I will be doing the "Dirt Poor" visit to Manhattan. I can't afford plays or fancy dining, I'm thinking more along the lines of "Pay what you can" night at MOMA, and the Staten Island Ferry view of Liberty Island.

I've got a hostel room booked in an area called Hell's Kitchen. What is this area like? I've heard that it's an ethnically mixed area, but not sure which ethnicities are represented. Are there any restaurants or bars there that an urban gal wouldn't mind hanging out in?

I won't spend all my time there, I promise.

Hell's Kitchen? never heard of it, sounds a little ominious, or maybe just very very hot. good luck!

Hell's Kitchen is a geographic area of NYC. I think the name is historic reference to a large Irish population and "gangs" but that would go back to Prohibition. Mohanhan (spelling?) was the district's Congressional representative.

Several years ago we took a walking tour of the area and it seemed to be in the process of gentrification. As I recall it would be an easy walk to the Village and/or Broadway area.

Search the NYC web sites for restaurants in the area.

Hell's kitchen is actually in midtown, very close to the theatre district, and is not as bad as the name implies at all. In fact, it's kinda trendy, and has lots of restaurants in the area.

Hell's Kitchen (particularly 9th Ave. between the 40s and 50s) has gone by that name for decades, at least, though about ten years ago, some started calling it Clinton--apparently, visitors might be frightened off. (I wonder why.) In recent years, it's become a good spot for cheap/moderate eats & drinks. It is very mixed ethnically--everything from incredible Greek & Italian specialty food shops to Latin American groceries.

Actually, there are some good restaurants and bars along there--everything from American comfort food (terrific burgers at Mercury Lounge) to good Greek food (Uncle Nick's) to an array of small Thai & Vietnamese restaurants. Zanzibar is a fairly cool little lounge/bar. The don't-miss eating is Amy's Bread at 9th Ave. and 45th St. They're open from early morning till around seven p.m.(I think--you should double check). There are sandwiches during the day, but the breads and pastries are famous.

And definitely head down to The Cupcake Café at 9th and 40th (or 39th, I can't remember off the top of my head). The name says it all--cupcakes are their thing. The room is TINY and cramped; duck in for a cupcake to go.

Have a great time, and pick up a copy of Time Out New York at any newstand when you arrive. They have better listings than the Village Voice, with lots of free/very cheap events. Also, if you're coming to the city during the summer, check out the free concerts & events at Summerstage in Central Park, as well as the free Shakespeare in the Park performances (though you'll spend a morning in line waiting for tix to Shakespeare).

Enjoy!

CP,

Also note that the Metropolitan Museum of Art, while having posted admissions prices, officially has donation-based admissions. So if you say "this is what I can afford," they won't turn you away.

I don't know if I would live in Clinton/formerly hell's kitchen but for a hostel stay for a vacation, I wouldn't worry. There are some nice restaurants around and midtown Manhattan is getting so expensive that areas like Clinton are getting better, not worse. Have a good time.

We just got back from NY. While on the Circle Line cruise around Manhattan we were told that this area is called Hell's Kitchen because of the summer heat. Apparently at some point in its history someone commented that the area was "hot as hell." Whomever he was talking to answered, "It's hot as hell's kitchen" and the name stuck. I'm sorry that I cannot remember who these comments were attributed to, but maybe someone else out there knows more.

As far as cheap things to do, try standby tickets for any of the TV show tapings--they're all free, but you'll have to stand in line. Check the shows' individual websites for info.

Caitlin's right about the Met. Museum of Art. If you give them a dollar, you'll get in. We found the Museum of American History also had only a suggested price, so you can pay whatever you want if you're interested in going there.

Travel by subway or bus using the Metrocard. It's $17 for 7 days of unlimited rides. We only used the bus once--the subway was much faster.

Also, one of the best meals we had while there was from a neighborhood Chinese takeout place. (We were on the Upper West Side, but these Chinese places are in about every neighborhood.) We paid $8.95 for two meals with beverages and even had leftovers for breakfast. The place looked awful, but boy could they cook!

Have a great time!!