Gallo Nero 402 W. 44th St. (@ 9th Ave.)
Hell's Kitchen
212.265.6660
Gallo Nero:
We could make a crack about the big black cock on the sign outside, but we’ll hold our tongues. The most impressive asset of the latest Hell’s Kitchen Italian wine bar is the affordable antipasti. Bottles line the walls in this cozy yet sparse space: There are only a handful of tables and intimate four-seat bar. Score one of those stools and you’ll get to chat up the hunky bartender—go for wine in a mini carafe ($9-$18)—it’s like two glasses for the price of one. Paired with tender lamb shank ($12), and, if you’re lucky, finished off with a shot of limoncello comped by said hunk, you’ll leave full, buzzed, and not completely broke. Sounds like a satisfying experience to us.
