Michael Urie’s Ultimate New York Pride Guide

Seth Walters (Michael Urie). Courtesy of locations.

Michael Urie first grabbed our attention in 2006, when he appeared as cutthroat fashion assistant Marc St. James on Ugly Betty, but he officially stole our hearts as Barbra Streisand’s number 1 fan in the one-man show Buyer & Cellar. The multitalented actor, who has conquered both Broadway (How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying) and talk-show television (Logo’s Cocktails & Classics), emanates a vibrant energy that reflects the quick pace of the New York City he calls home. Between rehearsals for his gig as the host of the Drama Desk Awards on June 5, Urie managed to play one more role for us: a savvy tour guide who knows where to go—and how to get there—during Pride season.

1. HK

“I used to go here all the time when I was in The Temperamentals — great brunch, really sexy, always cute bartenders. You can’t go wrong with their eggs Benedict and a bloody mary.” 523 Ninth Ave.; HKHellsKitchen.com

2. The Pride Parade

“It goes all the way down Sixth Avenue to Christopher Street, and the end is stunning. Watch it at the very last block, where people are in windows and hanging out of fire escapes celebrating. It’s so special.” NYCPride.org

3. Washington Square Park

“Wander through here. There is always so much happening: tap dancing, drawing, Dachshund Day. There’s nothing happier than not knowing it’s Dachshund Day and discovering it for the first time.” NYCGovParks.org

4. Fish

“Head to Fish on Bleecker Street for a half-dozen oysters and a PBR or wine — all for $10.” 280 Bleecker St.; FishRestaurant.NYC

5. Malatesta Trattoria

“One of my favorites! Italian, cash only — the menu is on a little piece of wood. Always order what’s fresh because they make their own pasta. And the house wine — it’s the best. Afterward, stumble up to Magnolia Bakery and order the banana bread pudding.” 649 Washington St.; MalatestaTrattoria.com

6. Marie’s Crisis 

“Nowhere else in New York has a true sing-along for musical-theater nerds. There’s no shame here. Everyone knows all the lyrics to every musical — and you never know who you’re going to see. One time I made the mistake of going at 7 p.m. I texted my friend, who quickly wrote back, “Honey, it’snot a crisis until at least 11!” 59 Grove St.

7. The High Line

“It’s so beautiful, so communal — old but state-of-the-art. It’s also pretty efficient! I can walk from Hell’s Kitchen to the High Line down to 14th Street, and then it’s just a handful of blocks to Malatesta for dinner. That’s my route for a erfect day.” YCGovParks.org

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