IL Bastardo

Midtown restaurants often lean toward the expected—tourist menus, hurried service, predictable vibes. IL Bastardo breaks that mold without trying too hard. A spot on 9th Avenue where the menu spans breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it’s the kind of place that doesn’t fuss over labels but still delivers on the essentials: solid food, a drink list that actually matters, and the occasional hum of live music.

You’ll find it at 828 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019, sandwiched between the theater district’s glow and Hell’s Kitchen’s quieter edges. The beer selection leans adventurous, the wine list avoids pretension, and cocktails come without the usual Midtown markup. Comfort food shows up in forms that feel intentional, not just reheated. Mornings start with plates that don’t apologize for being hearty; by evening, the same space hums with a different energy, though the service stays brisk regardless of the hour.

No need to overthink it—just show up. For a table or a quick drink, dial (212) 675-5980. Directions are a click away if you’re mapping it: https://www.google.com/maps/place?ftid=0x89c259bb683951b9:0x32b704153bf9aef8. Odds are, someone you know has already claimed the stool by the window.