I live in the heart of Manhattan in the theater district better known as Hell’s Kitchen. A favorite hang out of mine is the Hourglass Tavern, located on West 46th just in from the corner of Ninth Avenue. The tavern is a cozy NYC restaurant and bar on three floors. The first floor is solely a restaurant with about 10 tables. The second floor is primarily a bar with a few tables for dining and the third floor is also for dining and has a small bar. You can order from a Pre-fix menu or ala carte. There is also a bar menu on the second floor. The food is home cooked and very good. It ranges from ravioli to surf and turf and there are always mouth watering specials. I especially like to order Quatro, which is four different types of spreads on crackers with a drink on the second floor while hanging out with other regulars. The spreads include hummus with olives, mashed lentils with fennel, peas with ricotta, and tomatoes with pine nuts. My favorite is the lentils with fennel.
The owner, Beth, is very gracious and accommodating and makes everyone feel like she is your best friend. She always goes the extra mile to make sure you are getting exactly what you want. The tavern has been on the block known as restaurant row for 30 years but Beth has only owned it for a year. She has made many welcome changes and it is now becoming a favorite with many of the locals like myself.
The bar is open till 4 a.m. and is especially good pre and post theater.
