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How To Be Outside, Inside with DJ NYLA
The seasoned vibe creator and committed homebody has an elite selection of hangouts and vinyl record havens for when she leaves the crib.
At Okayplayer, we’re always on the lookout for kindred audiophiles who share our same love for music discovery and cultural exploration. DJ NYLA definitely falls into that category. She’s a seasoned vibe curator who’s spun records in a variety of unique settings: Recording Academy galas, US Open, Apollo Theater, SoHo House, LIC hot spot, Record Room, and lots more. She’s known for concocting addictive mixes of soul, R&B, and hip-hop that keep the dancefloor packed and the good times flowing.
In this week’s edition of How To Be Outside, Inside, the Bronx denizen and proud mom takes us on an Uptown jaunt through her favorite bistros and restaurants, with stops in Brooklyn and the Village for essential vinyl digging sessions.
Where do you go in NYC when you want to be outside without being outside?
I’m really a homebody, but when I do step out, I keep it local Uptown. I love meeting my girls for happy hour at Blvd Bistro in Harlem. The food and drinks never miss, and the energy is always right. The best part about Harlem is how easy it is to hop around, so we’ll usually bounce to a few other cute spots in walking distance and make a day or night of it
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Where do you go when you want to be around people but not with people?
Even though I live in the Bronx, I’m always in Brooklyn. I love pulling up to Deia, a Black-owned bar owned by my friends. I know the staff, so it feels like family, and I can come solo without feeling alone. The vibe is always chill, the music is good, and I can be in the mix without being in the mix. Their recently owned sister spot, Myth Restaurant & Lounge, just opened nearby and the oxtail bao buns alone are worth the trip.
What does your perfect NYC day look like?
My perfect NYC day starts with spending quality time with my 12-year-old son — that’s always the priority when I’m not DJing. We love grabbing food at Maisonetta in the Bronx, a small family-owned spot that feels like home. Then I’m off to dig for vinyl. A1 Records in the Village, Captured Records, and Human Head in Brooklyn are my favorites. I can spend hours digging, listening, and getting lost in the music.