Hell’s Kitchen Local

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.

It is so new and sparkly — love walking through it to Whole Foods or to the High Line.

Lately, walking through Hell's Kitchen can feel a bit bittersweet. We’ve watched so many beloved neighborhood shops, bars, and staple restaurants close their doors for good. The landscape of the neighborhood shifts so quickly, and it’s easy to feel a sense of loss for the places that used to define these blocks. But passing by Mama Mia on 9th Avenue — 55 years and going... It serves as a beautiful reminder of resilience and community.

The city is so dense it’s easy to forget we’re on an island. A walk to the Intrepid Museum and along the water is well worth it. And while in the area, it's good to visit the Landmark Tavern to connect back to the days of longshoremen and their delicious shepherd’s pie.

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.

I love Empanada Mama because there are so many different flavors to try, and it’s an easy place for everyone in the family to find something they enjoy. As someone who loves cooking, I’m always interested in the different fillings, seasonings and cultural influences behind the food.

Sugar — the smell of sugar in the air as you walk past, or enjoying an Arnold Palmer on the deck outside with a friend.

This restaurant on W44th and 10th is always welcoming and friendly, and the chicken kabobs are terrific. They have red and green harissa and I strongly recommend them both.

This is the only place in the neighborhood where I can find passion fruit juice! As a good Latin boy who grew up in Brazil, I have to get my passion fruit fix.

The go-to spot for an egg & cheese sandwich and my regular neighborhood stop for a coffee, protein bar, or anything I need for a quick bite on the go.