After a busy day of holiday shopping, or for a perfect bar to take your family and friends for a late night hang, check out the Half King ( 505 West 23rd St and 10th). Founded by hunky war correspondent Sebastian Junger (known for his bestselling book “The Perfect Storm”) and Nanette Burstein,(Director of such doc classics as “American Teen” and “The Kid Stays In the Picture”), The Half King has been a favorite hangout for Chelsea denizens for 10 years. The Half King also hosts about 50 literary events a year, including a weekly Monday night Reading series, that has become a Chelsea institution. In addition, the restaurant also promotes the works of their creative regulars through sale of their films and books at the Half King Amazon Store!
I recently had the opportunity to stop by and sample their menu and it is hale and hearty! My favorite item on the menu was the Shaved Fennel, Baby Arugula, and Ruby Red Grapefruit salad served with sweet roasted walnuts and a lemon thyme vinaigrette. This is perfect as a starter or a meal. It was delicious alone but it can be amped up a notch with shrimp, chicken or herb crusted salmon. My next favorite thing on the menu are the various Half King burgers, which are both ample and delicious. I had the Mexican Burger – a delectable angus burger paired with pepper jack, guacamole, and salsa. Pair the burgers with the Hellfire fries (I had them make my sweet potato fries in their hellfire fashion) for a hot and spicy option. And I was happy to be able to have an alcohol-free beer with my meal, as so many bars/restaurant still don’t offer this option. An artistic clientele, fun staff, great salad, yummy burger, and Bucklers, I definitely plan to go back!
Hours of operation: M-F: 11am to 4am and Sat and Sun: 9am to 4am. (Kitchen closes at 2am)
