Forget stodgy lounges with overpriced drinks—real New Yorkers know that the best spots to go out on a date in the city are low-key cool, comfortable, and also have a killer food menu. We got the inside scoop from some of NYC’s top influencers on where to cozy up for a sexy date night, just in time for Valentine’s Day!
Influencer and Video Producer Alexandra Machover @alexandramachover
The Flower Shop (Lower East Side): “This is one of my favorite spots for a date. The atmosphere feels like a Midwest grandmother’s basement, which, in my opinion, takes the pressure off. It feels more relaxed and less stuffy or fancy. I love sitting on those couches by the fireplace and people watching. They also have a pool table, which can help break up a long date. Sometimes sitting and chatting with one person can get boring.”
Food Instagrammer Rayna Greenberg @onehungryjew
Don Angie (West Village): “For a great date night, I’m looking for a place that is comfortable enough to have a conversation, but also has a fun scene. I prefer a restaurant with a sexy bar that also has a good menu in case you decide to make a night of it. Don Angie fits the bill perfectly! They have great appetizers to share like BBQ calamari and tonnato vitello, but the lasagna for 2 is a real show stopper.”
Lifestyle & Coffee Influencer Liza Herlands @_lizaherlands
Bua (St. Marks Place): “They have great drinks, the bartenders are awesome, it’s super cozy, and they have the best fried cheese curds ever. I actually picked up a guy there once with my number on a napkin it was great. It’s also in a perfect location to bar hop.”
Food Instagrammer Jeremy Jacobowitz @BrunchBoys
The Happiest Hour (West Village): “The drinks are super cool, everyone seems to be young and real New Yorkers, and more importantly it’s always a good time! Bonus points—you can sit down in the back and order one of NYC’s best burgers.”
Food & Lifestyle Photographer Chloe Leroux @chloecleroux
Vin sur Vingt (West Village): “Every time I go to this chic bar, I feel like I’m back in Paris”.
Wine Blogger and Influencer Chel Petras @chelloveswine
Corkbuzz (Union Square): “Wine flights and small bites are my ultimate date night. Corkbuzz is small and cozy, which allows you to cuddle up to your date to ahem, compare wine notes and share some pork bao.”
Looking for a date spot close to your room? Don’t miss Lamalo, our Middle Eastern restaurant at Arlo NoMad or the Arlo Lobby Bar inside Arlo SoHo, where a rotating cocktail and wine list, along with small bites, makes for a perfect evening for two.
