Where To Take A First Date in This Damn City

Gabrielle's go to first date spots

I haven’t been on a date in NYC in a minute. Intentionally? …sure. We can go with that for my ego.
Aside from more than a few five hour long martini fueled “is this a date?” situations, yeah.
It has been a minute.
However over the course of my time in this city I’ve gone on enough first dates to understand the importance of venue. It’s the one thing you can sort of control on a date. Chemistry can be volatile, or worse - non existent - but if the scenery is memorable at least the whole night won’t be a wash.

I’ll get the occasional dm or frantic text from a friend asking for date spot recs, so why not share my top 10. Keep in mind these are my go-to’s - there are a lot of Greenpoint / Williamsburg spots in here because I tend to date people in this general vicinity.
Anyway.

In no particular order, here are my top 10 places that might just help you get lucky ;)

El Pingüino
Greenpoint, Brooklyn

This is the best first date spot in Brooklyn, possibly NYC. There may be some bias involved because yes I do work there two nights a week, but long before I was paid to be there I was a regular, who unashamedly brought first dates in quite frequently.
It’s a Basque inspired raw bar that specializes in ice cold martinis, the most delicious oysters, tinned fish, and excellent vibes. Hang at the bar or cozy up in a booth if the night is going especially well.

St. Jardim
The West Village, Manhattan

This spot is lovely - a bustling yet cozy wine bar with a well-rounded bottle list and decent selection of by the glass options. Sit at the bar for just drinks, or make a res for table if you’re doing dinner. Lean into the preciousness of the euro inspired wine bar here and people watch on this fun little corner of the village.

Orinthology
Bushwick / Bed Stuy, Brooklyn

This jazz club is a gem. Walk in and you’re immediately part of it - there’s no stage, no pretense. It’s a cozy unpretentious spot, with two shows a night. The cocktails here are cheap even by Brooklyn standards, and reliably decent. While there isn’t typically a cover charge for this club (rare for a NYC jazz club) be sure to tip the band. They’re making you look good.

Ingas Bar
Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn

A sweet, quiet neighborhood spot in Brooklyn Heights. Founded by one of the former Marlow & Sons chefs (always and forever a fan) Sean Rembold, the menu is thoughtful and classic and packs some range. My move? Share a couple of plates over a bottle of wine before wandering over to the promenade for one of my favorite views of the city. Staring into the open windows of rich Brooklyn Heights brownstones will absolutely spark conversation - of your certain passionate union and inevitable demise ending in a bitter divorce. I love love.

Francis Kite Club
Alphabet City / East Village, Manhattan

I will disclose - I have not spent much time in this area post pandemic. But this is a relatively new spot I dig. The shotgun style bar leads to a space for DJs and all kinds of live music in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming. The overall vibe is reminiscent of some of my favorite Parisien wine bars, usually a solid selling point for me. The wines by the glass are very well priced, even by non-Manhattan standards. It’s a good spot to get to know someone - maybe bookmark this one as a ~second location move ~ if you’re in the area.

Angel’s Share
The West Village, Manhattan

Was / is / always will be one of the best bars in NYC. Resurrected from the ashes after it’s closure in 2020, Angel’s Share is a spot beloved by the hospitality industry and cocktail aficionados alike. It’s a timeless spot with an incredible staff who genuinely care for the legacy of the bar. This bar is so special, maybe only take someone you *actually* like here. Don’t ruin it with a mediocre hinge date. Meet cutes only. Slow burning romance please.

Maison Premiere
Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Groundbreaking. But it’s well-liked for a reason, JUST LIKE YOU BABY. They do the martini n’ oyster thing very well, with a massive selection of east and west coast oysters (east coast forever baby) and excellent bartenders. It’s one of the most beautiful bars in the city. Take your date here if you want to flex a bit…..or to be flexed on. My last visit here was complete with me Getting Weird off an edible and interrogating my maybe date on his views of Elon Musk. Don’t do that.

Horses and Divorces
Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Okay hear me out. This is a third location bar. It’s a fantastic dive at which I’ve made my share of poor decisions. There’s a pool table, a popcorn machine (..I think??) and a really terrible cosmo that will result in a gnarly hangover. The bar is illuminated by an antique sex position façade - it’s cheeky. Cute. Lean in.

Sauced
Williamsburg, Brooklyn

The quintessential first date spot. It’s the perfect place to begin - it’s a wine bar with no menu. Tell your bartender what you’re into and they’ll guide you in the right direction. WHAT a fantastic way to get a read on your date - do they know what they like? Can they articulate what they’re looking for in a glass of wine aside from “red” or “white?” (important to me ok) Will they run off to a quiet fishing village on the French Riviera with you on a moment’s notice? This can all be extracted from the way a person talks about wine. You will be reminded of the earnestness of desire at a place like this as you will be surrounded by other singles in your area on first dates. Come for love and wine, stay for the grilled cheese. If you share one you will inevitably order a second. That good.

The Lobby Bar at Hotel Chelsea
Chelsea, Manhattan

Set your age range to 50+ and make a silver fox zaddy take you here. This building is a New York City institution - rife with history and tales of sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll. It is now the place to sip on a $30 martini. Yes, the martini will blow your mind and your date will bore you, but it’s the ambience and lore of the massive hotel that will really leave an impression on you.
And if you’re lucky, you might see me playing the piano in the back room.
xoxo