‘ritas: Strong Frozen Margaritas and a Pre-Theater Happy Hour in Hell’s Kitchen
‘ritas is the cocktails-first Mexican corner spot on Ninth Avenue built for the pre-theater rush — seriously strong frozen margaritas in seven flavors, great nachos, and a happy hour where the margs start around $9. Walk-in, laid-back, and exactly what that stretch of Hell’s Kitchen needed.
The happy hour at ‘ritas runs until 7pm.
The deals: Margaritas from around $9 (house margs ~$8), plus taco and draft specials; runs until about 7pm.
About ‘ritas
On the corner of Ninth Avenue and 51st Street, on the Hell’s Kitchen edge of Midtown West, ‘ritas (also known as Rita’s HK) is a sleek, compact mezcal-and-tequila spot serving straightforward, consistently good Mexican — tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and famous nachos — with margaritas as the headline. The drinks are made with fresh lime (never a mix) and come strong, available on the rocks, frozen, and in seven flavors.
The Happy Hour in Detail
Happy hour is the reason to come: margaritas start around $9 (house margs run about $8), with taco and draft specials alongside — regulars cite combinations like a few tacos for $10 and discounted drafts. It runs into the early evening (reported until around 7pm), making it a prime, affordable fuel-up before a Broadway show. Confirm the current days and full window when you go.
What to Order
Start with a margarita — passion fruit is a house favorite, and the cucumber and mango versions get singled out too (the frosé is basically another marg, so pace yourself). On food, the nachos are a must (yes, the Brussels-sprout version), and the tacos deliver: chicken tinga, steak, fish, shrimp, and a standout short-rib taco.
The Space & Vibe
Laid-back, fun, and affordable, with a polished, modern look that leans more mezcal-bar than classic cantina. It’s walk-in only and rarely has a wait, even during the pre-theater rush; grab a sidewalk table when it’s nice or the indoor counter facing the big open windows — both prime for people-watching. Portions come big and arrive fast.
The Midtown Angle
On Ninth Avenue at 51st, ‘ritas is in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen, a short walk from the C/E at 50th St and the Theater District. It’s the easy, strong-margarita-and-nachos move before or after a show — no reservation, no fuss, just a cold frozen marg and a corner seat.
Who It’s For
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| An early dinner | a relaxed table in NoMad |
| Happy-hour bite | the deal: Margaritas from around $9 (house margs ~$8) |
| Groups | works for a table of friends in NoMad |
| A quick one | in and out before a show or a shift |
FAQ
Does ‘ritas have a happy hour?
Yes — margaritas start around $9 (house margs about $8), with taco and draft specials, running into the early evening (reported until around 7pm). Confirm the current days and window when you visit.
Where is ‘ritas?
On the corner of Ninth Avenue and 51st Street, on the Hell’s Kitchen edge of Midtown West, near the C/E at 50th St.
What’s ‘ritas known for?
Strong frozen margaritas in seven flavors (made with fresh lime, never a mix) and standout nachos, including a Brussels-sprout version.
Do they take reservations?
No — it’s walk-in only, but there’s rarely a wait, even during the pre-theater rush.
Happy hour details verified June 2026. Times change — confirm with the venue.