Hell’s Kitchen Local

A perfect location for a celebratory dinner and drinks — great vibes and fabulous margaritas!

This is my favorite local supermarket for fresh produce. I love browsing the shelves, and often find unique items I wouldn’t expect to find in a typical grocery store.

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

World Wide Plaza is another go-to, especially in the summer. It’s conveniently located to theatres and it’s a cute and nice spot to catch up with friends, eat lunch or people watch. I love people watching…but I do miss the days of Blockheads and Mother Burger. IYKYK.

I love sitting at the bar at Bocca di Bacco. It is a great place to meet a friend or date for civilized conversation, a glass of wine and appetizers.

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 don’t find myself in bars too often (I’m such a morning person!), but Vers is definitely one of my more frequent nightlife haunts. I have many fond memories of grabbing drinks with friends here before seeing a Broadway show. I recently attended their monthly musical theatre trivia night and had a great time. I consider myself to be pretty knowledgeable and was very much challenged.

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.

When I had just moved to Hell’s Kitchen, I was once walking down 44th Street in a rush and suddenly saw this big coffee shop where I could finally sit down and take a break. I started talking with the people working there and they were so nice — they even complimented my perfume, which made me feel so welcome. Then I tried the vanilla latte… and since that day it’s been my favorite. Now it’s one of my go-to coffee spots in the neighborhood.

It’s the perfect spot if you’re looking for a gift with character. The store is filled with so many unique items that I always have a blast exploring. It’s one of those places where you just want to buy everything!