Hell’s Kitchen Local

I can't not add our own venue to the list! So & So's really is special, from the entertainment programming to the food and drinks to the interior design, it feels special every time you walk in. Even for me!

After trying many a juicy patty, I always return to 5 Napkin Burger. There's just something about their original 5N Burger special sauce with the caramelized onions that make it unmatched, and the meat melts in your mouth. (It's also great without a bun over one of their salads if you're gluten-free!) 7th Street Burger remains worthy competition, but alas, no Hell's Kitchen location.

I love Greek food, and this place is really good. I will sometimes go to the bar and just get a glass of Assyrtiko wine and some pita and dips. Their taramasalata (caviar spread) and tirokafteri (red pepper and feta dip) are fantastic.

This Greek bakery serves the most delicious tiropita: a flaky cheese pie made with ricotta, cream cheese, feta and a touch of mint. One cheese pie with a bowl of olives is my perfect lunch. I love that the business is so old school, they use an honest-to-god cash register. Poseidon has been in its 9th Avenue location since 1950, although the business started in 1923 — a true Hell’s Kitchen institution.

I spend most weekday mornings here. I really enjoy the quality classes, the friendly front door staff and general manager Loren. I’ve really enjoyed working out here. It’s a solid value for what you get, the eye candy is top notch, and hey the pool isn’t a bad way to get in some cardio.

I’ve spent years trying to crack the code on health and fitness. There have been plenty of stepping stones along the way, but MFF is where things really clicked. I learned how to set goals I can actually reach, how to stay consistent, how to stop being intimidated by the gym, and how to not take it all so seriously. This place gave me a foundation I can actually build on — and reminded me how good it feels to show up for yourself.

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.

Our favorite restaurant is this delicious Mexican spot that opened in 2001. You’re not going to get better Mexican food in Hell’s Kitchen, thanks to the owners Jesús and Irma Verdejo, who are two of the hardest working people in the neighborhood. They always welcome us warmly when we eat there for hearty cheese enchiladas and vegetarian nachos or take home a fat torta with queso blanco. If there’s one Hell’s Kitchen restaurant I recommend, it’s this one.

As a native Texan, I am always on the hunt for wonderful tortillas. I am very pleased to proclaim this gem on 10th Avenue as not only really excellent authentic Mexican food, but also, and more importantly, homemade tortillas and salsas. Get the lengua and barbacoa! Shout out to Irma xo

Hell’s Kitchen has SO many gay bars. We are really spoiled for choice, and they are all a little bit different. I love both Rise Bar and Hush for their energy and the dancing, Vers for the cocktails and the great entertainment, and Atlas Social Club to sit outside and people watch. FLEX is great because it is so unpretentious and welcoming. The owners did an amazing job of updating the place from the Posh days, and the bartenders are super friendly. It’s a great place to meet up with friends to wind down after work or to catch up before heading out to a club…it’s like the gay Cheers of Hell’s Kitchen!