Hell’s Kitchen Local

I love to cook, and when I crave making ox tail or lamb neck stew, this is where I go. They stock cuts you won’t find in the more curated parts of Manhattan, along with produce that still assumes people actually cook. It is also remarkably affordable. I love walking into their meat refrigerated chamber. I admit to visiting the store with ulterior motives in the very hot summer months just to be able to walk into the refrigerated meat chamber. During a heat wave, it amounts to finding heaven, (only to be sent back to hell).

I love seeing the incredible exhibitions Fountain House presents featuring artists living with mental illness. They’re constantly engaging with the community and bringing people together through art programs and thoughtfully curated shows.

A coffee shop owned by a Korean-American woman (Vanessa), who researches everything from coffee beans to matcha leaves on the ground in Asia to produce the best-quality coffee and tea in our neighborhood. The owner also started a run club and supports local athletes and sports events. With plenty of seating, it’s a great place to get some work done.

I have been going to this news stand since the very first day I moved into Manhattan Plaza. I have a bit of a scratch-off situation so these guys see me every day. What makes it special is that it feels so neighborly. It’s nice to be asked “where have you been?” when I’ve been away. I ask them the same when they go visit their native country and return. It’s not the shop but the people that make it special.

Great no-frills neighborhood bar with even better bartenders.

Now, this is a chain, but with $3 coffee, and a staff who loves Gumbo almost as much as I do, I had to add it to the list. Gumbo loves it so much because of the pup cups. Every morning, after a pee, he pulls towards Matto knowing if he gives me those puppy dog eyes, I'll cave and get us both a treat. Me a cinnamon scone and him a dollop of whipped cream.

They are the absolute best! I love coming here and making a lamination/tint appointment with the owner Santi, who is the best in the biz!

Having a great local izakaya nearby just makes Hell’s Kitchen that much better. The food and drinks are always on point, and they recently opened a small speakeasy-style bar in the back that’s become one of my favorite spots to unwind.

Norma is my go-to “treat yourself” spot. The pasta is fresh and homemade and they have the best bruschetta you will ever have.

OK, OK, I know what you’re thinking: YoU hAvE tO sAy ThAt CuZ YoU wOrK tHeRe. But it’s true! Part of the reason I work there is because I love it so much that I even go there on my days off when I need good wine and good tunes. The Pocket Bars are so special because they’re a place where everyone feels welcome and safe to be exactly who they are. The vibe is great, the music is always impeccable and the bartenders are all an absolute joy. Plus we recently added frozen espresso martinis to the menu, to keep you cooled off and energized for all those 90s sing-a-longs.