NYC First Date Spot Guide

If you ask me, “where should I go for my 10th anniversary with my wife?” I won’t have a damn clue, but if you ask me “where should I go for a first date?” now that I have too many years of experience with! Here are my general rules for a first date, 1- I want it to just be drinks, don't get trapped into a never ending meal. 2- I want to make sure we can sit comfortably in an environment that isn’t completely dead, but has an energy to it. 3- It should be in a location easy for both of us! With that in mind, here is a list of all of my favorite spots to go on a first date. This is legit where I go, which is why they definitely lean heavy in Williamsburg spots, but a bunch in Manhattan too. 4- I want to make sure it’s a place Ill be comfortable at, so I do really want to go back to the same places over and over again, maybe it’s my anxiety, but I want to reduce as much stress as I can going into a date, so I can come off as best as I can.

Here are some of my favorites, but to see the complete list of all 15 spots check out substack, link below

HiLot (alphabet city)- Joyface is one of my favorite places to drink and party in NYC, and right next door is the more upscale cocktail bar, HiLot. Just as funky and cool, but with lots of tables to grab their fun cocktails with for a date! (photo credit: @food_heroine)

Katana Kitten (greenwich village)- You know I’m obsessed with Japan, and the basement of Katana Kitten is almost as close as you will get in NYC to being there! A really fun menu with Japanese cocktails, maybe get some highballs to put you more in the mood, maybe some sake? And if you get hungry, some great Japanese bites! Omg the mortadella katsu sando! And if the night is going well, head across the street to Employee’s Only.

Temple Bar (noho)- I love that you can make a reservation for the bar, and this NYC icon, is dark, sexy, and has a great cocktail program. I love that it truly feels like old school NYC in there, from the staff to the art deco interior.

Nicky’s Unisex (williamsburg)- An absolute go-to whether it’s a first date or not, this is a good vibe check, because they better love this bar! Always good music, always a good mood, and just the perfect balance of fun and casual! Check their schedule because they do have different events and DJs. (photo credit: @shervinrezaie)