Hell’s Kitchen Local

I try to visit once a month for live music. The second you walk in, it feels like you’ve stepped into a new scene, a different era, and completely out of the city. It draws a great crowd of all ages hanging out, dancing and enjoying music. Plus, Butch Phelps has been playing there since 2021 and always puts on a great show.

OMG! It’s culinary history — from the push cart to the vast array of foods from all regions. I’m currently reading a book about the history of Zabar’s by the late Lori Zabar. I also heard three generations of Zabar’s speak; they were real, raw, authentic and wickedly funny. When I’m traveling, sometimes I’ll have my white shopping bag, and people will say, “OMG, I’ve been to Zabar’s,” and we bond immediately. They show up in movies, plays, and are part of the NYC tapestry.

Rain or shine, late night or early morning, this food truck has been a reliable affordable food option. With incredibly friendly habibis (Issam and Sa’id) and the three brothers (Saleh, Mo and Abdul) whose family have run business for generations, they serve what I think is some of the best halal food in NYC.

I don't go to fancy hair places but Robert at Barber Shop NYC on the corner of 50th and 8th is my go-to. He offers me a punch card punch every time for a free haircut, and I always decline, because who carries extra cards around these days? I think after all these years I have about 20 free haircuts worth of credit.

This Korean Vegan restaurant and cafe is my go-to for yummy vegan breakfast, delectable matcha and cocktails with special ingredients like homemade candied ginger, my favorite. Mi-Young Yu, the owner, is an incredibly inspiring woman and entrepreneur who is also quite funny. She makes you feel like you’re a guest in her home and it’s very comfy, yummy and fun.

My late father loved Joe Allen and we often went there before or after theater. It’s a tradition I continue with my friends and my family today. If you know me, you know I love hamburgers, and Joe Allen has a stellar burger. The whole vibe is just old-school New York, and I love it.

I have always loved the various Delphinium Home shops. The owners are great guys and I love having independently owned businesses in the neighborhood. Great place to find a last-minute gift or card.

I go here when I crave a home-made empanada and an amazing chai. It’s a cute place and the women working there make it a well-oiled machine. It’s also so nice to sit outside under their umbrellas.

Pier 84 is an incredible green space where I love to go for walks. It also provides a great view of the Hudson River, where I paddle board whenever I can.

The drinks are great, and their fried pickles are out of this world. On sunny days, I love hanging out with my dog. The staff is super friendly, making it such a wonderful place to chill and enjoy the vibes!