Happy Hour at Hellbender
Despite the name, Hellbender is not a brewery. It is a Mexican-American restaurant and margarita bar in Ridgewood from chef Yara Herrera, formerly of Momofuku Ko, and it landed on the New York Times list of the 100 best restaurants in NYC. Look for the life-size taxidermied jaguar in a glass case at the back.
The cooking is playful and inventive, from fried Oaxacan cheese to tacos and masa pancakes at weekend brunch, with a wood-heavy bar, blush booths and globe lighting. It has been called a restaurant with the soul of a bar, and the margaritas back that up.
The Happy Hour
Happy hour runs weekdays from 5 to 6:30pm, with the entire menu priced at $10: classic, pineapple and soda margaritas, a glass of rose, a draft Modelo Especial and a non-alcoholic Ghia Sunrise. Outside those hours the margaritas go full price but can be ordered by the pitcher.
The Room
A warm, wood-heavy Ridgewood room with blush booths, globe lighting, a proper margarita bar and a taxidermied jaguar watching over the back.
Who Hellbender Is For
| Occasion | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Margaritas | $10 happy-hour margaritas and pitchers the rest of the night. |
| Date night | Inventive small plates and a moody, low-lit room. |
| Weekend brunch | Masa pancakes and Mexican-American plates Friday through Sunday. |
| Groups | Shareable plates and margaritas by the pitcher suit a table of friends. |
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Hellbender FAQ
Is Hellbender a brewery?
No. It is a Mexican-American restaurant and margarita bar in Ridgewood, Queens, not a brewery or taproom.
Does Hellbender have a happy hour?
Yes. Weekdays from 5 to 6:30pm, everything on the happy-hour list is $10, including margaritas, rose and draft Modelo.
What days is Hellbender open?
Monday and Wednesday through Sunday, with dinner nightly and brunch Friday through Sunday. It is closed Tuesdays.
How do I reach Hellbender?
There is no published phone number; the restaurant takes reservations through Resy and lists info@hellbendernyc.com for contact.
Happy hour times and deals last verified June 2026. Details can change — confirm with Hellbender before visiting for a specific deal.