The Best First-Date Bars in New York City

New York City is hardly lacking in bars – from divey , cash - only spots to of - the - moment craft cocktail joints and speakeasies – but that does n’t think of all are suited for a first appointment . choose a first - date bar can be tricky ; it need to be laid - back ( to show you are n’t trying too hard ) but still special ( because you still desire to impress your date ) , and quiet enough that you could actually get wind each other talk ( but not so quiet that the bartender can hear your awkward first - date conversation ) . With all of that in nous , these are the best first - day of the month measure in the city .

Dante

Walking into Dante finger like walk into 1915 New York ( when the registered watershed first open as Caffe Dante ) and that nostalgic feeling is what gives it its unpretentious romantic vibes . thing are a little attired up here ( note the bushel tin ceilings and leather banquettes ) but it ’s still casual enough for a first particular date . The cocktail extract is vast – including more than 10 kind of Negronis , the stripe ’s signature drinkable – and if you ’re looking to extend to dinner you ’ll find the likes of house - made spaghetti with aristocratic crabby person , sourdough flatbread , and burrata .

Swell Dive

Swell Dive boasts a fun but completely minimize tropical motif , making it a utter fleck to bring someone you just meet on Bumble this hebdomad . snaffle a seat at the minimalist wooden bar inside or , if the weather ’s nice , head to the inner back terrace . The cocktails , like the pineapple , coconut creme , and Tito ’s vodka Coco Chi , are far from basic , and there ’s a self-colored selection of wine-colored and beer as well . Though you’re able to easily add up here just to tope , the Filipino Tex - Mex nutrient card is nonchalant enough ( it ’s mainly made up of tacos ) to have a non - awkward dinner party date , too .

Lois

Wine legal community are generally always call first - date options , but Lois sets itself aside from the respite with its 15 on - tap wine-coloured and minimalist space that has a cozy sustenance room - sports meeting - science research laboratory vibes . The wine selection changes on a regular basis , and you may prefer for a glass or three unlike carafe sizes ( if you and your appointment soil on a mutual favorite ) . There are also modest plates like cheese plates , avocado arepas , and meatball subs .

The Four Horsemen

This petite wine Browning automatic rifle from James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem was an idealistic escort stain long before it was featured onMaster of Noneas Aziz Ansari ’s reference ’s Tinder day of the month go - to . The space is split between bar seating in the front and a sit - down eating place in the back , which means you could easy turn a honorable drinks date into a full - on dinner party with small photographic plate like gnocchi and beef tartare .

The Wayland

The Wayland is one of those rarified , neck of the woods - y bars that mould for just about every scenario , admit a casual first date . The space is laid - back without being divey ( the focussing here is on trade cocktail ) , and it ’s always lively without feel overcrowded ( so you ’ll really be able to listen your escort babble out ) . As an tally bonus , the measure hosts survive bands most nights of the workweek .

The Penrose

Few bars on the Upper East Side are as various as The Penrose . The large two - room space palpate like a business district bar ( specifically its sister barroom , The WrenandWilfie & Nell ) and has a casual look that ’s balanced out by vague ignition and a glowering , erectile interior . The drink menu checks off all the beer , wine , and cocktail categories , but the veridical draw is the “ top shelf cocktail ” section , where you ’ll come up firm concoctions like the rye whisky , cognac , and absinthe Prescription Sazerac . you may get a table in the back as long as the spot is n’t packed ( it ordinarily is on weekends ) .

Mr. Fong’s

site on a corner deep in Chinatown fundamentally underneath the Manhattan Bridge , Mr. Fong ’s has the unassuming outside of a dive bar but the Department of the Interior of a ritzy , mid - century Chinese lounge – all without trying too severely . The murkily light up space has few intimate cubicle plus a long bar with plenitude of seats ( if you ’re looking for something a little more undecided ) , and there ’s affordable cocktail , wine-colored , and beer . The spot gets pretty packed at night Thursday - Saturday , so this is a good early - in - the - calendar week date speckle .

Ramona

Ramona is the perfect place for an intimate first date that does n’t call “ informal first date ” – that ’s because the bi - level blank space is gravid and open , but still keep a date - night vibe with a beautiful marble bar filled with plenty of seat for quiet conversation , as well as circumstances of taper - lit table on a higher floor . beverage execute the gamut from tequila , gin , rummy , and whisky cocktails to frosé and beer .

Noorman’s Kil

Away from the congested measure on Bedford Avenue , in the quiet part of Williamsburg close to the Lorimer and Graham stop , you ’ll discover this low - key but still intimate spot with dark-skinned , vintage - y wooden flooring and tables , plus a smooth back terrace . The focus here is on two thing : whiskey and grilled high mallow . There are 12 beers on hydrant if brown liquor is n’t your thing , but the extensive grill high mallow computer menu ca n’t be pretermit .

Bar Moga

Taking its name from the modern cleaning lady of 1920s Japan ( “ moga ” are the Japanese equivalent of flappers ) , this West Village cocktail bar is alone to New York in its commitment to serving wine-colored farm by woman . Aside from the wine collection , the singular cocktail menu – which leans heavily on Asian influence – makes Bar Moga a corking date topographic point . you’re able to get a mesa without ordering something to eat , but you should definitely stress the silklike smooth omurice omelet .

Covenhoven

If your date is remotely nigh to a beer nerd – or at least appreciates beer – then Covenhoven is a perfect choice for a first day of the month . The immense beer selection emphasise local brews , which can be paired with beer - appropriate snacks like hot pretzels and sandwiches . Grab a seat at one of the candlelit tables , and if the conversation run dry , head to the board game collection .

Dutch Kills

Even if you ’re not a Queens local , Dutch Kills is certainly worth the trip to LIC for a first particular date . The pseudo - speakeasy boasts a cozy Interior Department with sonorous dark Natalie Wood accents and leather stools , and an expert faculty of mixologist mix innovative cocktails you wo n’t find elsewhere . Your estimable move is to go off the menu and place the bartender ’s pick ( just tell them the base smell and they do the residuum ) .

best first date bars in NYC