Heels? Check. Nails? Check. Hair did? Check. Glam Cane? You know it. There is not a version of me in the multiverse that doesn’t love to get all the way dressed up and go out on the town. Hey, I’m Lachi. As a New York City Aries of Nigerian descent, there’s a whole lot of hustle, pride and social-butterfly energy over here. For me, access is not a ramp – it’s a vibe.
Moving through New York City as a blind recording artist, author and executive who tours globally, I get to enjoy the ups, downs and “Whaaa...?”s of access and accommodation when it comes to dining out. Access is culture. It determines who gets to linger, who gets to flirt with the bartender, who gets to be spontaneous. There’s never going to be a checklist that gets it all in there, so I just love spots where I feel welcome, am treated with dignity and autonomy, and where the food and drink taste good to my palate and my wallet. My TL;DR stance is this: I want any signal that says, “Hey you! Yeah, you! We want you in here, spending your hard-earned cash, right now!”
Access is culture. It determines who gets to linger, who gets to flirt with the bartender, who gets to be spontaneous
The spots below don’t just meet minimums,; they meet me where I’m at. Staff who speak directly to you. Layouts that make sense. Music and lighting that don’t punish your senses. It’s the difference between being managed and being welcomed.
These are the places I would return to between recording sessions, between writing chapters of I Identify As Blind, between building a world around upcoming album Magnificent. These are just the first places that popped into my head, but there are so many more here in the city just waiting to hold you – yes, you!
City Winery, Chelsea (Pier 57)
Dinner, live music, and staff that actually get it. City Winery is where I go when I want a full night out without having to strategise every step. The space is built with access in mind, from entrances to seating, and the team doesn’t treat patrons with physical, sensory or any other conditions like problems to solve. Disability Rights Advocates presented my organisation RAMPD.org with an Edith Prentiss Award in 2024 here at City Winery and the room was top-to-bottom full with glammed-out hotties, baddies and dappers with disabilities eating meals and making deals.
1803 NYC, Tribeca
Anywhere around FiDi can feel like a suit convention, but 1803 breaks that spell. Big, flexible seating, easy to navigate and staff who adjust without making it a whole big thing. They’ve got different kinds of seating, and I’m here for their outdoor section on a nice day. The food is impeccable, the drinks are fun (and strong like I like) and the music is a vibe. It’s one of those gems where access and ambiance aren’t competing priorities. Also, I don’t eat red meat but the word on the street is the ribs are doing something spiritual.
Tacombi, multiple locations (shoutout Empire State Building)
New York and Mexican food have a complicated relationship, but Tacombi is one of the good’uns – good vibes at every location I’ve visited so far. Wide layouts, quick service, tasty esquites and staff who don’t blink when you ask for accommodations. It can get loud, so timing matters if you’re sensory-sensitive. Pro tip: make a reservation ahead of time, and call in if you need specific seating. Also, respectfully, the margaritas are not for the weak.
Sea Thai Brooklyn, Williamsburg
This place is a true vibe. I’ve only been here once, because it ain’t easy getting this girl out to Brooklyn. But I’m here for the great food, community feel, nice music, strong drinks and accommodating staff. The spot is accessible and the layout is wide and spacious. But the food here is really doing the work. If you like Thai, you’re about to love Thai. I really do need to get myself back out there. My mouth is pooling as I’m writing this.
Lincoln Center, Upper West Side
When they get it right, they really get it right. From audio-described and sensory-friendly performances to more thoughtful front-of-house practices, there are pockets of real integrated accessibility here. Do your homework on the specific venue and event, but when it aligns, it’s powerful. At Lincoln Center, high culture is not gatekept by design. And it’s obviously somewhere that’s got good taste, as I’ve performed here several times! As both an artist and a patron, I can say the renowned Lincoln Center is renowned for a reason.
Cafe Erzulie, Bushwick
Queer, Black, femme and full of joy, Cafe Erzulie is where nightlife and liberation actually meet. The intentionality is loud. Staff are kind, community is centred and there’s a level of care that makes a difference when you’re navigating as a disabled person. Come for the music, stay because you feel held.
