'SNL' Cast Member Devon Walker Shows off His Favorite NYC Hotspots
Curated by Devon Walker
Hypemaps continues its ongoing curated guide series by tagged along with 'SNL' cast member Devon Walker, to find out what a busy day in New York looks like for him. Walker is a comedian, writer and actor based in Brooklyn, but he makes his way to Manhattan to check into 30 Rock for long days rehearsing and writing SNL sketches. In between his role as a main cast member on the late-night sketch show, he also practices stand-up comedy. When Walker isn’t on stage, you can find him stopping into hidden gem restaurants or vintage shopping for one-of-a-kind finds. Check out his complete list of his favorite New York City spots.
Located in Park Slope, Brooklyn, Union Hall is a bar, restaurant, live music and live comedy venue. It’s known for great cocktails and even better performers, providing old-timers and newcomers a chance to show their stuff. “I've done a million comedy shows here – it was one of the first places to really let me run my own shows in New York. It’s very dear to my heart, and you could easily see the next person who's up and coming there, but you also get a chance to see people who have been on TV shows and movies. It’s a place to grow and develop ideas. It’s a really intimate space too. It's kind of the perfect comedy room. When you think about what you want in a room to do stand-up in, Union Hall is exactly that."
Located in the Lower East Side, Country Of is a curated store focused on coveted vintage finds, offering grails from fan-favorite Japanese and European brands. The retail store also shows off a selection of VHS and cassette tapes, immersing shoppers in a sense of nostalgia. “I think the cool thing about vintage shopping is finding something that I don't think I'll see somebody else in. You can really find specific pieces, and that’s how I like to think about clothes and my personal style overall."
New Top Jewelry is a hidden gem (pun intended) located in the heart of Chinatown. The store illuminates the beauty of NYC’s community with a small but mighty staff. It was founded by George Tsai, who struck gold with his shopkeeper, Jane Shuai. Shuai has worked at the unsuspecting shop for nearly two decades and is known as the heart and soul of the entire operation. If you’re looking for customized chains or everyday pieces, they’ve got you covered. “They've made some nice deals with me. You can barter with them a little bit. They’ve got good quality stuff for really good prices."
Prospect Park is the ideal meeting spot for many Brooklyn residents, since it offers large bike lanes and expansive fields for picnics or summer meet-ups. It’s usually the go-to spot on warm summer days, giving locals a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. “It's just a great place to be on a summer day. The first day when it gets warm outside, you go to Prospect Park and the vibes are incredible. It’s gigantic. You could ride your bike around there, or take a little jog. I don't do either of those things, but like, you could [laughs]. It’s Brooklyn’s Central Park.”
The Theory store offers all of the brand’s classic offerings under one roof, including the Motion Wool collection that helps support the comedian on busy, on-the-go days. Stop in to check out the brand’s latest collections. “I love clothes that look like I'm dressing up but are actually quietly comfy sweatpants. I like that versatility."
Leisure Centre Vintage is a one-stop shop for some of the most unique secondhand or vintage finds in the Lower East Side. The shop’s thriving community hosts pop-ups with local founders, brands and emerging collectors and artists. It’s one of Walker’s favorite spots to shop, and considering it's owned by some of his friends, the space holds sentimental value. “I think they just have good taste. I feel like the best vintage stores have a nice intersection of finding cool and unique stuff, but also having that unique vision. And also not costing a million dollars, which is hard to find in New York City.”
Hailed by many foodies as some of the best Korean food in New York, this is a spot that Walker frequents when he’s craving classic comfort food. The location boasts a diverse menu of traditional Korean dishes and elevated entrees. “NY Kimchi is a KBBQ spot run by my homie Sam, who is also behind Golden Diner. Get the pork belly and put that on the grill. It's so good. They've also got an oysters Rockefeller dish that's banging.”
Golden Hall of Fame was brought to life by the same founder as NY Kimchi, sharing his love for traditional Korean cuisine. Designed as more of a casual pub, the space offers signature street foods, like Korean fried chicken wings, tteokbokki and crispy kimchi pancakes. “It's bar food, but it's the best-case scenario bar food. They've got all kinds of cool pastas that are Korean-inspired. Really, really tasty Korean flavors.”
Corner Bar brings a taste of the world’s best bistros to NYC. The cozy restaurant offers a classic menu that ranges from casual breakfast items, like a bagel and lox or omelettes, to more elevated dinner or nightcap options. “You go there, you get a martini, you get a burger, some oysters and a salad. That’s a perfect meal. I don't drink a lot of martinis, but if I do, I'm going gin. Not super dirty.”