The Locals: Meet Nina Tarr
For Nina Tarr, creativity has never been confined to one medium. A fixture behind the decks at Soho Grand and Roxy Hotel, the DJ and music curator also lends her talents to acting and comedy. An Orange County native turned Williamsburg local, Tarr knew she belonged in New York long before she moved here. When she’s not working, you might find her watching Billy Wilder movies, visiting downtown galleries, sipping dirty martinis, or heading out for late-night pierogis. We caught up with her to talk favorite restaurants, local haunts, and what New York means to her.
What would the title of your autobiography be?
Nina Tarr(ed & Feathered)
What can’t you travel without and why?
A big pair of noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask — hands down the best way to combat irritation while traveling (which unfortunately is inevitable) is sensory deprivation, my friends. Tune in, turn on, drop out.
What’s your favorite travel destination?
Mexico City — I love the food, the nightlife, the architecture. It’s so easy to get around and there is so, so, so much to do and see. Great weather, and everyone is so lovely and friendly.
What’s your favorite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon in NYC?
CitiBike to any park, pop on some headphones, and walk endlessly.
If you could choose one person to show you “their New York City,” who would it be and why?
Iggy Pop — the absolute legend. I’d love to walk around his old haunts in Alphabet City and hear wild story after wild story.
Who or what has inspired you recently and why?
Billy Wilder movies! I’ve been going on a deep dive of his films and screenplays and have been really inspired by his writing and storytelling. Though his most popular work was made between the mid-1940s and the late 1960s, his sense of humor and depth of understanding of the human condition is timeless. Very postmodern for the time.
What are your favorite NYC restaurants? What do you order there?
The Odeon — steak frites and a dirty dry martini.
What’s your go-to spot in NYC for drinks?
Temple Bar, Victoria, The Nines, Jeans.
What are some of your favorite NYC brunch spots? What do you order when you go?
POST in East Village — the biscuits are divine, and you can sit outside, and there’s really never a wait.
Where do you get your art fix in NYC? Do you have a favourite artist?
My favorite galleries right now are C.C. Jasper in the Lower East Side and Locker Room in Tribeca. They have great events and fantastic programming and curation, and the folks running them are real art appreciators with great taste and all-around amazing people.
What are some of your favorite late-night hangouts in NYC and why?
Woo Hop — best late-night greasy Chinese. Veselka — late-night pierogis, need I say more? Clandestino — a classic downtown New York bar that’s open seven days a week and you’ll always run into someone you know.
What are some of your under-the-radar must-do recommendations for NYC visitors?
The ferry to Governors Island is so fun and not enough people do it. A little boat trip and a cool view of the city. Highly recommended!
What are some of your favorite NYC stores and why?
Judi Rosen — best denim you can get, with a great price point and funky, chic designs. There’s also so much cool stuff in there, not just clothes. It’s a small independent shop run by very cool and kind people.
What music are you listening to these days? Who are some of your favorite musicians?
CAN — Delay 1968, Roxy Music — Stranded, Haruomi Hosono — S-F-X, Tim Maia, New Order, Joe Bataan.
What album or song would you consider your personal soundtrack to NYC?
The Velvet Underground & Nico. When I heard this album as a teenager, I knew I belonged in New York City.
When you think of NYC, are there any particular emotions or memories that immediately come to mind?
Togetherness! I know that sounds cheesy, but I really think New Yorkers have an indomitable spirit that not only relates to them but extends to their fellow man. There is a real sense of community here, which is impressive because it’s one of the most densely populated cities in the world. It can feel chaotic, but I actually feel like strangers have your back more often than not, and that gives me a sense of ease.