Hell’s Kitchen Local

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.

A lovely restaurant with a romantic lower level lounge — have a seat on the sofa by the fireplace.

I don’t go there often, but I adore old chandeliers and antiques. They make me happy, the grandeur, the history, the way they SPARKLE. The chandeliers embody the ability to SPARKLE — to emanate light, to revel in one’s majesty, it’s a wonderful metaphor. Shine Bright. Share Your Gifts. Make a Difference. They have absolutely beautiful pieces in there, and just going in feels like a kind of solace to be around such beauty and majesty. They have also advised me on pricing, trends and have suggested different resources. Another great go-to place.

This is my favorite health food store in the city so I’m so happy to have it close to home. I’ve been going here for 26 years and will continue to go for their incredible organic produce, snacks, supplements and clean products.

Italian food! It’s my upbringing, and I love the staff, who can clock that I’m also Italian when I walk in. You can’t underestimate the quality of a classic Italian meal or a stuffed artichoke.

The age-old question of where should we meet is almost always answered with VERS. From their excellent happy hour, their yummy snacks, to their late night vibes, sexy underwear party and great cabaret and drag shows. This place is upscale enough to come for a pre-show drink, but fun enough to get rowdy with your friends. Perfect spot so close by!

I couldn’t pick my top 10 places and not mention Flaming Saddles. It’s a guilty pleasure. I’m from Texas and sometimes I just wanna have a beer and sing along to Reba, OK!?

Good food and a nice cozy atmosphere to meet up with friends.

What’s not to love? A gay-owned vintage clothing shop!!

I love the smell of pies and cakes baking as it swirls through the air when I walk by. Since switching to a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle, I don’t stop in as often as I used to — but when I want to treat myself, I indulge in their raisin bran muffins.