Hell’s Kitchen Local

Great atmosphere where you can hear other people talk and great cocktails!

A delicious, juicy burger served with cornichons and great shoestring fries.

I can't not add our own venue to the list! So & So's really is special, from the entertainment programming to the food and drinks to the interior design, it feels special every time you walk in. Even for me!

I fell in love with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater when I was a teenager. I never planned to become a dancer, until I saw them perform in my home town. I remember thinking, “if I don’t dance, I’ll die.” This school has inspired me for decades. The company is dynamic, athletic, passionate and absolutely beautiful. Their storytelling through movement is mesmerizing. The instructors are nothing short of brilliant. Moving through time and space, accompanied by incredible musicians, brings me deep happiness and joy.

This is what I mean when I talk about the neighborhood’s history. This family owned bakery has been operating for over a hundred years. You won’t find better baklava, spanakopita, or strudel! Always served with a smile.

Everyone loves Ardesia. Great atmosphere, outdoor seating in the summer, excellent wine, cocktails, and snacks — and just about the nicest staff ever. It’s the best. The owner, Mandy, is absolutely wonderful and makes you feel so welcome. Fun fact: My short play in the OUT/PLAY festival, Date Debate, is set at Ardesia!

There are great off- and off-off-broadway spaces right at our doorstep on W53rd in A.R.T./New York Theatres. I’ve seen many things there, and since so many of them are new plays and musicals that have just been written, you’re getting a glimpse into the future of theatre. After the show, you can walk one block south to Ardesia — which brings us full circle on my Hell’s Kitchen favorites!

This place is old school. A great, little authentic Mexican place that is always fresh and delicious. They actually answer their phone and take delivery orders! No need to fuss with a delivery app if you don’t want to, or just prefer to pay cash.

I love Don Giovanni! It’s one of my favorite Italian restaurants in NYC — ever since I first came here as a child into adulthood. The food is fantastic!

This is where I come to de-stress. The club has everything from an olympic size pool and hot tubs, to one of the city’s largest climbing gyms. They host pool parties, movie nights, open houses, all of which give a real sense of community. It is definitely not your run of the mill health club.