Date ideas in New York
Hand-picked spots and full nights out, from a list we keep ourselves — no tourist traps. Or text Cael and it plans and books one around her.
Whole nights, already planned
East Village
DinnerKanoyama · East Village · $$$
low-key,quality
“Seriously good, underrated sushi at a fraction of the omakase-flex price. Bar seats for solo.”
NightcapDeath & Co · East Village · $$$
intimate,cool
“The cocktail temple — dark, serious drinks, great for a nightcap or a low-lit date leg.”
West Village
StartBuvette · West Village · $$
cozy,charming
“A tiny jewel-box French cafe — perfect low-stakes date or a solo croque with wine.”
DinnerI Sodi · West Village · $$$
intimate,romantic
“Tuscan, low-lit, grown-up — the quiet romantic pick that isn't Carbone. The lasagne is legendary.”
NightcapCorner Bistro · West Village · $
dive,casual
“A cash-y dive with one of the best cheap burgers in the city — the honest low-key answer.”
Lower East Side
StartMetrograph · Lower East Side · $$
cool,unique
“An indie cinema with a lovely restaurant/bar upstairs — a genuinely cool, non-obvious date.”
DinnerKiki's · Lower East Side · $$
cool,cult
“Cash-only Greek with a cult following and a line — fun, cheap-ish, in-the-know.”
Our picks
Bemelmans Bar · Upper East Side · $$$
romantic,iconic
“Live piano under Ludwig Bemelmans' murals at the Carlyle — pricey but a genuinely magical, grown-up date drink.”
Buvette · West Village · $$
cozy,charming
“A tiny jewel-box French cafe — perfect low-stakes date or a solo croque with wine.”
Corner Bistro · West Village · $
dive,casual
“A cash-y dive with one of the best cheap burgers in the city — the honest low-key answer.”
Dante · Greenwich Village · $$$
lively,classic
“World-class Negronis in an airy century-old cafe-bar — an easy, unpretentious drink or aperitivo date.”
Death & Co · East Village · $$$
intimate,cool
“The cocktail temple — dark, serious drinks, great for a nightcap or a low-lit date leg.”
Gramercy Tavern · Flatiron · $$$$
refined,warm
“Danny Meyer's warm, impeccable classic — the front tavern room is walk-in and less stiff than the dining room.”
Green-Wood Cemetery · Brooklyn · $
peaceful,private,unique
“478 acres of gorgeous, hilly, historic quiet with skyline views — a beautiful non-touristy walk.”
I Sodi · West Village · $$$
intimate,romantic
“Tuscan, low-lit, grown-up — the quiet romantic pick that isn't Carbone. The lasagne is legendary.”
Kanoyama · East Village · $$$
low-key,quality
“Seriously good, underrated sushi at a fraction of the omakase-flex price. Bar seats for solo.”
Keens Steakhouse · Midtown · $$$$
historic,characterful
“A 1885 mutton-chop institution with clay pipes on the ceiling — the characterful old-NY steakhouse move over the tourist ones.”
Kiki's · Lower East Side · $$
cool,cult
“Cash-only Greek with a cult following and a line — fun, cheap-ish, in-the-know.”
L'Artusi · West Village · $$$
lively,refined
“Polished, buzzy Italian — great for a lively date; bar seats are a solid solo splurge.”
Want it planned and booked?
Text Cael “Plan a date in New York this weekend.” It checks what she likes, builds the night and books the table once you say yes.
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