Hell’s Kitchen Local

The classic, nearly half-century old Hell’s Kitchen LGBT watering hole. I’ve made life lasting friendships, over a drink.

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.

As a rescue dog mom, any dog run is my happy place but I particularly like the one at DWC. I bring my dog Bailey here and in his younger years he could run for hours. Now 14, he just enjoys the canine company. It’s one of those places where you always end up chatting with neighbors and dog people are the best people. In a neighborhood like ours, I value having a space like this to just be outside and unplug.

Hell’s Kitchen Park is one of my favorite places in the neighborhood. It’s a true West Side community hub where you’ll always find dedicated community gardeners tending to the space and neighbors stopping to catch up with one another. No matter when you visit, you’re bound to run into a familiar face. I’m especially proud to have led the team that installed the wall mural there, adding another layer of beauty and vibrancy to this central gathering place for our community.

A wonderful little bar with incredible cocktails after a show.

I’ve made VERS Bar a pseudo second home base for this campaign, bringing the community together first for a Summer House Watch Party with my wife, Darya, and Jackie Cox, then for the LGBTQ+ for Bores canvassing launch earlier this month. There’s something special about a space where you can have a serious conversation about what’s at stake in this election and then turn around and cheer at reality TV together.

While I would never recommend anyone RSVP here, given the ridiculous fee if you cannot hold the reservation or cancel 24 hours before, I have often come to enjoy the view. It is a great date night location since you can get small plates, making it easy to finish up and leave if the vibe is off without being stuck through a big meal.

Hells Kitchen Pilates makes me happy because it’s more than just a place to train — it’s where I’m building a new pilates community. I’m meeting friends who are also my neighbors, and I’ve found the perfect space to focus on my body and practice what I love. I actually discovered it by chance one day while walking through the neighborhood. I decided to take a different street than usual and saw Nadya, one of the owners, with her beautiful dog Lucky, cleaning a new space that said “Pilates.” I asked her about it and told her I would love to work there — and now I get to be part of this amazing community every day.

If you’re lucky enough to catch a show here, you’re guaranteed a great time. The 52nd Street Project does so much for children and our community. The mentorship they provide—connecting kids with professional theater artists and helping them develop their creative voices—is truly remarkable. I would absolutely recommend seeing a performance there.

Rudy’s is such a classic. It’s one of those places people from all around the world somehow end up at because of the famous promos and the fun atmosphere. Having it here is such a gem. I’ve gone there so many times with friends — it’s always a great, easy spot to grab a drink, laugh, and just enjoy the night.