Hellbender

Hellbender Nighttime Cafe Opens From Rolo’s With Queso and Margaritas | Eater NY

"Opening Feb. 29 in Ridgewood at 68-22 Forest Avenue (at 68th Road), this nighttime cafe is a cocktail bar first and foremost, and I find the brief food menu rises above typical late-night drunchies: a chamoy plate where Herrera’s house-made chamoy drips over shards of Asian pear and daikon (not jicama), Oaxacan fried cheese sticks served with tomatillo salsa, a shrimp cocktail with Clamato, pico de gallo and a tostada, a fried tilefish sandwich oozing with cilantro mayo, and a likely bestseller—the volcanic choriqueso served on a cast-iron platter with corn tortillas sourced from Sobre Masa—along with chips and salsa and other bites. Tony Milici’s cocktail list centers on margaritas (including a spicy strawberry with strawberry brandy and tajín and one with mezcal and green chartreuse), offers 'freezer cold' drinks like the Cocorac (coconut-washed rye and rum, palm sugar, absinthe, coconut water), mixed drinks such as the Henny Colada, plus nonalcoholic agua frescas; the team says they’re channeling the 'inner child of a tacky margarita bar.' The vibe is intentionally casual and izakaya-like—no reservations, order at the counter—and it’s set up as a late-night hangout under a life-sized stuffed jaguar; they’re currently open until 2 a.m. with food until midnight, Herrera is joining as a partner and executive chef for the first time, and the team hopes to someday extend hours and remain open on Mondays to welcome industry folks and people on their way home from work." - Emma Orlow