Skip to main content
    La Fête du ChampagneUp to 18% off
    New York · Oct 14–17Chicago · Oct 22–24
    Pearl app wordmark
    Join
    Hellbender, Restaurant in New York City
    Restaurant320Points
    New York Times 2026Esquire 2024

    Hellbender

    Modern Mexican-American · Ridgewood, New York City

    Restaurant in New York City, United States

    SaveMark VisitedBook with Pearl

    The Read

    Queens Dinner Room

    Dress

    Casual

    Why go

    Hellbender is a Ridgewood choice for Mexican-American dinner, margaritas or brunch Friday through Sunday. Resy reservations are available, and the restaurant keeps some room for walk-ins.

    About Hellbender

    Choose Hellbender when you want a Mexican-American dinner or brunch Friday through Sunday in Ridgewood, with a cocktail list built around margaritas. It is on the corner of Forest Avenue and 68th Road. The current menu offers an easy way in: oyster-mushroom esquites or fried Oaxacan cheese to start, then chicken milanesa, skirt steak or lamb shank barbacoa.

    How to plan it

    Dinner and drinks run on most evenings; brunch is listed for the weekend. The restaurant accepts Resy reservations and says it holds space for walk-ins. A reservation is useful for a fixed schedule, while the walk-in policy gives more room for a spontaneous stop.

    What the menu tells you

    Hellbender’s Mexican-American approach spans corn, chile and salsa across snacks, mains and brunch dishes. For a first visit, pair one of the smaller plates with a larger dish rather than assuming the menu is a single-style taco list. Check current dishes and hours before setting out.

    The takeHellbender works well for casual evenings when you want thoughtful cooking without ceremony: neighborhood dinners, low-key date nights, or drinks after work. Its dual restaurant-and-bar format makes it a reliable pick for groups who want both shareable plates and stronger bar energy in the same room. The menu’s mix of snackable items and larger savory dishes also makes it a natural brunch and weekend lunch destination for local crowds. In short, it’s suited to occasions that prize honest, well-executed food in a relaxed, convivial environment.
    Venue detailsLocal Sourcing
    Know before you goBefore you book
    Recognition and awards2 sources
    Explore New York CityNearby

    Planning details

    Location
    68-22 Forest Ave, Queens, NY 11385
    Reservations
    Book on Resy
    Website
    hellbendernyc.com
    Around this placeMore Pearl picks
    The take

    The Take

    The Vibe

    Hellbender feels like a neighborhood restaurant that leans into both bar and dining-room identities. It is run by chefs with formal training who choose Ridgewood for lower overhead and a local audience, so the cooking is careful without the trappings of white-tablecloth service. The room reads as warm and relaxed rather than formal — a place where thoughtful Mexican-flavored dishes land in an unpretentious setting. Recognition such as inclusion on Esquire's Leading New Restaurants list underlines that the kitchen's approach is considered, even as the experience prioritizes accessibility and a comfortable, neighborhood rhythm.

    Best For

    Hellbender works well for casual evenings when you want thoughtful cooking without ceremony: neighborhood dinners, low-key date nights, or drinks after work. Its dual restaurant-and-bar format makes it a reliable pick for groups who want both shareable plates and stronger bar energy in the same room. The menu’s mix of snackable items and larger savory dishes also makes it a natural brunch and weekend lunch destination for local crowds. In short, it’s suited to occasions that prize honest, well-executed food in a relaxed, convivial environment.

    Ordering Tips

    Focus on the signatures: masa pancakes and squash blossom quesadilla highlight the kitchen’s use of traditional masa and seasonal produce, while crispy lamb tacos and fried Oaxacan cheese showcase the more savory, bar-friendly side of the menu. Given the restaurant-bar format, expect a mix of snackable and full dishes — order several smaller items to share and pair with a beverage at the bar. The menu rewards sampling, so pick a few contrasting plates to get a sense of the kitchen’s range and technique.

    Venue details

    Ambiance

    Fun and lively atmosphere with louder than normal music, cozy corner setting, and vibrant energy ideal for dates or group hangouts.

    Tags

    Vibe

    LivelyTrendyCozy

    Best For

    Date NightCasual HangoutBrunch

    Experience

    Open Kitchen

    Sourcing

    Local Sourcing

    At the Table

    Dress Code
    Casual
    Noise Level
    Lively
    Service Style
    Upscale Casual
    Meal Pacing
    Leisurely
    Capacity
    Small
    Kitchen
    Modern
    Menu Format
    A la carte, Small plates
    Wine Program
    Curated
    Drinks Focus
    Margaritas, Tequila, Mezcal

    Signature Dishes

    • masa pancakes
    • crispy lamb tacos
    • fried Oaxacan cheese
    • squash blossom quesadilla
    Know before you go

    Know Before You Go

    Getting there
    68-22 Forest Ave, Queens, NY 11385
    Planning details

    Location

    68-22 Forest Ave, Queens, NY 11385 · Directions

    hellbendernyc.com

    Book on Resy

    Recognition and awards
    Explore New York City
    Restaurants in New York CityBars in New York CityHotels in New York City
    Around this place
    Read more on Pearl

    Discover more on Pearl

    Unlock the full Hellbender guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.

    Get Exclusive Access
    FAQ

    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.