Best Date Spots in New York City
We've all been encouraged to put ourselves out there at one point or another when it comes to dating, which begs the question: Where exactly is there? Whether it's a decadent meal or pickle-back shots at a local dive bar, we know the perfect date spots around the city to help spice things up.
Drinks
PHOTO: TIGRE
105 Rivington Street | LES
No, it’s not a typo—be sure to text your date the correct spot! Tigre is a new, upscale, vibrant yet intimate bar that's perfect for a date. With a stylish atmosphere and fantastic cocktails, it’s a great place to enjoy each other’s company in a cozy setting.
294 3rd Ave | Gramercy
The One With Cucumber cocktail (yes, that's its name) is a must-try, alongside a menu packed with super creative drinks perfect for exploring new flavors with new people. Make it a game by ordering one for each other and don't forget to order the tasty cheese plate!
UWS, UES, & Midtown
Cheese and wine never hurt anyone—except maybe a lightweight or someone who's lactose intolerant. But anyway, be sure to check out Vanguard Wine Bar! It’s a cozy spot offering small plates and a variety of wine options perfect for any palate. Great for a first date!
10-28 46th Ave | Long Island City
If beer brought you together, this is the date to seal the deal. Fifth Hammer is perfect for beer lovers, with a variety of brews for every palate in a spacious, dog-friendly taproom and a new food vendor daily!
1260 Myrtle Ave | Bushwick
Is your date into astrology? Check out Mood Ring, an astrology-themed bar in Brooklyn. Hang by the bar, take photos, and roast the Geminis you know, or head to the backroom and let the DJ mix do the talking.
523 3rd Ave | Murray Hill
Looking for a casual yet sexy spot with awesome drinks and light bites? Ted's Corner Tavern is our go-to spot. Need a suggestion? Try their specialty drink "Ted's Twist" (it's our favorite!).
Speakeasies
Photo: George Bang Bang
13 E 30th St | NoMad
What seems to be an authentic omakase spot, Okdongsik, is actually the entrance to this sophisticated speakeasy. Its drink menu is unique and meticulous, offering everything from dessert-like cocktails to movie-inspired drinks like "Harry & Sally" and "500 Days of Summer"–perfect for impressing a film buff!
356 Bowery | East Village
Don't be fooled by its exterior. The Yawning Cobra is anything but a snooze fest. This woman-owned, dark, moody speakeasy serves up sophisticated cocktails and elevated bites.
1707 2nd Ave | UES
If you're looking for "the scoop" on the city's best unheard-of speakeasies, look no further than the bright pink ice cream parlor on 2nd Ave. This seemingly appropriate ice cream date spot doubles as an intimate bar hidden behind a door of ice cream cartons.
131 Chrystie Street | LES
Enter The Lodge Gallery, and behind an unmarked door blending with the white walls, you'll find Fig.19. This warm and dimly lit hidden speakeasy makes way for romance and some of the best cocktails in the downtown area.
296 Bleecker St | West Village
If you're surprising your date with this spot, make sure they know you're not actually taking them to Five Guys—that’s just the hidden entrance to The Garret! Once you pass the fast food aroma, you'll be transported to a cozy, dimly lit cocktail bar.
113 St. Marks Pl | East Village
Looking to impress? Head to PDT (Please Don't Tell), the upscale Prohibition-era-inspired speakeasy with a menu of tasty cocktails. Enter through Crif Dog’s hot dog joint, step into the vintage phone booth (very Doctor Who!, we know), and voilà! Our work is done–you're on your own now for the date.
121 E 27th St | Kips Bay
Tucked inside a stylish suit store is an even more stylish lounge, J.Bespoke, with cozy seating for sipping craft cocktails and flat-screen TVs for watching sports. The perfect unique date spot–effortlessly cool without trying too hard.
Dinner Date
Photo: St.Mazie
345 Grand Street | Williamsburg
Williamsburg's St. Mazie is a cozy, lively jazz bar that’s always just the right amount of busy–perfect for a first date. Grab a seat, relax, and chat while enjoying their nightly live music and fresh oysters.
415 Tompkins Ave | Bed-Stuy
Share soul food with your soulmate at Bed-Stuy's Peaches Hot House, home to Brooklyn’s best fried chicken. Dig into smoky ribs, cornbread, fried green tomatoes, and blackened catfish with mayo–so bring your date and your appetite!
52 W 13th St | West Village
Get cozy as the lights dim low at Society Café, a farm-to-table restaurant and bar tucked inside the Walker Hotel. Your date will be impressed by the chic atmosphere, delicious food, and live music. After the kitchen closes, continue the date in the art-deco-inspired lobby.
West Village & Murray Hill
Nothing beats a meal at Arthur & Sons–no date can go wrong here. From Spicy Rigatoni alla Vodka to Eggplant Stack alla Arturo’s, and even their classic Caesar Salad, the food is so good, you won’t have leftovers. Plus, the drinks are divine!
52 W 13th St | Greenwich Village
This DoNYC favorite lives up to the hype. The food transports you straight to Italy, the drinks are top-notch, and the only thing more beautiful than the restaurant's interior is your date's eyes. We recommend the truffle pasta (if they don’t like truffle, they might not be the one for you).
Various locations in NYC
Let’s head a bit northwest from Italy to France with Boucherie. You can make fun of the French all you want, but their food is undeniably delicious. We recommend the filet mignon and skirt steak, but if you're in the mood for something more casual, their Wagyu burgers will hit the spot. Feeling adventurous? Try the escargot!
204 W 55th St | Midtown
In the heart of Midtown, Tanner Smith's nails the Prohibition-era bar vibe with a menu fit for any occasion and cocktails served in tea kettles and cups. The sophisticated atmosphere, dim lighting, and leather booths make it the perfect spot for an unforgettable date.
For Music Lovers
PHOTO: TERRA BLUES
149 Bleeker St | Greenwhich Village
Terra Blues is NYC's last strictly blues bar, serving over 400 whiskeys and featuring top-tier musicians. The candle-lit venue hosts shows all night with 30-minute breaks in between. We highly recommend going when Saron Crenshaw is playing, and if you're lucky, you might catch Barry Harrison playing percussion on every table!
Various locations
Check out Sofar Sounds for secret live shows in unique venues like living rooms, retail spaces, and more. BYOB and cozy up with your date while enjoying talented local artists–and who knows, you might even catch larger names like Bastille or Karen O dropping by!
61 Wythe Ave | Williamsburg
If you can’t decide between live music or something active, Brooklyn Bowl has you covered. The venue offers great live bands, a full menu of delicious comfort food, and 16 bowling lanes where you and your date can show off some skills and stir up a little friendly competition.
115 MacDougal St | West Village
Cafe Wha? is the perfect date spot for music lovers looking for a lively yet intimate atmosphere. With its rich history and iconic live performances, you and your date can enjoy fantastic food, drinks, and a night of great tunes.
486 Halsey Street | Bed-Stuy
Part coffee shop, part cocktail bar, part restaurant, and part live music venue, Bar LunÀtico is an A+ Brooklyn spot perfect for scoring a second date. With its weekend gospel brunches, diverse musical acts, and cozy ambiance, this hidden gem offers a unique charm and lively vibe that makes for a memorable date.
319 Frost St | Brooklyn
Brooklyn Steel has nothing but hits, no misses. Rolling Stones Magazine has even named them one of the best venues in America. Check out their listing of shows and impress your date with an impeccable concert experience they won't forget.
599 Johnson Ave | Williamsburg
With five eclectic rooms, three performance stages, and top-notch audio-visual equipment, Elsewhere is an epic venue for music. Whether you're catching live performances in the Hall or dancing on the rooftop with scenic views, this multi-room space has everything you need for a great time.
140 Stewart Ave | Williamsburg
Elsewhere isn’t the only venue with multiple spaces for performances and killer music. The Brooklyn Mirage hosts epic summer shows, while the Great Hall keeps the party pumping all year-round.
Places That Take it Up a Notch
Photo: Seaglass Carousel
Water St & State St | FiDi
After a scenic Staten Island Ferry ride, take your date to the Seaglass Carousel in FiDi for a playful spin on the Seaglass Carousel. A perfect, budget-friendly romantic moment, especially at night when the lights make it even more enchanting.
1555 2nd Ave | UES
Put in the elbow grease with your date to create some of the freshest pasta you’ll ever taste at Jake's Pasta Experience! Instructors will guide you through crafting pasta shapes, and after, you’ll indulge in a three-course dinner. After all, the fastest way to a person's heart is through their stomach!
130 E 23rd St | Gramercy
The FRIENDS Experience makes for the perfect date, offering a nostalgic and interactive journey through iconic moments from the beloved sitcom. Couples can pose for fun photo ops at legendary spots like the Vegas wedding chapel and the PIVOT! couch, then enjoy drinks at Central Perk. It’s a must for any FRIENDS-loving duo!
238 Grand St | Williamsburg
The One Day Wheel Throwing or Sip & Spin Workshop at Choplet Ceramic Studio is perfect for artsy and creative couples. Getting your hands dirty while creating art is sure to make anyone see a different side of you.
990 Washington Avenue | Prospect Park
When the weather warms up, the 52 acres of Brooklyn Botanic Garden become a must-visit for locals and tourists. If it’s still chilly, the greenhouse offers a tropical escape with exotic plants. Step out of the usual bar dating scene to literally stop and smell the roses—because flowers aren’t the only things blooming between you and your date!
35 W 39th St | Midtown South
If your date is a bit on the wild side with a flair for classic literature, then you might want to bring them here. Enjoy Shakespeare’s classics while sipping your favorite alcoholic beverage for a night of unforgettable laughs.
928 8th Ave | Hell's Kitchen
Impress your date while also educating them on the history of cryptology, hacking and FBI operatives at the Spyscape museum. Perfect for those that nerd-out on attention to detail and have a love for cracking codes.
Local Pubs, Breweries, & Bars
No need for kids or pets just yet—become a plant parent with your date at Bonsai Bar! Grab a drink and learn the basics of crafting tiny bonsai trees while enjoying the vibes at your favorite local bar, brewery, or pub.
112 Andes Rd | Governors Island
It's always the perfect time for a couple's wellness retreat! QC Spa has daily Admission for 2 for $372! Your experience includes all spa amenities for 2: lush gardens, heated outdoor pools, relaxation areas, sauna, and steam rooms. Just remember to bring your swimsuit.
25 W 24th St | Midtown South
Inside The Overlook Bar, a world of magic awaits. This isn't your typical bunny-in-a-hat magic show–prepare for master illusionists, con artists, card sharks, and swindlers to create a thrilling and unique experience perfect spot for a night out!
Comedic Relief
photo: Littlefield
116 E 16th St | Union Square
The Stand is perfect for a date night with its great comedy shows and an expansive food and drink menu to please any palate. You and your date can laugh all night long, plus there’s plenty to talk about afterward. It's a fun, low-key spot that mixes delicious bites with laughs!
154 West 29th St | Chelsea
The Peoples Improv Theater, or The PIT, is home to some of the most famous comedy alumni out there, including Ellie Kemper, Hannibal Buress, and even Lin-Manuel Miranda. Whether you decide to drop into an amateur improv night or one of their top-level performances, you and your date will be caught still laughing even after it's over.
635 Sackett St | Gowanus
Littlefield is a welcoming space that offers live music, film, theater, and of course, great comedy shows. With a welcoming and friendly staff, signature cocktails and plenty of events to check out on the daily, it's a must for scoping out a night with that special someone.
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Updated May 2025
