For years, the far west side of Midtown was a working-class jumble of tenements and food warehouses known as Hell's Kitchen – supposedly its name was muttered by a cop in reaction to a riot in the neighborhood in 1881. A 1990s economic boom seriously altered its character and the area is now best known for its plethora of eateries (especially along Ninth and Tenth Aves between about 37th and 55th Sts) and heaving gay bars and clubs.
Antique-lovers should check out the weekend Hell's Kitchen Flea Market , its stalls packed with vintage clothing, antique jewelry, period furniture and other finds.
