Hell’s Kitchen Local

I love FLEX mainly because of my favorite bartender Gio. I have known Gio since 2010, so coming to FLEX for a beer (or three) always feels like the perfect LGBTQ+ home!

A simple yet sophisticated intimate setting with the most delicious homemade Italian food — and everything is actually gluten free. My hubby and I save this spot for special occasions.

Amy Scherber opened her bakery on 9th Avenue in 1992, when plenty of people doubted a small, hand-built business could make it in this part of the city. More than 30 years later it is still here, still turning out some of the best bread and pastry in the neighborhood, and still the kind of independent shop that gives Hell’s Kitchen its character instead of another bank branch.

This location routinely hosts the Imperial Court, which is an amazing group that has adopted and supported me during the campaign. I have gotten to know the members of this club, and one of their longtime hosts, Summer, routinely picks Industry Bar — given their support of the LGBTQ community and amazing space for drag performances.

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.

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!

A great, easy neighborhood spot for burgers, hot dogs and fries. The staff is always friendly, and having board games at the tables while you wait makes it a fun place to hang out.

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.

I took my current girlfriend here on one of our first dates.

As the new kid in Hell’s Kitchen, Spitfire has become an instant favorite. My parents owned a small cheese shop when I was growing up so places like this hold a special place in my heart, especially ones as homey and delicious as Spitfire. If you ever can’t reach me, this is probably where I am. A few recommendations: the tuna melt is amazing, the iced cardamom vanilla matcha latte is my new favorite and don’t miss the small basket of “walking cheese” at the checkout counter.