The word on the street is that dating in New York is impossible. Ask 10 people, and you’re bound to get 10 different answers why. The young and broke are left out when cocktails at a nice restaurant run you $17 a pop. The sober contingent feel awkward at the bar. App-addled fuckboys are only looking for 11 p.m. booty calls, while social striver West Village girls are looking for someone to check all their boxes. But the truth is romance is there for the taking—you just have to cultivate it a little.
A good date spot is a solid start. If you want to stand out (or keep the spark alive), you’ll need to get creative. The good news is there’s no shortage of unconventional, thrilling, or otherwise oddball date nights waiting to happen. We asked the city’s actors, comedians, writers, and most eligible bachelors where they go to impress their crushes. If you’re planning a first date, rekindling an old fling, or convincing a situationship to make it official, consider this your field guide for a romantic meet-up.
Eddie Huang, restaurateur and writer
“I love the back patio at Buvette. While it is beloved and has a mature West Village audience, I wouldn’t say it is a hot spot. You can generally get a reservation 48 hours in advance. The back patio is nice without being obnoxious, comfortable in its own skin, and feels whimsical being outdoors. Anything can happen on this date if you’d like. The back patio is also oddly shaped so it feels genuine like a well-looked-after railroad apartment. The food is delightful and exactly what you’d expect of a good neighborhood French bistro not owned by Keith McNally.”
Nicky Campbell, fashion commentator
“Honestly, a Pilates class. Hit up Solidcore. It’s fun to see a man in a vulnerable position like that.”
Orna Guralnik, psychologist and Couples Therapy host
“Unnameable Books in Brooklyn.”
Daniel Goldhaber, director
“Spectacle Theater on a Sunday afternoon for Fist Church with a tall boy because, as True Romance proved, there is nothing more romantic than a mystery kung fu movie to bring two lovers together.”
Mary Bronstein, director and writer
“I love the quiet decadence of the lobby bar in the Chelsea Hotel for a date, whether with my partner or a close friend. The ghosts of the hotel can be felt floating through the plush, fabric-drenched, pattern-rich, dimly-lit rooms of the bar as you get their signature martini made for you at tableside. It’s a place to get drunk, silly, and forgetful as much as it is a romantic location. But trust me: two martinis are enough.”
Jerry Saltz, art critic
“I only go to one place: Madman Coffee on University Place between 9th and 10th.”
Spike Einbinder, comedian and dogwalker
“Houdini’s grave in Machpelah Cemetery is my favorite date spot: free, intimate, and you can really hear each other in conversation because everyone else around you is dead. Depending on what hours you go, you’ll have to do some light trespassing, which is a great way to see if you’re compatible. Plus, I can’t think of anything hotter than contemplating one’s own mortality as an icebreaker. If you’ve never kissed in a graveyard, you’re seriously missing out. It’s not rude to the deceased. Just make sure you don’t leave any trash behind and you’ll brighten their days.”
Annie Hamilton, actor and writer
“The Beast (the ride in the South Street Seaport). I had my 8-year-old birthday party on that thang. Haven’t dared to ride it with a man yet. One day at a time.”
Savannah Sobrevilla, journalist
“It’s unusual for a date to start off sweaty and with both parties half-dressed, but that is the disarming magic of the Russian & Turkish Baths in the East Village. Indulge in the hot and cold, some pierogies, a glass of rosé, and a cheeky rooftop cig in the wettest, hottest place in New York. You’ll thank me later.”
Celeste Yim, TV writer
“What comes to mind for some reason is Prospect Butcher Co. It’s right by the park. It has every imaginable cut of meat. Go there with your crush, get a sandwich or picnic materials, discuss what to make for dinner standing next to all the glistening meats… It’s romantic!!!!!”
Kelly Cutrone, publicist
“Arturo’s on Houston is cool. The interior is a like a movie set: It is dimly lit and the red interior makes you feel like you are wrapped in a love hug. The food is AMAZING and affordable—no flex needed. Some of the world’s best jazz musicians and singers just pop in to play, and they have the best pizza in New York.”
Adam Friedland, podcast host
“The Chelsea Piers driving range.”
Katie Rex, DJ and producer
“Tucked into a storefront at the end of Mott Street is Chinatown Fair Family Fun Center. The arcade opened in 1944, giving the charm of old New York under the glow of niche Japanese and classic games. It’s the best place to keep your phone down and engage with your boo without any impression of the outside world or taking yourselves too seriously. It closes at 2 a.m. on the weekends, so there’s plenty of time for a chic little dinner before… or wilder to follow.”
Chanté Joseph, journalist
“Okay so you’re gonna start at Skin Contact (you can walk right in, rarely do you need a reservation), then head to Sami & Susu for food. If the vibes are high and you’re really feeling the person, end it at Subject: A for cocktails. I’m not a New York native but went on some incredible dates (shout out John), so would recommend these!”
Andrew Rannells, actor
“I would say Eataly on 23rd and 5th. Not so much to eat, though you certainly can do that there, but more just to walkabout. You can grab a coffee, look through unexpected and pricy foods and maybe buy some Italian dishware you didn’t know you needed. My boyfriend and I love to kick around that place.”
David Krumholtz, actor
“My choice is Mari Vanna, a Russian restaurant on East 20th Street with charming old world European decor, like stepping into a small Russian cottage designed to make you feel like you’re amongst family. Delectable classic Eastern European fare with a modern twist paired with a brilliantly crafted list of cocktails, mocktails, and house-infused vodkas.”
Nori Reed, comedian
“In the summer, there is no better date than first meeting up at Red Hook Lobster Pound and ordering two lobster roles (Maine style, of course). Take those bad boys to go and then head to the Louis Valentino, Jr. Park and Pier, which is the perfect spot to gaze upon the Statue of Liberty and fantasize about the furniture you two could later purchase together at the Red Hook IKEA if things work out.”
Margeaux Labat, music curator and interviewer
“Not sure how under the radar it is anymore but my go-to date spot is Kissa Kissa in Crown Heights. It’s an all-vinyl jazz bar with amazing (and strong!) cocktails. They’re always playing incredible records and the vibe in there is palpably sensual, chic, and intimate. They mostly have very small tables tucked away in various corners, perfect for close conversation and making out.”
Nikita Richardson, food journalist
“This isn’t a first date spot, but for a third or fourth date, I recommend a bathhouse. It’s all steamy and sweaty and most of the time, no phones are allowed in the bathing area so you can really focus on getting to know each other.”
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