Hell’s Kitchen Local

I love that Arriba Arriba is still going strong since it opened in the 80s. It still attracts a huge gay customer base, especially on Monday nights when Broadway is dark, making it one of the, if not THE, gay restaurant of Hell’s Kitchen.

Grind is a relatively new (at least for my long HK history) addition to Hell’s Kitchen. The coffee is very good and they have a nice selection of breakfast and lunch options. If you sit in the window, it makes for excellent people watching.

I love Irish arts and literature, and it's incredible to have a globally significant center for Irish arts right here in the district. It’s also an amazing story of a small but mighty organization that was able to give life to an old historic Hell’s Kitchen building.

For over 100 years the women in my family came together to make a recipe which required suet (yes — raw beef fat). As the years passed, Esposito became one of the only places in the city to get it. Thankfully, we have moved on to the vegetarian version of the same dish!

There is no place as grounding for me as Pier 84. I love to go sit by the water and read or relax. It’s so peaceful and rarely crowded on the average day. They also have inexpensive kayak rentals available during the summer. I tried it once and was not very good, but I had a fun time!

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.

I’ve made VERS Bar a pseudo second home base for this campaign, bringing the community together first for a Summer House Watch Party with my wife, Darya, and Jackie Cox, then for the LGBTQ+ for Bores canvassing launch earlier this month. There’s something special about a space where you can have a serious conversation about what’s at stake in this election and then turn around and cheer at reality TV together.

I’m always happy walking into Frisson. The staff are incredibly friendly and somehow manage to create a unique latte art experience every time. The ambiance, the vibes are just uplifting and it feels like you’re home. Having some of my artwork and sculptures on display there certainly doesn’t hurt, but what really inspires me is that it’s run by young Dominican brothers who do an outstanding job.

This place is well equipped with a huge pool, jacuzzi, sauna, gym and studio. I love taking the water aerobics classes and working out there. I also love teaching Dance Cardio every Monday night at 7pm. All the people that come to my classes are pretty awesome. Their energy always has me leaving feeling better than when I arrived. It’s become a lovely community. People always stay and hang out after class.

I am a beer-on-tap drinker. Rudy’s is wallet-friendly, unpretentious and welcoming to everyone. No attitude, no judgement. Easy to strike up a conversation. Rumored to have been a speakeasy. One of New York’s first liquor licenses. And the pig in front is iconic!