The Best Places to Go on a Date in NYC
Around 60% of Manhattanites are single, which means that on any given night, the city turns into a serious dating scene. We asked some blogger friends to fill us in on their top picks for the best date spots in town.
Side note: If you’re looking to do something truly unique and memorable, make sure you visit SideTour.com.
DAY DATES
“Take a tour of Fresh Kills, a former landfill and future 2,400 acre park. The park will be almost three time the size of Central Park and the largest park developed in New York City in over 100 years. This project will take about twenty years to complete and would make a wonderful first date story to tell your grandchildren.” - Juliet C. Obodo author of Writer’s Retreat New York City
“There are so many cute places to take a date for dinner, but day dates can be tricky. Fortunately, Otto offers fun and informative wine classes on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.” - Brenda Della Casa of Walking Barefoot
“The most romantic destination in New York is The High Line, the city’s park in the sky. Stroll among reclaimed rail tracks from the Meatpacking District up to Chelsea as the lights of Manhattan twinkle around you. Along the way stop for a snack or glass of wine from food vendors including Bark Hot Dogs and Terroir.” - Michael Tulipan of The Savvy Explorer
“On a Saturday afternoon or other off-peak time, pick a single street in the Village and hit every restaurant for one specialty cocktail and one appetizer. Be sure to sit at the bars and talk to the bartenders…they usually love the concept and will go out of their way to mix up something special just for you.” - Michelle Mazzarella of Sparkology
FIRST DATES
“Recently I’ve been in love with The Smile, a cozy secret restaurant on Bond Street in between Lafayette and Bowery. Celebrities frequent it, but it’s still under the radar which I like.” - Jeanette Zinno of Haute Girls
“The top first date spot saved in downtown Manhattan is Hudson Clearwater” - Gemma Pollard of Matchbook, an app for remembering your that bar, restaurant, or shop
“Sweet Revenge pairs wine with decadent cupcakes like Fleur de Sol with Prosecco and Cafe Mocha with Port. Nothing makes a better date than eating dessert first!” - Monica DiNatale of 365 Guide
“Try Euzkadi in the East Village on a Tuesday night. Aside from dependable tapas, sangria, and cocktails, there’s a live Gypsy Kings cover band that sounds exactly like the real deal and makes the whole crowd of globally-minded New Yorkers get excited.” - Bryce Gruber of The Luxury Spot
“The Auction House on the Upper East Side is one of the best undiscovered gems of a first date spot in NYC. It is a low-key and unique lounge with comfy chairs, dim lights, and lots of antiques—which make it an ideal place for drinks and conversation in a relaxed setting.” Rachel Russo of 3six5dates
2ND, 3RD, AND…DATES
“The top second date spot saved in downtown Manhattan is Aria Wine Bar.” - Gemma Pollard of Matchbook, an app for remembering your that bar, restaurant, or shop
“For a third or fourth date, I recommend Angel’s Share, an intimate speakeasy hidden inside a Japanese restaurant in the East Village. Delicious cocktails, cozy tables and low lighting create a perfect ambiance.” - Michelle Shapiro of 14C
“Try a semi-private spa day (or night) at Juvenex in Koreatown. They’re open till the wee hours, are willing to shut down for a private couple hours (and at shockingly affordable rates), and you and a date can hop through ginseng and whole lemon-infused hot tubs, jade igloos, imported wood saunas, get side by side massages, and end the experience with a glass of champagne.” - Bryce Gruber of The Luxury Spot
“Those brave enough to veer away from the usual safe date of sushi and drinks and take her to a burlesque lounge like Nurse Bettie on the LES. It’s a great show with talented girls who shimmy and shake with equal amounts of sass and humor.” - Juliet C. Obodo author of Writer’s Retreat New York City
