Forty Four & Ten Hells Kitchen

(212) 977-1170

622 10th Ave
New York, NY 10036 40.7612 -73.9942

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Neighborhoods: Clinton, Midtown

44ANDX.COM

Price:

$$$$

Last updated 1.24.11

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Romantic Dining, Quiet, Brunch, Outdoor Dining, Theater District Dining, Date Spot

Cuisine:

New American, Traditional American

Smoking Permitted:

No

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About Forty Four & Ten Hells Kitchen

Featured Review

Katie Heffernan

Contributor

The Scene – A New England beach house has run ashore in Hell's Kitchen, with uptown residents and in-the-know theatergoers drifting in for an evening of casual class. Warm, sandy hues wash over the lofty, low-lit space and its classic white-painted woods--though the full transporting effect is marred by hit-or-miss service and glass walls exposing gas station scenery. – – The Food – Conjuring that seaside vacation are diet-spoiling comfort foods--with the same high hotel price tags. Start off right with thick, crisp-edged blue crab fritters and the sweet persimmon…

Editor's Tips

Look Good:
Secure 6pm reservations for the perfectly secret pre-theater meal--though as expensive as any theater district spot, it flies under the radar on 10th Avenue.
When to Go:
Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, 11:30am-2:30pm.
Where to Sit:
In summertime, diners can ease into a quaint sidewalk patio lined with leafy trellises.
ambiance
96.66999816894531% positive
  1. “The ambience is so nice and the food is always top of the line.”
  2. “The ambiance felt warm.”
  3. “The ambiance is great, the menu spectacular (you have such a hard time choosing), and the food great (albeit a bit too rich).”
  4. “The food was a delicious as ever, the waitstaff was attentive and the ambiance was laid back and relaxing.”
  5. “The decor was interesting, but didn't make up for the view of the gas station across the street.”
  6. “Oh, and the staff is always very helpful and super fun to look at!”
  7. “We loved the decor, even the bathrooms had ambience with candles and beautiful flowers.”
  8. “Wonderful food, atmosphere”
  9. “cannot wait to go back and try the other menu items, Great place for a romantic, relaxed date.”
  10. “True, the service is excellent -- really friendly and the decor is stylish especially for this part of town.”
  11. “You can peacfully enjoy your company and delectable meal in a more relaxed atmosphere & striking setting.”
  12. “The only bad thing is the view--there's a big ugly gas station across the street.”
  13. “Cute, fun neighborhood restaurant with excellent service and food.”
  14. “Great wine by the glass list (get the Pinot Noir) as well as fun coctail inventions mix with this eclectic and immaculate gem of a hotspot!”
  15. “this has become one of my favorite spots to hang out at the bar and drink martinis, not only because the atmosphere is energetic and lively, but also becasue the staff are so friendly.”
dessert
100.0% positive
  1. “had to dive into the delish creme brulee (served with a star sugar cookie).”
  2. “We had an almond cake desert with fresh berries & figs that was out of this world.”
  3. “got dessert too which was good but I couldn't stop thinking about the pork dish.”
drinks
88.88999938964844% positive
  1. “this has become one of my favorite spots to hang out at the bar and drink martinis, not only because the atmosphere is energetic and lively, but also becasue the staff are so friendly.”
  2. “Great wine by the glass list (get the Pinot Noir) as well as fun coctail inventions mix with this eclectic and immaculate gem of a hotspot!”
  3. “Service was pretty good w/a friendly young waitress (though I had to ask twice for my drink after having ordered it.”
  4. “We left so content and high on the good food and wine that you better believe we'll be back!”
  5. “The drinks were good but overpriced.”
  6. “The wait staff is friendly, cute, attentive and I've never gone without something to drink--the service is right on!”
  7. “I've been to 44 & X a few times, each time a very pleasing experience -- good drinks, atmoshpere and decent eats -- that I used to recommend it to others.”
  8. “Their cocktails are consistently excellent.”
  9. “After 20 minutes were able to order a bottle of wine and asked for water - 20 minutes later the water appeared.”
food quality
85.34000396728516% positive
  1. “Very good food, nicely presented.”
  2. “Short ribs bested my previous favorite at Dylan Prime, and the blue salad was perhaps the best I've had.”
  3. “Cute, fun neighborhood restaurant with excellent service and food.”
  4. “That was the most amazing meal.”
  5. “Fish was like rubber, the sauce overwhelming.”
  6. “It's been about a year since we've eaten at 44&X...we were longtime patrons of Tenth Avenue Lounge, the precursor of this restaurant, and always enjoyed a nice meal if we found ourselves on the west, west side.”
  7. “The food and service were excellent.”
  8. “The food was hit-or-miss: the monkfish was tough, the salad wasn't bad, the cheese in the mac-and-cheese was grainy.”
  9. “Btw, food wasn't impressive.”
  10. “The wedge salad is delicious.”
  11. “and the food is good too!”
  12. “food is excellent and waiter was pleasant.”
  13. “had the crispy bass with mussel reduction sauce.”
  14. “The owners have done a great job of picking the best dishes and servers to make any meal one to remember.”
  15. “absolutely LOVE the scallop appetizer, and the filet mignon is first rate for a main dish.”
  16. “got dessert too which was good but I couldn't stop thinking about the pork dish.”
  17. “so refreshing, the chopped salad and my all-time favorite comfort dish when I want to treat myself is the filet mignon always cooked to perfection.”
  18. “My boyfriend really liked his fried chicken, but hated the Philipe Starck looking chairs.”
  19. “None of the flavors melded with each other, the scallops and chicken were overcooked while the vegetable were practically raw (and not in a good sense).”
  20. “We also ordered the lemon pepper chicken over divine mashed taters!”
  21. “The food is fresh and creative.”
  22. “We had an almond cake desert with fresh berries & figs that was out of this world.”
  23. “have never had a bad meal there!”
  24. “Great service, diverse menu and the food was silly good.”
  25. “When the steak arrived -35 min later the potatoes were freezing cold!”
  26. “The ambiance is great, the menu spectacular (you have such a hard time choosing), and the food great (albeit a bit too rich).”
  27. “The waiting staff was so friendly, and food was imaginitive and included comfort food.”
  28. “The Filet Mignon was one of the best I have has in years and it followed a unique and tasty lobster taco.”
  29. “All in all, it was a lovely experience sitting outdoors and enjoying the weather and good food.”
  30. “The food was mediocre and not fresh.”
  31. “the food is quite delish, and i haven't had anything i didn't like.”
  32. “The brunch food was pretty good.”
  33. “Wonderful food, atmosphere”
  34. “However, don't botther getting OJ - it's not fresh and whatever they serve tastes pretty bad.”
  35. “The food is great and people come back over and over but only for the friendly staff who make this place worth visiting.”
  36. “Table had the fabulous, unique meatloaf, to-die-for halibut and the chicken.”
  37. “Your food is very good but I will not be coming back.”
  38. “started with the lobster taco which I have to say was delicious.”
  39. “The food was a delicious as ever, the waitstaff was attentive and the ambiance was laid back and relaxing.”
  40. “was telling my friend that I have never taken a bit of something at this restaurant that wasn't delicious.”
  41. “We left so content and high on the good food and wine that you better believe we'll be back!”
  42. “You can peacfully enjoy your company and delectable meal in a more relaxed atmosphere & striking setting.”
  43. “And the friend chicken with waffles is artery clogging good.”
  44. “Our friends also seemed to enjoy their food.”
  45. “My salmon tartare app was delicious and spicy as advertised.”
  46. “live right up the block and my family, friends and I go as often as we can to catch up and enjoy a spectacular, always delicious meal together.”
  47. “The ambience is so nice and the food is always top of the line.”
  48. “The food (I had the special which was some delicious monkfish) was superb.”
  49. “The cranberry and walnut mini-muffins are delicious!”
  50. “had to dive into the delish creme brulee (served with a star sugar cookie).”
  51. “Terrible food and VERY rude waitress.”
  52. “very odd considering how most restaurants will either try to bring you a different dish or do something nice when you end up with a bad meal.”
  53. “great food poor service”
  54. “Good food and great service as long as you can stand the management”
  55. “Try the mac&cheese, but if you're only a party of 2, order the app, the main course is a lot of food.”
  56. “The last time I went for dinner, they had changed their menu slightly (but of course keeping all the best meals from the original menu) so I am super excited to try some more of their dishes.”
  57. “the food isn't spectacular, but I have yet to be disappointed in anything I've been served, and there's a definite attempt by the kitchen to keep the menu fresh and interesting.”
  58. “beautifully designed space, fabulous food, attentive staff, outdoor dining, and the best part.”
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. “Great service, diverse menu and the food was silly good.”
  2. “The ambiance is great, the menu spectacular (you have such a hard time choosing), and the food great (albeit a bit too rich).”
  3. “The last time I went for dinner, they had changed their menu slightly (but of course keeping all the best meals from the original menu) so I am super excited to try some more of their dishes.”
  4. “the food isn't spectacular, but I have yet to be disappointed in anything I've been served, and there's a definite attempt by the kitchen to keep the menu fresh and interesting.”
  5. “He was perfectly attentive--and when asked he gave us great menu”
  6. “cannot wait to go back and try the other menu items, Great place for a romantic, relaxed date.”
overall
100.0% positive
  1. “It's a great place to take any sort of group--there is something for everyone.”
  2. “It's a great place to eat outdoors in the nice weather, especially for their wonderful Sunday Brunch.”
  3. “good place for a casual dinner with friends.”
  4. “This is a great place to go if you're looking for some different twists on traditional American fare.”
  5. “loooove 44 & X. It has been my favorite restaurant ever since I moved to the city back in 2001.”
  6. “The food is great and people come back over and over but only for the friendly staff who make this place worth visiting.”
  7. “birthday - guess that's a good indicator as to the mood of the place; that is if you're going for the hip birthday thing.”
  8. “I't sabsolutley my favorite restaurant.”
return potential
100.0% positive
  1. “cannot wait to go back and try the other menu items, Great place for a romantic, relaxed date.”
  2. “OVerall, I like the place and would go back.”
  3. “We left so content and high on the good food and wine that you better believe we'll be back!”
  4. “The food is great and people come back over and over but only for the friendly staff who make this place worth visiting.”
service
76.31999969482422% positive
  1. “The service is slow, VERY SLOW.”
  2. “Cute, fun neighborhood restaurant with excellent service and food.”
  3. “still hadn't arrived when appetizers were served) and an attentive bus staff.”
  4. “The staff is very friendly and attentive.”
  5. “thought the servers were great; very friendly and attentive.”
  6. “Great service, diverse menu and the food was silly good.”
  7. “True, the service is excellent -- really friendly and the decor is stylish especially for this part of town.”
  8. “The hostess was friendly and accommodating.”
  9. “He was perfectly attentive--and when asked he gave us great menu”
  10. “The wait staff is friendly, cute, attentive and I've never gone without something to drink--the service is right on!”
  11. “have always been seated promptly, and the service, while a bit slow is nonetheless friendly.”
  12. “after reading the reviews, i was apprehensive about our experience, but the waiter was so attentive, asking if we had a show, hurrying our order to ensure it was timely.”
  13. “due to the lack of good service.”
  14. “beautifully designed space, fabulous food, attentive staff, outdoor dining, and the best part.”
  15. “During my visit, the host was unbelievably rude and arrogant.”
  16. “Good food and great service as long as you can stand the management”
  17. “food is excellent and waiter was pleasant.”
  18. “THE worst service EVER!”
  19. “We had an excellent table outside and it was a beutiful evening, The waiter was friendly and attentive.”
  20. “echo the other City Search reviews regarding the poor customer service at this restaurant.”
  21. “Oh, and the staff is always very helpful and super fun to look at!”
  22. “We wanted to bring this to the waiters attention- but she was too busy gossiping w/ the host/ess - terrible service - not once came to see if all ok!”
  23. “this has become one of my favorite spots to hang out at the bar and drink martinis, not only because the atmosphere is energetic and lively, but also becasue the staff are so friendly.”
  24. “only concern is the service as the server could have been more attentive.”
  25. “The waiting staff was so friendly, and food was imaginitive and included comfort food.”
  26. “The food is great and people come back over and over but only for the friendly staff who make this place worth visiting.”
  27. “great food poor service”
  28. “Rudest staff on the planet, and way too expensive.”
  29. “This is one of the most genuinely friendly restaurants I've ever been to in NYC!”
  30. “Was greeted and seated promptly with friendly service.”
  31. “Service was pretty good w/a friendly young waitress (though I had to ask twice for my drink after having ordered it.”
  32. “The food was a delicious as ever, the waitstaff was attentive and the ambiance was laid back and relaxing.”
  33. “We were finally seated and our waiter was attentive and friendly.”
  34. “The waiters are very fab, Chelsea boyish, but not snobbish, who offer friendly and professional service.”
  35. “The food and service were excellent.”
  36. “Terrible food and VERY rude waitress.”
  37. “Sure, sometimes the service is slow, but name a good restaurant in New York that doesn't have the same problem?”
  38. “The owners have done a great job of picking the best dishes and servers to make any meal one to remember.”
value
62.5% positive
  1. “The drinks were good but overpriced.”
  2. “The food is great and people come back over and over but only for the friendly staff who make this place worth visiting.”
  3. “Rudest staff on the planet, and way too expensive.”
  4. “have to say the salads were wonderful (expecially the fennel with truffle vinaigrette) and the mac and cheese was to die for, honestly though, not worth it.”
wait time
70.0% positive
  1. “have always been seated promptly, and the service, while a bit slow is nonetheless friendly.”
  2. “Sure, sometimes the service is slow, but name a good restaurant in New York that doesn't have the same problem?”
  3. “Good food and great service as long as you can stand the management”
  4. “After 20 minutes were able to order a bottle of wine and asked for water - 20 minutes later the water appeared.”
  5. “The service is slow, VERY SLOW.”
2 Star Rating: Below Average

02/02/11

Didn't set proper expectations

by jojoweaver123

Food was good + our waiter was super nice, but it would've been better if someone had told us the restaurant was about to close between lunch + dinner....(we were wondering why it was so quiet!). So, we had a long, leisurely lunch, which we probably wouldn't have done if we knew they were trying to get ready for the next shift, and then at the end of the meal, the busboy made it VERY clear that he wanted us OUT! he was sweeping next to our feet, giving us dirty looks, and me + my dining companion were kindof laughing about the outright rudeness + figured he had just gotten up on the wrong side of the bed/had no manners, and then when i asked him NOT to take away my half finished cup of tea, he set it loudly on the table and growled that they closed 45 minutes ago.

We told our waiter what happened, and he was nice / apologetic about it, and it wasn't his fault, but the stone cold dirty looks we got from the busboy on the way out were disconcerting to say the least. will probably not go back there unless i'm real hard up for food in hell's kitchen.

oh, and the food was hit/miss: the chicken quesadilla was super good tho. very chicken-y, not drowned in cheese, and was a perfect thing to split before the main course. the caesar salad wasn't so great; the dressing tasted like a bad version of honey mustard, not caesar.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

06/08/10

Poor service

by CSMobileUser2

THE worst service EVER!!! Not accomadating at all. Waiter told me I can't substitute goat cheese for feta.. Ok, no big deal, but when my friend asked to have dressing on the side, waiter said they can't do that? What the hells (kitchen)? That is so simple and they can't do that? Btw, food wasn't impressive.

3 Star Rating: Average

06/02/09

Great food and hot boys!

Contributor

We take f eryone for the filet mignon! Incredible!

1 Star Rating: Poor

12/21/08

Incredibly disappointed

by outofthebloo

I came here a last week on a Saturday night. I had a reservation and was told it would be just a few minutes and the next table was mine. Unfortunately someone who appeared to know the owner (and who I overheard didn't have a reservation) was given my table. The hostess was lovely and apologized even though I knew it wasn't her fault. We were finally seated and our waiter was attentive and friendly. Our drinks came promptly and were delicious. Our table shared the crabcake and quesadilla, which was a bit rubbery. Our entrees were better. My filet was perfectly cooked. My husband's lemon sole was light and flakey. Our friends also seemed to enjoy their food. The low point of the evening came when the owner was walking around, and stopped at our table to see how things were. He had clearly been drinking, was slurring his words, and couldn't take the hint that we had no interest in talking to him. He finally stopped bothering us after 10 minutes of painful small talk. We had the chocolate souffle for dessert, and it was as good as everyone says.

Overall, the food and service were probably 3.5 stars, but I advise everyone not to go there. Don't give that man any of your hard earned money. He needs lessons in customer satisfaction.

  • Pros: Service, Food, Hostess
  • Cons: OWNER
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

12/09/08

Best Tenth Avenue restaurant featuring Reinvented American Classics.

by YvettePo

I loooove 44 & X. It has been my favorite restaurant ever since I moved to the city back in 2001. I live right up the block and my family, friends and I go as often as we can to catch up and enjoy a spectacular, always delicious meal together. I have never had a bad meal there! Never. My favorites are the crab fritter (YUM- I can taste it right now!), the burger with THE BEST fries ever, the wedge...so refreshing, the chopped salad and my all-time favorite comfort dish when I want to treat myself is the filet mignon always cooked to perfection. The short ribs are also delish and so delicate they just melt in your mouth. And don't even get me started on the desserts...the chocolate souffle is to-die-for. No joke. And I'm not even a fan of chocolate! Anytime I bring a new person, he/she is very happy with me. It's perfect for a first date too!

The last time I went for dinner, they had changed their menu slightly (but of course keeping all the best meals from the original menu) so I am super excited to try some more of their dishes. Definitely order a side of the fries or mac 'n cheese for the table, you will not be disappointed. And if it's brunch, go for the French toast for the table...it's a feast both for your eyes and stomach.

So if you are in the neighborhood or at the theater, make a reservation at 44 & X...I'll be the dark-haired girl with a big smile on her face and the filet on her plate. :o)

Oh, and the staff is always very helpful and super fun to look at! The owners have done a great job of picking the best dishes and servers to make any meal one to remember.

The Details on Forty Four & Ten Hells Kitchen

Place Categories:

  • great brunch food
  • great place
  • excellent great service
  • attentive wait staff
  • friendly waiter
  • worst experience
  • slow customer service
  • favorite restaurant
  • silly good diverse menu
  • delicious wedge salad
  • really liked fried chicken
  • favorite spot
  • unique lobster taco
  • good drinks
  • more attentive servers
  • delicious salmon tartare app
  • mediocre food
  • fabulous unique meatloaf
  • great ambiance
  • warm maine lobster crab cakes
  • delicate short ribs
  • worst dining
  • recommend highly
  • not so friendly rudest staff
  • always enjoyed nice meal
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