Hell’s Kitchen Local

Restaurant Row is one of those streets where you can find every cuisine imaginable, along with some great hidden gems. I especially love it at night, when the whole area comes alive with energy and so many delicious options to choose from!

This late night restaurant and bar makes specialty cocktails, has yummy bottomless brunch (if you choose) and lots of space for throwing parties — which I’ve done a few times.

Afali and baklava are heavenly! They’re my dad’s favorite treats when he’s visiting town. He’s been going there for decades.

I LOVE THIS STORE. They have so many cute trinkets. You can always find a cute little gift here or a fun card. This store is so cute and the staff is always so nice.

Homemade Taqueria has been my lunch go-to for the past five Saturdays in a row. Sometimes twice a day. The food is amazing — taco al pastor and aqua fresca watermelon. The background music is hip. The staff are super sweet. And the vibe is both modern and old school. I am already a regular — and plan to continue!

I love the Hudson River and spend a lot of time in Hudson River Park, especially Pier 84. It’s such an important green space for our neighborhood and we’re lucky to have it. I’ve spent so many afternoons there with my daughter at the water sprays when she was younger and now with a good book she’s older. As a member of the park’s Advisory Council, I’m especially excited about the improvements coming. It’s only going to make an already special place even better.

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!

Sullivan Street Bakery (both locations) has basically become our campaign headquarters. Jim and Maya are a big part of what makes Hell’s Kitchen so special and they’ve created a place where people gather and feel at home. Their breads and soups got me through this frigid winter and I love walking in and seeing familiar faces. Also, they might have the best playlists in the neighborhood.

Anybody who knows me knows I love sushi. I love cooking it, but it’s not something I’ve really tried mastering because I love going out for it so much more. Natalie and I are big fans of Fushimi for its great ambience and interior design. The quality of the food easily rivals Nobu (although we still go here), and at a far better price point! You’ll often find us here after a matinee performance.

I love Westville’s vast array of market vegetables, and I get to have my staples — sautéed mushrooms, roasted beets with goat cheese and walnuts, but then I splurge on garlic mashed potatoes and other treats. Veggies are so yummy, but sometimes in NYC, we don’t take the preparation time we need to have delicious veggies. They also have the BEST gluten-free carrot cake I’ve ever had — dense in the batter and fluffy in the frosting. I love how diverse the menu is too. When I took my niece there she had a hot dog and fries and I had the market plate. The staff really cares that you’re happy. The food is affordable, plentiful, and it’s fun. I also like getting credit for each meal. I’m a thriftista.