In this sea of 8 million people that is New York City, dating can be a daunting task. Its complicated finding someone worthy of your time, let alone planning the date once you’ve agreed to one. Day date? An evening outing? Do you both work 9-5? Will he/she like the same scene? You’ve seen them drink, but does he/she actually eat? Clubplanet has compiled a fool-proof list of bars and restaurants that will set the mood, no matter your differences. You don’t trust us? Try them by your-skeptical-self first, but don’t be surprised if you feel like a lonely little bug sitting at a table all by your lonesome.
Sanctuary T
337B West Broadway
New York, NY 10013
212-941-7832
This Soho, American Nouveau restaurant/tea den is exactly what its name suggests. A sanctuary – it really is a quiet getaway amidst the downtown bustle – and T (or tea) - the house specialty in all its varieties - is served in wine decanters with a lighted candle below to keep the liquid warm. The petite tables are a fantastic locale to grab an afternoon tea, an early evening tea-infused cocktail and a thoughtful conversation to supplement. The helpful staff will guide your choice based on your preferred tastes and will probably convince you to try the chocolate fondue with fresh fruit to dip. One date at Sanctuary T and you will be well on your way to a second.
Diablo Royale
189 West 10th Street
New York, NY 10011
212-620-0223
For a night (or day) out that is heavy on the date-vibe, but light on the pocketbook, head to the West Village’s Diablo Royale. With a guacamole appetizer that rivals Rosa’s and a serious drink menu – try the Diablo Ricky: 1/4 frozen margarita and 3/4 lager beer – Diablo Royale will not disappoint.
The dimly lit interior sparked with fiery-red, deer antler chandeliers gives the space a slightly underground, hipster-ish feel – the beautiful twenty-somethings hovered around the bar help, too. The floor-length front windows open to create a terrace-like dining room (when the weather agrees) and the small two-top tables form a rather intimate setting. Try Diablo Royale for drinks and apps or for a full-out meal – after a pitcher or two of margaritas, you will not be going home solo, that’s for sure.
Lucky Strike
624-660 W 42nd Street
New York, NY 10022
646-829-0170
An oldie, but a goodie; bowling, as an all-American pastime, is a great way to break the ice and Lucky Strike just happens to break it hard. As a full service bowling alley/lounge/restaurant with walls lined by original works of art from the owner’s personal collection, Lucky Strike isn’t your typical Budweiser, Parliament Light and Jack’s frozen pizza type of shenanigans. Invite a crowd of couples or a horde of singles for a surprisingly unpretentious evening full of top-shelf drinks, awkwardly-worn shoes and opportunities galore to schmooze with the being of your desire.
The Bourgeois Pig
111 E 7th Street
New York, NY 10009
212-475-2246
The rich, red walls and the dark, cavernous ambiance would be all we need for romance, but the East Village’s Bourgeois Pig goes above and beyond. Featuring a vast wine selection – bottles are 50% off on Tuesday nights - and numerous fondue platters, The Bourgeois Pig is a bicycle built for two. Whether your poison is red or white, the concept of wrong doesn’t exist in this displaced Frenchie venue. Take your lover for a Tuesday night Tour de France and try a variety of regions or flavors.
Angel’s Share
8 Stuyvesant Street
New York, NY 10003
212-777-5415
Hidden behind a Japanese restaurant and above a bookstore, Angel’s Share is famous for its well-mixed cocktails and its somewhat secret existence. The long and narrow space is fixed with chandeliers, polished wood, posh curtains and plump cherubs painted above the bar, proving to be a rather quixotic setting. There is no standing around, and waits for tables get pretty long, with only groups of four or less being seated, but if you and your flavor of the week want a quiet, quaint place to sip on specialty cocktails, Angel’s Share does it best.
Pipa
38 East 19th Street
New York, NY 10003
212-677-2233
Pipa, a tapas restaurant and bar inside ABC Carpet and Home, seems a bit off at first thought, but this in-store venture is quite a treat. Featuring Spanish-style light-bites by way of Patria veteran Douglas Rodriguez, Pipa is a great alternative for an impromptu date between busy, afternoon errands. Pipa’s whimsical décor is much like that of the store that encompasses it, as every ornate piece of furniture inside Pipa has a price tag and can be purchased for your home. Grab a goblet of wine, a plate of crispy calamari and test a date on your home decorating compatibility.
Amalia
204 West 55th Street
New York, NY 10019
212-245-1234
The superbly delicate environment, named after Sigmund Freud’s mother, is a lovely spot for novice duos and first-timers, alike. Positioned amongst decorative embellishments like black Murano glass chandeliers, silk wallpaper, exposed brick walls and a custom-made, mosaic tile floating staircase, you may acquire a sensation of euphoria before even tasting the bubbling glass of Nicolas Feuillatte. Amalia, adjacent to the Dream Hotel, is a perfect spot to grab a cocktail and to then retire to a room next door for the remainder.
Balthazar
80 Spring St
New York, NY 10012
212-965-1414
Meet someone out last night and want to sweep them off their feet? For a meal at any time of day, though we suggest a morning after rendezvous, Balthazar is one of New York City’s finest. Modeled after a Parisian bistro, expect the food to be top-tier and the service to be impeccable. The close quarters complete the scene and allow for some ‘elbow’ time for you and your dining partner. Revel in the previous evening’s events and cure your headache over a mimosa or a bloody mary at the best brunch date-spot in town.
