First/Early in the Game Dates
Most Popular Guides
Guide
The Best Bars In Soho And Nolita
Where to get a drink after you return something to Bloomingdale's.
Guide
The Best Bars In Chelsea
If you're looking for a place to drink after you just left MSG or Chelsea Market, here are the top clubs, cocktail bars, and Happy Hour spots in the area.
Guide
The Best First Date Spots In NYC
The perfect first date spots can be hard to find, so we put them all in one place for you.
Guide
The Most Romantic Restaurants In NYC
If you need to plan an anniversary or a nice date night, use this guide to the most romantic restaurants in NYC. From a rooftop in FiDi to a West Village Italian spot, these are your best options.
Guide
Where To Have A Date In Williamsburg
26 Williamsburg bars and restaurants for when you’re going out with someone that you’re more-or-less into.
Guide
19 Places To Grab A Drink Where You Can Also Get Good Food
When getting a drink is priority one, but you also want the option to eat something good, use this guide.
Guide
Where To Eat Fancy Vegetables
If you're planning a birthday, an anniversary, or any other kind of nice, fancy dinner, here are your best vegan and vegetarian options.
Top rated spots
First/Early in the Game Dates
Review
Fradei
This beloved subterranean spot in Fort Greene has a handful of impressive seasonal dishes and natural wine.
Review
Silver Apricot
Silver Apricot in the West Village has a secret back patio where you should bring a date and eat Chinese-New American small plates.
Review
Steak Frites
The name tells you what you should order at this French bistro in Hell’s Kitchen, but plenty of other dishes shine too.
Review
Honeycomb
Honeycomb is a dark, narrow spot in Park Slope inspired by the vinyl listening bars of Tokyo.
Review
Freak Bar
Hang out at this beer bar for misfits and weirdos after catching the Coney Island Circus Sideshow at the theater next door.
Review
Café Mars
At this wacky restaurant in Gowanus, the fun setting and straightforward Italian dishes overshadow the more experimental food.
Review
Angel’s Share
Formerly located in the East Village, this classic NYC cocktail bar still makes impeccable drinks, now in a mellow space on Grove Street.
Review
Frog Wine Bar
Not all natural wine bars are pretentious. This one has a big backyard and feels like a Bed-Stuy house party.
Review
ElNico
With impressive views, cocktails and Mexican food, this rooftop bar in Williamsburg is a triple threat.
Review
Donna
If you want to sit on a pink banquette, catch up with a friend, and enjoy an impressive cocktail in the West Village, head to Donna.
Review
Lin & Daughters
Lin & Daughters is a family-owned dumpling shop in the West Village where everything is handmade to order.
Guide
The Best Boba Shops in NYC
The best places in NYC for brown sugar boba, cheese foam, and all your boba shop favorites.
Review
Debutea
A boba shop with a full food menu, Debutea is an easy lunch date spot in Downtown Brooklyn.
Review
Krupa Grocery
Krupa Grocery is an all-day neighborhood restaurant in Windsor Terrace with babycinos and a nice backyard.
Review
Big Tiny
Big Tiny is a lively French bistro in Carroll Gardens. It has an excellent wine list, and is great for a date night.
Review
Madeline's Martini
This speakeasy-ish martini lounge in Alphabet City is ideal for a first date with second-date conversation.
Review
Superbueno
This fun Mexican-American bar in the East Village has creative cocktails and a great birria grilled cheese.
Review
Biddy's Pub
Even on a random weekday, you can always count on Biddy's for a good time. This UES pub is tiny, friendly, and usually packed.
Review
Kohoku-Ku Ramen
Kohoku-Ku ramen is a tiny restaurant in Hell's Kitchen that makes some of the richest, thickest ramen broth we've ever had.