Hugo works for streetwear brand Stüssy and lives between New York and Toronto.

Hugo Mendoza 

Hugo Mendoza was raised in the Bronx. Today, he works for streetwear brand Stüssy and lives between New York and Toronto. According to Hugo, New York is best described as a "melting pot of hundreds, thousands of different cultures." With such a rich heritage of immigration, in NY "if you are broke and can't afford traveling, you can pull up to any of the boroughs and catch a little piece of the world in any little bodega or restaurant."

The OG borough for Mendoza, of course, is the Bronx. "The energy and culture in there is like no other. On any day during the summer you can walk through many blocks and witness some sidewalk BBQs, a block party, some old Dominican dudes playing dominoes in front of the bodega." Read his guide to see all of the gems within this under-explored borough, from museums and murals to authentic Dominican spots. One tip from Hugo is, when in NY, "eat good and go relax on the grass at Pelham Bay Park."

New York City 

The Bronx Museum tends to go under people's radar a lot of the time but this is one of my top 3 favorite museums in NY. Last year (2019) they had the best exhibition I've ever been to. Shout out Henry Chalfant.

This is an old photo but it captures the very essence of Fordham Road. From sneakers you haven't seen in years to $5 thermal packs to keep you warm through a NY winter, this joint has it all. If you make your way towards University Heights Bridge you can fuck with some Texas size Henny Coladas at Dallas BBQs.

This one here is a gem. I stumbled upon the Bartow mansion one time I was riding on my 10-speed headed to City Island, if I remember correctly. The garden is like no other and if you're into Greek revival interiors this joint is for you.

I keep this one close to my heart. Big Pun is in my top 5 for obvious reasons. Tats Cru is legendary Bronx shit. Not much to say about this one, they switch it every other year. Each year is hard. If you fuck with PUN go see it. 

Dominican owned. Bronx based. Great food. The menu changes daily, Thursday is my go-to. Chivo con arroz blanco y guandules de coco. Enough said.

Best Pizza in the Bronx. Don't @ me. Get the sausage slice. 

If you know me, you knew this one was coming. Get a little bit of each section. The menu is broken down into sections. Fried, Boiled and I think burgers and chicken. Don't touch those. Stick to the seafood. Go fuck with a Henny Colada or 2. The peoples at the bar have no actual bartending experience so they bless the Henny amounts.

Best Chopped Cheese in the Bronx in my opinion. Open 24hrs. I know if you are from NY and you're reading this I know youre like "Hugo got it fucked up, the best chopped cheese is..." That's cool. If ya'll ever decide to take a trip uptown, come see for yaself. 

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Explore The Bronx with Hugo Mendoza

 is home to countless neighborhoods with their own unique twist. There isn’t a 

, it’s more a matter of what vibe you’re seeking out, but there are some highlights everyone should check out.

"The energy and culture in there is like no other. On any day during the summer you can walk through many blocks and witness some sidewalk BBQs, a block party, some old Dominican dudes playing dominoes in front of the bodega." - 

Over in Brooklyn, Bed Stuy is known for top-notch eateries, thrift-finds and community landmarks like Prospect Park. BLK MKT Vintage located on Marcus Garvey Blvd is a gem where you’ll find pieces of Black American culture – vintage beauty like afro picks from the 70s in pristine condition, records, collector tees, and literature spanning poetry and prose – at even rarer prices. If you prefer a slower pace where you can spend the day catching up with friends over soul food and good coffee while taking a piece of NY culture home, Bed Stuy is where it’s at.


Home to a range of burgeoning designers, creatives of all ages and fine-dining on a creative budget, LES still maintains the edge of the city that has been largely priced out. It’s a little grimy mixed with glitz and an all-round good time. For those on the hunt for a coveted JPG (Jean Paul Gaultier) mesh tee or those in search of vintage Vivienne Westwood treasures, stop by James Veloria. Fabulous and friendly, they’ll make sure you leave looking and feeling impeccably stylish.

It used to be the center of punk; today it continues to attract youth from all over looking for good food, cheap tasty drinks and fashionable fits on a budget. For a mix of trendy and classic pieces like collegiate sweaters and quality denim, check out L Train Vintage on 1st Ave. Once you’re done shopping, take a break at KoKo Wings just down the street. It’s built up a solid reputation across Manhattan for a menu of tasty Korean cheap eats and beer that won’t break the bank.

Basically the downtown of Manhattan, here you’ll find your mix of luxury and high street fashion, fine dining and hip cafes all in the company of a fashionable set of tastemakers. Centrally located, it’s easy to get anywhere in the city from this neighborhood which is why it’s active 24/7. Grab a coffee and walk through the streets eyeing new designer drops on display before picking up lunch at Ruby’s (just be ready to wait a little, this Aussie fast-food joint is always packed). Once you’re done exploring the area, pop over to Chinatown or the Lower East Side, both just blocks away.