“Just a Few Blocks from the Center of Times Square, Hell’s Kitchen Truly Feels Like a Small Neighborhood” — Michael Hull’s West Side Story

Photographer Michael Hull has captured more than his fair share of New York minutes — but a favorite features a Broadway legend. Find out who, as the Hell’s Kitchen resident shares his West Side Story…

So what’s your New York story? Born here, or just arrived?
I’m from Long Island but I’ve been a city boy for as long as I can remember. I have very trusting parents who let me come into Manhattan to see Broadway shows or attend other events basically as soon as I figured out that trains existed.

What was your first job? What do you do now?
My first NYC job was as a Starbucks barista. I lasted six hours… I did not have what it takes. Now I do a handful of things, but for the past 12 years I’ve been a photographer covering everything from Broadway to Brooklyn. I also collaborate frequently with the folks at the Times Square Alliance, so you’ll find me in the Square often for public arts events, installations and even New Year’s Eve.

What ’ s your favorite New York minute (or moment) so far?
In November of 2021, I grabbed my camera bag and headed into the center of Times Square. Stephen Sondheim had just passed away and members of the theatre community were going to honor him by singing Sunday from his show Sunday In The Park with George .

Broadway had recently reopened following the shutdown and for many of us it was the first time we were seeing each other face-to-face again. There were hundreds of people there. Old friends, Broadway Legends. The energy was sky-high. As the square filled up I ducked under the TV cameras and tucked myself right next to my friend Michael J Moritz Jr, who would be conducting the choir. Standing there with my back to the crowd, facing the choir I realized that Lin was standing right in front of me, waiting for his cue to speak. Realizing I was in the way, I asked if he wanted to trade spots and that’s how I found myself in the perfect place to snap this photo. In the wake of such a tragic loss, it was a beautiful morning of reconnection and joy.

Share with us why you love Hell ’ s Kitchen
I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else! It’s amazing to me that just a few blocks from the center of Times Square, Hell’s Kitchen really truly feels like a small neighborhood. I love being so centrally-located and so close to the theaters, but I also love that I know so many of my neighbors and local small businesses.

What’s your superpower or hidden talent?
Killing houseplants.

Michael’s Favorite Hell’s Kitchen Places

VERS — 714 9th Avenue (bw W48/49th St)
Hell’s Kitchen has some of Manhattan’s most popular Gay/Queer Bars, and VERS is one of my favorites. It’s owned by queer people and has a great staff that I like supporting (it’s SO IMPORTANT to know where your money is going…) AND it’s always a good time. There’s a drag show most nights, piano bar, TV viewings, DJ sets and one of HK’s best food and drink Happy Hours.

Hold Fast Kitchen and Spirits — 364 W46th Street (bw 8/9th Ave)
If you’re looking for a cozy corner to swap secrets over a smoked Old Fashioned, this place has you covered. The year-round Christmas lights add to the cozy vibe, and the walls are covered in Broadway show posters signed by the multiple casts that have enjoyed hanging out here. This is also our go-to brunch spot when we don’t want to think about it. It’s worth it for the biscuit alone.

The Dickens — 783 8th Avenue (bw W47/48th St)
Another great queer spot with a lovely staff and a cute rooftop patio! Make sure you pee on the second floor where the four bathrooms are themed Dorothy, Blanche, Rose and Sophia. Shoutout to Brian, one of the owners, who always fosters a great vibe.

T.J. Maxx — 250 W57th Street (bw 7/8th Ave)
Yeah… it’s TJ Maxx.

Kashkaval Garden — 852 9th Avenue (bw W55/56th St)
This place is a STAPLE of the neighborhood. I go for the kale salad and Happy Hour wine, but a lot of people go for the signature fondues and other tapas. It’s one of the only spots that I know that’s been in the neighborhood as long as I have (with one location-change along the way.) The four-top table in the front window is where it’s at.

Delphinium Home — 353 W47th St (bw 9/10th Ave)
This place is a treasure trove of trinkets, decor, odds and ends and it makes me so happy. It’s my go-to stop for last-minute gifts, cards for all occasions, and other tchotchkes that you didn’t know you NEEDED.

You can follow Michael on Instagram at @michaelhullnyc and check out his photography at @michaelhullphoto or on his website . If you know someone who would make a great West Side Story (or you would like to nominate yourself), please fill in this form — w42st.info/WSSnominations .

You can check out more West Side Stories and reader recommendations on W42ST’s Hell’s Kitchen Local App .

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