Hell’s Kitchen Local

Incredible food, great atmosphere and staff. Jim Lahey, the owner, is a passionate foodie who travels the world looking for great food, and he loves this neighborhood.

This is a great way to get out any stir crazy feelings or Seasonal Affective Disorder behavior — go rock climbing at the gym! I love to do this especially in the winter, where you can self belay up walls with different rock climbing routes, or try bouldering. It’s hard!

Again, I know I’m partial because I work there, but their facility is outstanding, with views overlooking the Hudson while you work out. Plus I teach a killer Pilates mat class on Thursday mornings, and the outdoor pool deck is also a bonus.

I love that Arriba Arriba is still going strong since it opened in the 80s. It still attracts a huge gay customer base, especially on Monday nights when Broadway is dark, making it one of the, if not THE, gay restaurant of Hell’s Kitchen.

I love FLEX mainly because of my favorite bartender Gio. I have known Gio since 2010, so coming to FLEX for a beer (or three) always feels like the perfect LGBTQ+ home!

The Little Pie Company makes the most delicious, old fashioned pies. The classic apple is amazing but their seasonal flavors are just irresistible. At the moment, the strawberry-rhubarb is on the board and I urge everyone to run before they take it off the menu. I've already inquired and the next seasonal pie is cherry. But the best of all is the summer special: Georgia peaches. I will forego summer travel plans in order to not miss it!

Italian food! It’s my upbringing, and I love the staff, who can clock that I’m also Italian when I walk in. You can’t underestimate the quality of a classic Italian meal or a stuffed artichoke.

They make the most delicious lentil soup! Their falafels are fantastic, too.

The arts are the lifeblood of NY-12 and Hell’s Kitchen is home to so many incredible theaters, museums, dance studios, the list goes on. But, if I’m seeing a show, Gershwin Theatre is one of my favorite places to go.

This is a truly unique arts space created by ChaShaMa and its founder, Anita Durst. They provide artists with opportunities throughout the city by partnering with property owners who have vacant storefronts and unused spaces. Instead of letting those spaces sit empty, they give them new life by offering artists and small businesses a chance to transform them into galleries, studios, and creative spaces of their own. It’s a brilliant idea that supports both artists and neighborhoods.