Queens restaurant Hellbender enhances menu with Mexican American dishes

A new restaurant in Queens, called Hellbender, is gaining attention for its unique Mexican American food. Located in Ridgewood, the restaurant adds a special touch with a faux jaguar named Sabrina, which sits high on a tree branch inside. Hellbender opened just 14 months ago and has already changed its focus. Initially, it was a cocktail bar offering Mexican snacks like fried cheese sticks and shrimp cocktails. However, as more customers began to order food, the menu was expanded. The chef, Yara Herrera, has a strong background, having trained with well-known chefs like Wolfgang Puck. Recently, Hellbender introduced a weekend brunch, appealing to families and late-night diners alike. The restaurant is becoming a new favorite spot, mixing relaxing vibes with quality cooking and inventive dishes.