Restaurant Row in Hell’s Kitchen is indisputably one of the most iconic and vibrant culinary destinations in New York City, offering an unparalleled blend of diverse cuisines, rich history and a lively atmosphere that captures the essence of the city’s gastronomic spirit. Since the opening of Barbetta in 1906, this distinctive mixed-use block has been a one-of-a-kind destination for dining; the kind of singularly charming place that makes us love New York City.
W46th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues was home to 16 restaurants when Mayor John V Lindsay officially named the block “Restaurant Row” in 1973, and today it boasts 35 establishments ranging from elegant upscale menus to casual grab-and-go fare. This eclectic mix of eateries and nightlife venues is a popular destination for pre- and post-theater goers and Hell’s Kitchen residents alike.
Five years ago, as New Yorkers began to emerge from lockdown during the height of the COVID-19 crisis, Restaurant Row was among the first streets to be designated as an “Open Street,” transforming it into a traffic-free zone devoted to outdoor dining and pedestrians. It was a big hit. Like a European piazza, Restaurant Row came alive with diners seated at outdoor tables, and lively music filling the air as people strolled along the block (and even danced if the mood struck them).
Several months later, out of necessity, Restaurant Row reopened to cars and trucks to accommodate hotels and other businesses that requested vehicle access, ending the vibrant scene of a pedestrianized Restaurant Row. It was disheartening to lose the special atmosphere that had defined this unique moment.
We can balance the needs of all. Restaurant Row can and should be returned to a pedestrian-friendly block that opens the roadway to people once again. As the city continues to reconsider and reimagine our streets as spaces for people, Restaurant Row presents a perfect opportunity for a true “shared street” – one that balances a great pedestrian and outdoor dining experience with limited vehicular access, all while respecting resident quality of life.
Shared streets elsewhere, like on parts of Broadway in Midtown and the Flatiron, feature design elements that slow cars and allow all people equal use of the public space. Vehicles are slowed to five miles per hour, but are still allowed to make essential deliveries, pick-ups and drop-offs. This also allows pedestrians to have increased sidewalk space and to walk, dine, or simply connect with neighbors.
A one-of-a-kind street deserves a one-of-a-kind design. It’s not enough to merely paint the roadway a different color and call it a “shared street.” The roadway should be raised to sidewalk level, and the curb should be extended from one side to the other, to create a single plaza. The design would still allow for necessary vehicular traffic while creating a more cohesive and enjoyable experience for residents, pedestrians and diners.
As we approach 2026, the Times Square district has been consistently seeing hundreds of thousands of daily pedestrians – well above average foot traffic counts in pre-pandemic years. Even so, many businesses are struggling to make ends meet. We have the opportunity to usher in a prosperous new era for Restaurant Row by creating a world-class shared street that enhances the experience for both visitors and residents alike.
We are excited to work with our restaurateurs, local residents, Community Board 4, the Department of Transportation and other stakeholders to craft a plan that works for all. An institution like Restaurant Row and a neighborhood like Hell’s Kitchen deserve nothing less.