mexican-American cooking across dinner and brunch
The dinner menu moves from snacks and crudo to larger plates such as chicken milanesa with morita chile and lamb shank barbacoa. Brunch Friday through Sunday adds dishes including soft-scrambled egg tostada, masa pancakes and chilaquiles. The menu changes, but corn, chile, salsa and seafood appear in several forms rather than one fixed taco format.
Planning the stop
Hellbender is at 68-22 Forest Avenue, at Forest Avenue and 68th Road. It serves dinner and drinks on most evenings and lists brunch Friday through Sunday. Check its current hours and menu before visiting.
Frequently asked questions
Does Hellbender serve brunch?
Yes. The restaurant currently lists brunch Friday through Sunday, 11 AM–3 PM, plus dinner on six evenings. Tuesday is closed. Reservations are available through Resy, and some seats are held for walk-ins.
Who cooks at Hellbender?
Chef Yara Herrera leads the Mexican-American menu at this Ridgewood restaurant.
Cuisine and Recognition
Comparable venues nearby, for context on price, style, and recognition.
| Venue | Cuisine | Price | Awards | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HellbenderThis venue — the venue you are viewing | Mexican-American | Not listed | Esquire Best New Restaurants #25 | Not listed |
| El Paso Taqueria | Authentic Mexican Taqueria | $20–30 | Not listed | East Harlem (South) |
| Mole | Authentic Mexican Bar & Grill | $20–30 | Not listed | Williamsburg |
| La Esquina | Modern Mexican Brasserie | Not listed | Not listed | Midtown-Times Square |
| Taqueria On Tenth | Upscale Mexican Taqueria | $30–50 | Not listed | Chelsea-Hudson Yards |
| The Creek & The Cave | California-style Mexican | Not listed | Not listed | Long Island City-Hunters Point |
Recognition history
Dated appearances from independent guides and award organizations, with the underlying list record or original source where available.
New York Times Best Restaurants in New York City #58
New York Times
Esquire Best New Restaurants #25
Esquire
Full recognition history (3 entries)
New York Times Best Restaurants in New York City
New York Times
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Details
- Lively
- Trendy
- Cozy
- Date Night
- Casual Hangout
- Brunch
- Open Kitchen
- Craft Cocktails
- Local Sourcing
- A La Carte
- Small Plates
- Margaritas
- Tequila
- Mezcal
Current opening hours
- Monday
- 5–10 PM
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Wednesday
- 5–10 PM
- Thursday
- 5–10 PM
- Friday
- 11 AM–3 PM, 5–11 PM
- Saturday
- 11 AM–3 PM, 5–11 PM
- Sunday
- 11 AM–3 PM, 5–10 PM
Hours can change for holidays and private events. Last verified .
Fun and lively atmosphere with louder than normal music, cozy corner setting, and lively energy ideal for dates or group hangouts.