Hell’s Kitchen Local

This pizzeria is anything but ordinary. Claudio’s and its staff feel like family to me. They know exactly how I like my Sicilians and have catered many pizza parties for us over the years. They’ve gone above and beyond for us time and time again, which is why I’ll always be grateful for their friendship and support.

Valla is my favorite Thai restaurant in HK! Their drinks and dishes are delicious ALWAYS!

Tannen’s Magic Shop is so historic, dark, mysterious and everything you want a magic shop to be. You’ll regularly find me here browsing the huge bookshelf of magic books. I just can’t get enough!

My youngest son’s favorite quick stop to grab a slice or two to go.

Sometimes a wait, but well worth it!

Although they are three separate spots for three different vibes, Joe Allen, Orso and Bar Céntrale are under one ownership. Mary and her team always put out the welcome mat! The food, of course, is excellent; whether you’re a Broadway star or just a guy looking for some excellent pasta and my favorite roast chicken in NYC, it’s always a go-to.

Their $16 Siesta Lunch Special is one of the finest deals in the neighborhood. My rotating order includes the lamb barbacoa braised in Negra Modelo with salsa borracha and serrano chilies, the crispy Gulf shrimp taco with guacamole, pico de gallo, and the beer-battered mahi mahi with poblano slaw and lime aioli on a flour tortilla. Bright, satisfying and always a treat.

Their burgers are honestly the best I’ve found in New York — juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time. I love their fries just as much, and they’re always quick with takeout orders. It’s also great that they serve hotdogs at such an affordable price for a quick snack. And Charles, the owner, might be the nicest guy on earth.

I kicked off my Life Time journey at our SKY location, and it is hands down one of the most stunning spots in all of Hell’s Kitchen! From top-notch classes (catch me at 10am on Saturdays!) to the breathtaking rooftop pool — where I also moonlight as the backstage director for the annual New York Swim Week — SKY delivers a true luxury athletic-club experience right in the heart of HK.

The neighborhood go-to for freshly made sushi, well-composed salads, guacamole, and just about anything else you might need in a pinch. The vegan EatPastry Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough has become a personal indulgence.