Our Favorites: NYC Restaurants & Bars
Au Bar 56 is a chic piano bar and French tapas restaurant offering a high-end experience, combining French tapas, craft cocktails, and live music. This sophisticated yet relaxed spot offers guests a perfect blend of live music and delectable small plates. The dimly lit, intimate setting is anchored by a grand piano with bar top. You can enjoy drinks right at the piano while listening to talented musicians serenade guests with smooth jazz and classic French tunes, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. The central location is perfect for post work drinks - we recommend going on a Thursday or Friday night.
Instagram | Walk-In
Au Bar 56 | Theater District
Enter a secret entrance to reveal a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere that feels like intimate and cozy. With its cozy booths, you and your date can enjoy a quieter setting while listening to live jazz that doesn’t require you to strain your voice to converse over. Knowledgeable bartenders craft unique cocktails - we recommend going with “bartender’s choice”. This is a great spot to make a memorable first impression - be sure to book a reservation prior. Live music is from 9-12pm - if you want to snag dinner first, grab burgers at Au Cheval across the street.
Saint Tuesday | Tribeca
A first date favorite, Stafili Wine Cafe offers an extensive selection of Greek wines and some small bites and spreads to complement your drinks. The West Village location is prime for people watching - they also have a second location in Tribeca. The volume and vibe is perfect getting to know someone on a first date.
Stafili Wine Cafe | West Village
As the name suggests, this is a Hawaiian tiki-themed spot, and it’s where you want to go for a completely unserious time in Midtown. You can sit on cushioned banquettes in front of big pictures that look like tarot cards, and there are live piano karaoke sessions when you can channel your inner SZA. Enjoy one of Midtown’s best happy hour specials between 5pm-8pm from Tuesday-Sunday, including drink and appetizer specials.
The Friki Tiki | Hell’s Kitchen
Is Bad Roman kitschy and over the top? Yes, but that’s what makes it so much fun. Start with the pepperoni cups with ranch to share. Bad Roman is one of Quality Group’s latest, so it should come as not surprise that the star of the show is the filet with the Cacio e Pepe Ravioli on top - it sounds like it shouldn’t work, but it does. The atmosphere and interior is every bit as playful and delightful as the menu.
Bad Roman | Upper West Side
A first date hidden gem - D.O.C. Wine Bar, a little slice of Sardinia just off the L train. Share a cozy seat at the rustic dimly lit bar or request a table in the Mediterranean inspired back room - you’ll forget you’re still in New York. Order a carafe of wine and start with the pane carasau, a giant cracker bread served just off the grill, with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with coarse sea salt and rosemary, and you can’t go wrong with sharing a few pasta dishes.
D.O.C. Wine Bar | Williamsburg
PDA Slice Shop is guaranteed to charm for a first date. Chef Rob Guimond, a vet of Jean Georges, Roberta's, and Speedy Romeo to create pizzas bursting with bold midwestern flavors. We recommend their intimate monthly wine club (make sure to book tickets early!) for an unforgettable date. You’ll get to know new people, learn a little about wine, and be served a variety of pizzas family style, ranging from classics to creative but surprisingly delicious pies. You’ll get to try a variety of wines and foods throughout the night, meet new people, and share stories - a perfect departure from the typical dinner or drinks first date.
PDA Slice Shop | Park Slope
Enjoy a classic NYC cocktail bar nestled just below Chelsea Market - it’s the perfect spot for an after work drinks first date. Arrive in the early evening to snag a pair of barstools - this spot stays lively after work hours and for late night cocktails. Order from their creative cocktail list or split a pitcher! If the date is going well, head upstairs for tacos from Los Tacos No. 1.
The Tippler | Chelsea
Described the 'Anti-Carbone' by the New York Times, Cafe Spaghetti is an ode to the old school Italian neighborhood classic restaurant. Sitting at one of the sidewalk tables makes you feel like you're in Italy, and the food is equally impressive. We love the Shrimp Scampi and Spaghetti Pomodoro.
Website | Reservations
Cafe Spaghetti | Carroll Gardens
You will be sure to find a stylish and cool crowd at Sartiano’s - this Italian spot in The Mercer Hotel has all of the classics such as Linguini with Claims and Orchiette but also some unique stunners like a Spaghetti with Caviar and Stuffed Chicken Parm. The interior evokes a moody Tuscan wine cellar with exposed brick walls, Carrara marble counters, and rich leather bar seats.
Sartiano’s | Soho
This French-Italian restaurant is perfect for a special occasion. Start with the ricotta with long hot peppers and then move on to the pork collar or Rigatoni with almond and garlic. End the night with the real star of the show...the caramelized white chocolate!
Raf’s | Noho
City Winery is new and improved! Their new 32,000 square foot location at Pier 57 is now open, featuring a spacious indoor space and outdoor patio. It's the perfect date spot to split a cheese board and a bottle of wine while taking in views of the Hudson River. Check their website for advance shows and wine tastings, or enjoy their restaurant and winery.
City Winery | Chelsea
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