Looking to plan the best date night? Welcome to the Pursuitist Guide to date night in New York City. From energetic rooftop bars to cozy speakeasies tucked away in hidden alleys, NYC has options for every type of date night. Whether you are a local looking for new spots or visiting on a romantic getaway, here are some of our favorite spots:
COCKTAILS & LIGHT BITES
215 Chrystie Street, New York, NY 10002
Downtown chic meets sophisticated glamour at the new two fifteen bar in the Ian Schrager designed PUBLIC Hotel. Dripping in rich fabrics, sparkling chandeliers and a mood setting fireplace, this is the perfect spot to get cozy for drinks and light bites from 5-7pm, or indulge in a sophisticated lounge atmosphere from 10pm on.
118 E 40th St, New York, NY 10016
If cocktails and light bites in a glamorous cocktail bar located in the historic Renwick Hotel sounds like your perfect date night, Agency of Record is for you. Opened in late 2023, this Mad Men- inspired bar is decked out in plush banquettes, mahogany hues, plush banquette seating and a vintage martini cart. With a nod towards the advertising world, the cocktails ” “Always Be Closing”, “Target Audience”) are sure to amuse.
19 W 8th St, New York, NY 10011
Dark leather chairs, low lighting and a unpretentious Greenwich Village neighborhood feel is what an unforgettable date night looks like at Analogue. The friendly staff will make you feel right at home, as you and your plus one get comfortable over expertly made cocktails, an extensive whiskey menu and small plates like the popular tuscan flatbread, charcuterie and deviled eggs.
63 Carmine Street, New York, NY 10014
Take your date to next level downtown cool with a visit to this hidden lounge in the West Village, located below jajaja. From owners and longtime friends Nima Garos and Koorosh Bakhtiar, Bar Nena serves up low ABV fermented beverages based on ancient Mexican recipes, bespoke cocktails and light bites over a sexy copper bar, or choose to cozy up on one of the velvet banquettes that line the room. Sip on a romance -inspiring cocktail, like the Besame (“Kiss Me”).
339 E. 10th St. New York, New York 10009
Keep it cool and casual with this historic East Village speakeasy hidden behind a working barber shop. With a focus on both seasonal and speciality cocktails, Blind Barber also keeps it interesting with nightly themes like “Retro Wednesday” and “House Party Thursday”.
52 W. 33rd Street, New York, NY
Sultry midtown cocktail lounge The Bronze Owl is the perfect place to escape the hustle of New York for classic Italian cocktails and assorted bites in a chic space reminiscent of a Mad Men era. With dark green banquets, black and white artwork, and gold accents, make sure to choose a corner booth, and don’t miss the Black Diamond Caviar & Burrata, house made pizzas or selection of cured meats.
26 Bond Street, New York, NY
This subterranean NoHo cocktail bar from Authentic Hospitality is a sultry, discreet place to enjoy decadent light bites, savory sips, and a round of pool. Spirit-forward craft cocktails like the Fig Poppa (reposado tequila, combier, fig, pineapple, lime, vanilla, graham cracker salt) and Shoulder Blade (monkey shoulder scotch, santa teresa 1796, coconut, banana, pineapple, lime, vanilla, nutmeg) are served alongside sharable shrimp cocktail, oysters and chilled crab dip.
This chill East Village bar on Saint Marks offers both indoor and outdoor dining, along with a great selections of Spring/Summer cocktails like The Guava Paloma, The Mezcal Penicillin Sour, and Oskar’s Clarified Milk Punch. For an energetic atmosphere, catch Romeo’s monthly Block Parties in collaboration with Funny Pretty Nice, on Sunday afternoons.
49 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
From owner Ryan McKenzie and Executive Chef Carlos Chavarria, of Patent Pending, is seeyabajo, hidden underneath seeyamañana. The vibey, intimate venue hosts live music, a Baja California menu and bespoke drinks with fresh, unique ingredients inspired by Chef Chavarria’s Mexican upbringing (think: butter-washed mezcal, kiwi, green peppercorn, the Mexican spirit Pox, cantaloupe, yerba mate, Mexican corn whiskey, and more).
7 E 27th St, New York, NY 10016
The sexy, sultry Tusk Bar located in The Evelyn Hotel is the perfect ambiance for date night- low lighting, draped fabrics, cheeky artwork, creative cocktails (Ambrosia Punch, Pastel Sour) and decadent seafood-focused bites like the trio of playful oyster minis, King Crab “Club” Sandwich and Live Scallop Crudo from acclaimed Chefs Jeremiah Stone and Fabian Von Hausk. The Parisian apartment-inspired setting will have you swooning by the end of the evening.
96 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10003
If you are looking for cocktails that impress alongside a menu filled with Sichuan light bites from a Michelin-Starred chef, Wonderland is your place. The whimsical atmosphere features greenery on the ceiling, bird caged tables, fun glass shapes and presentations and dim lighting, perfect for intimate date-night conversations. Highlights include kumamoto oyster with uni and caviar, Chungking spicy chicken sliders, Sichuan cold noodles with sesame, peanuts and scallion and an eel club with pork and wasabi mayonnaise.
RESTAURANTS
Twenty Three Grand
23 Grand St, New York, NY 10013
In the heart of Soho in the Modernhaus Hotel is the garden oasis of Twenty Three Grand. Named after the address, the beautiful indoor/outdoor restaurant offers delectable Mediterranean-inspired dining under a retractable roof. The food is helmed by Executive Chef Ashley Rath, and the menu features reinvented classic comfort food with a twist and is the perfect spot for a romantic evening under the stars.
105 Hudson St, New York, NY 10013
Beefbar, originally from Monte Carlo, has now made a home in downtown Tribeca. Located in an art deco building and designed by French interior design firm Humbert & Poyet, the stunningly sophisticated space offers a timeless chic experience with diverse range of dishes curated by Executive Chef Thierry Paludetto, with Executive Chef Peter Jin at the helm in New York. For a sophisticated date night experience, don’t miss the croque sando, a dry aged ribeye ham with mozzarella and La Sauce Beefbar, or the homemade wagyu bolognese with 101-month-aged parmesan.
19 E 26th St, New York, NY 10010
This classic American farm-to-table restaurant in NoMad by Chef John Doherty is the perfect place for a romantic, low-ket date night. With the front Tavern dining room with its massive front window with direct views of the top of Madison Square Park, as well as the main dining room in the back, this is the perfect place to dine on Shrimp & Tagliolini Pasta with preserved tomatoes, basil, shaved ricotta; Black Mission Fig Sourdough Pizza with Mangalitsa, spicy coppa, caramelized onions, cheese fondue, arugula topped with truffle oil, Grilled Branzino, or the signature BLACKBARN Burger with bbq sauce, bacon, roasted tomato, cheddar, jalapeno, parmesan fries. Opting for something more casual? Stop by the BLACKBARN weekday happy hour with $12 classic cocktails, $9 wine, $6 draft beer and half off its Tavern Snacks ( Crispy Chicken Wings, Truffle Mac & Cheese Croquettes, Mangalitsa Charcuterie & Cheese and Shishito Peppers).
246 10th Ave. New York, NY
947 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10022
From owners Brian Owens and Chef Todd Mitgang comes NYC’s first sustainable seafood restaurant, exclusively serving locally caught and sustainably farmed fish. The standout dishes include Kumamoto Oysters topped with Sake Mignonette and Hatch Green Chillies, Montauk Sea Bream nigiri atop a charred Japanese Miso Eggplant, Local Scallop with Brown Butter, Lemon & Sea Salt and American Dry-Age Wagyu Hot Stone.
773 10th Ave, New York, NY 10019
From Executive Chef Efi Naon comes modern middle eastern restaurant Frena. Mediterranean food lovers will enjoy getting cozy over sharable classics like hummus, tzatziki, falafel, crispy zucchini cakes and more paired with Mediterranean wines and spirits.
40A 10th Ave, New York, NY 10014
Explore Korean fine dining at Genesis House Restaurant. Located in the Meatpacking District with a view overlooking the water, Genesis House blends the Royal Korean flavors with New York’s fresh seasonal produce, creating a unique experience that stimulates all of the senses. From the sleek, minimal decor to the exemplary five-star service, Genesis House is the perfect date night spot.
731 Lexington Avenue, Inside Beacon Courtyard, New York, NY 10022
Take an elegant trip to 1920’s Shanghai, with a visit to Hutong. Located in the Bloomberg Building, the Northern Chinese menu of Flaming Peking Duck, Wagyu Beef Mille-feuille and Dim Sum paired with artisan cocktails is the perfect way to spend an evening. Save room for dessert and split the Dessert Bao, made of white chocolate, with a gooey melted caramel inside.
8 E 50th St, New York, NY 10022
Located in midtown Manhattan inside Saks, L’Avenue at Saks is the perfect place for the fashion lovers. With an option of indoor or terrace seating, L’Avenue at Saks is ideal for after-work dates, with stunning views overlooking Fifth Avenue. The sophisticated menu serves up Foie Gras, Escargot, Spicy Lobster Pasta, and Caviar, as well as bespoke cocktails and an extensive wine menu.
This beautiful new high-end Italian restaurant in the Upper East Side is led by the talented Chef Alessandro Pendinelli (formerly of Fresco by Scotto and Gabriel’s), and is the perfect unpretentious date night spot serving up handmade pastas, Naples-style pizza, fresh seafood, decadent desserts, classic cocktails and an impressive wine list with over 400 different wines, with a focus on Italy, France, and the US.
15 Watts St, New York, NY 10013
Known as one of New York’s liveliest restaurants, Maison Close brings the fun to dinner, brunch and cocktails all week long. From the team behind Bagatelle, the beautiful space is the epitome of European elegance and hospitality, and serves up french classics like Tartare de Boeuf au Couteau, Terrine de Foie Gras, Coq au Vin and Caviar. Don’t miss extravagant cocktail creations like La Tenancière, finished with a brandied cherry wrapped in gold flakes and a rosemary bubble smoke made with Casa del Sol Reposado, Cap Corse white Quina, Chartreuse Vegetal Elixir.
200-3 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
If you are looking to impress your date with a hidden gem, head to downtown Brooklyn to the original Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare location for an unforgettable evening at Maison Sun. The kitchen is helmed by Executive Chef Aaron Whittle (Eleven Madison Park, Le Coucou and Nōksu), and the creative, contemporary 10-course tasting menu is truly works of art. With only 12 seats, the intimate dining experience at the stainless steel chef’s counter is a theatrical encounter; from watching the kitchen meticulously craft each dish to the Christofle silverware, only topped by the prestigious wine pairings with selections from Champagne, Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Tokaj.
Manhatta
28 Liberty St 60th floor, New York, NY 10005
From Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality comes award-winning Manhatta, perched 60 stories in the sky with stunning views of the city. The kitchen is under the guidance of Executive Chef Justin Bogle, featuring global ingredients from around the world. The curated spirits menu features classics named after different areas of New York- don’t miss the Manhatta(n), Red Hook or Chinatown.
30 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003
Located in Nomad’s “restaurant row” on 20th Street is neighborhood favorite Nemesis. Brought to you by seasoned New York City hospitality professionals from Williamsburg’s Antidote, the innovative chef-driven menu by Executive Chef Francis Tantarantana features shareable small plates (Crying Tiger Ribeye, Bone Marrow, Grilled Pork Belly, Night Market Noodles) and is paired perfectly with speakeasy-style cocktails with a focus on Asian Whisky crafted by Beverage Director Nick Hwang, as well as a healthy selections of wines curated by Alexander Lee.
825 3rd Ave. New York, NY 10022
Cult favorite Rosemary’s just opened their third location in midtown, and like its predecessors, it is an ode to the simple things in life- seasonal foods, simple dishes, and high quality ingredients inspired by the family life of founder Carlos Suarez. Rosemary’s is the perfect date night spot to share housemade pastas, fresh salads, a plethora of spritz options and the olive oil cake.
151 Allen Street, NY NY
From Chef Frances Tariga (Top Chef, Sushi Masters) come Lower East Side Tadhana, meaning ‘destiny’ or ‘fate’ in Filipino. Opened on May 10th, 2024 to rave reviews, the 16-course Filipino tasting menu includes favorites like Singulaw Wagyu and Tajang – with grilled wagyu, jicama and fermented vinegar, along with Salu Salo (celebration of sharing) with grilled dishes like pork belly and a stew based dish, and more.
From award-winning chefs Richard Sandoval and Jonatán Gómez Luna Torres comes tán- a highly stylized restaurant bringing the flair of Tulum to the heart of Manhattan. With an innovative coastal menu and agave-centric cocktails, the is the perfect date night location to bask under earthy tones and lush greenery. After dinner, grab a drink at speakeasy-style cocktail bar, lúm.
This strikingly beautiful quintessential Upper West Side restaurant is a favorite among celebrities and New Yorkers for its sophisticated, yet low key vibe, attentive hospitality and beautiful murals by Howard Chandler Christy. With a menu that includes classic Italian dishes, seasonal cocktails and a superb wine selection, don’t miss signature dishes like the Ragú Napoletano, which donates a portion of proceeds to Brazilian non-profit PF das Ruas. With low lighting, beautiful art and a masterful array of dishes, The Leopard is perfect for a sophisticated date night.
A New York City icon, The Standard Grill opened in 2009 and is celebrating its 15th anniversary this June. One of the go-to spots for celebrities and tastemakers, Anna Wintour, Michael B. Jordan, Megan Thee Stallion, Jill Scott, Miranda Kerr, and Jennifer Lawrence have all been spotted dining here over the years. With design by Roman + Williams, the Grill has stood the test of time, and is available for breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour, and brunch. Perfect for an impressive date night, don’t miss out on the Seafood Tower, ‘Standard Burger,’ or Dirty Martini.
Did you know that underneath Comodo in the Freehand Hotel is SHLOMO’S, a subterranean supper club? This experiential dinner only happens once a month for three evenings with a visiting guest chef, and takes place in the intimate wine room, past the kitchen behind a historic door marked “Law Offices of Shlomo & Shlomo”. The all-inclusive evening includes a welcome drink, wine pairings and a coursed, family-style meal.
HOTELS
456 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013
This stunning Tribeca property is the perfect place to take someone who appreciates the finer things in life. The first U.S. property for Group Barrière, the hotel embraces Parisian opulence and sophistication. Three dining venues are available Brasserie Fouquet’s, Par Ici Cafe, or Titsou.
The Regency Bar & Grill at Loews Regency New York
540 Park Ave, New York, NY 10065
This Park Avenue icon is known for its power lunch crowd, but also a chic and sophisticated spot for date night. With a classic American menu brought to you by Executive Chef Manjit Manohar, the hotel’s signature restaurant is serving up soups, salads, seafood and meats from regional, organic farms and supports ecological fishing practices. The classic cocktails are superb, but for those taking a break from alcohol or wanting to try non-alcoholic beverages, Loews has introduced the Free Spirited by Loews program, introducing two low ABV (Shirley’s Cousin, St-Germain Spritz) and two no ABV cocktails (Grapefruit Fusion, Cucumber Fizz) to the menu.
ROOFTOPS & VIEWS
Roof at 66 Park
On the 18th floor of the newly reopened Prince Kitano New York, is the lively Roof at 66 Park. With a selection of craft cocktails, fine wines, rare Japanese whiskeys and shareable gourmet bites, this is the place to experience panoramic views of the city from the bar’s wraparound terraces, making for a most memorable evening.
The Garden Terrace at Aman New York
730 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019
The Garden Terrace of Aman New York is the epitome of elegance and luxury. With stunning Manhattan city views surrounded by lush foliage, this upscale hideaway is a tranquil escape for intimate evenings. Have a seat at the marble bar, grab a table by the fountain or fire pits, and sip on top shelf cocktails.
This hidden gem in the Kixby Hotel has one of the best views of the Empire State Building, and is outfitted in a chic minimal black and white aesthetic. The casual atmosphere is unpretentious, the cocktails are simple and refreshing. The food comes from ground floor Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beers on the ground level on the hotel, and highlights summertime favorites like the delicious Hamptons Lobster Roll, Street Corn Nachos and Truffle Grilled Cheese. Check the calendar for fun summer programming including live music, dance classes and more.
This rooftop oasis in the Renaissance NY Chelsea Hotel features city skyline views and a rooftop pool in a lounge-like setting on the 39th floor. The perfect date spot with craft cocktails, light, sharable bites like oysters, tuna tartare and scallop ceviche.
OMAKASE
Omakase Room by Shin
Brand new Omakase Room by Shin is tucked away on 6 ½ Street in Midtown, from Chef Shin Yamaoka. The intimate 14-course kaiseki experience is only for eight guests per seating, and showcases beautiful Japanese delicacies like Ikura, Salmon Nigiri, and Chef Shin’s Savory Egg Custard with caviar.
922 Broadway, New York NY 10010
If you are looking for a more laid-back date night, trendy omakase speakeasy Sushi by Boū brings a colorful disco theme to the 12-seat sushi counter. With dozens of disco balls, Andy Warhol-inspired artwork and neon “Disco Sushi” signage, this experience will transport you back to the 70’s. While you are enjoying the 12-course omakase, adventurous diners can take part in karaoke.
DISTILLERIES
Fort Hamilton Distillery
68 34th St Building 6, 2nd Floor, 68 34th St Bldg 6 – 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11232
If you are looking for something different for date night, head to Brooklyn to Fort Hamilton Distillery. This women-owned distillery is perfect to explore the complex flavors of Fort Hamilton Whiskey, with cocktails, a tasting, guided tours (Friday- Sunday), or special events like live music Fridays. Located in Industry City, this also makes it easy to explore nearby shops and restaurants. Don’t miss the Maple Old Fashioned!
