Hell’s Kitchen Local

I love to have a drink at the bar, chat with local residents or their friendly bartenders and listen to their great jukebox playlist.

When I walk back from Westerly Health food, I know if my bags are heavy, I can stop in the little open plaza by The Sheffield and take a break. Or have my soup, or make a call. I love the statue, I call her "Nippertiti" (a take off of Nefertiti), except she looks like she's had a nip and tuck, LOL! I adore the greenery and all the wonderful dogs and the openness of the space. I get to connect with nature, people watch, and I’m so grateful for all public spaces in NYC — they ground us.

If you’re lucky enough to catch a show here, you’re guaranteed a great time. The 52nd Street Project does so much for children and our community. The mentorship they provide—connecting kids with professional theater artists and helping them develop their creative voices—is truly remarkable. I would absolutely recommend seeing a performance there.

It may not be one of Hell’s Kitchen’s hidden gems, but I’m claiming it anyway. It’s convenient, familiar and makes my life easier. Sometimes practicality deserves a place on the favorites list too.

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.

Pier 84 gives me a chance to slow down and enjoy the waterfront with my family. I love watching the boats, taking in the open views and sometimes letting my mind wander toward a new adventure for Max.

My favorite outdoor spot in NYC. Pier 84 is where I go for the local vibe, the adorable dogs with lots of personality, and the sunset that lights up the sky in gorgeous hues on a clear day.

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.

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.

Delicious Pakistani cuisine that eases the ache of missing my mother’s cooking in Virginia. Their seekh kebabs and fresh, piping-hot naan from the tandoor oven are like a small homecoming that satisfy the need until I can make it back down to my family in Virginia.