Hellbender
Queens
Hellbender is a celebrated Mexican-American restaurant and bar in Ridgewood, Queens, featuring a relaxed ambiance and vibrant cocktails like spicy rhubarb and coconut margaritas. The kitchen is most famous for chef Yara Herrera's cast-iron-griddled heirloom masa pancakes topped with spiced butter, which anchor an acclaimed brunch menu. Standout savory dinner items include sizzling head-on prawns in habanero pineapple butter, skirt steak, fried Oaxacan cheese, and tender Al Pastor ribs.
Commenters generally share intense excitement for Hellbender's viral heirloom corn masa pancakes and striking food presentation, with several comparing the flavors favorably to dining in Mexico City. While local Queens residents playfully gatekeep the spot to protect it from crowds and gentrification, occasional viewers expressed disappointment compared to classic NYC pancake staples. Aside from brunch, dishes like the shrimp and rice sides received dedicated praise.
- Order the viral heirloom corn masa pancakes with spiced butter for brunch.
- Try the Al Pastor ribs and the prawns in habanero pineapple butter for dinner.
- Sample creative cocktails like the spicy rhubarb or coconut margaritas.
- Don't miss savory starters like the fried Oaxacan cheese and aguachile.
- Finish your meal with the soaked tres leches cake or rotating daily jello.
Summaries are created based on reviews, notes, and social media posts.
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