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NYC's best date spots
Allswell is one of NYC's best date spots.

1. Allswell

8.7
124 Bedford Ave (at N 10th St), Brooklyn, NY
American Restaurant · Williamsburg · 247 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: Get close to your date in the corner banquette at Spotted Pig alum Nate Smith’s tavern. Sample dishes from the roating menu, and pair them with a craft beer or market-driven cocktail. Read more.

Nitehawk Cinema is one of NYC's best date spots.

2. Nitehawk Cinema

9.5
136 Metropolitan Ave (btwn Berry St & Wythe Ave), Brooklyn, NY
Movie Theater · Williamsburg · 301 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: Each theater has paired seats and tables where twosomes can nosh while taking in indie and retro flicks. Split the Nitehawk Queso, with melted cheese, black beans, spicy chorizo and cooling guac. Read more.

3. Maison Premiere

9.1
298 Bedford Ave (btwn S 1st & Grand St), Brooklyn, NY
Seafood Restaurant · Williamsburg · 447 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: Awe a new love at this New Orleans–inspired saloon, where you can sample one of 26 varieties of absinthe, or pick a selection from barkeep Maxwell Britten’s smart cocktail list. Read more.

4. Metropolitan

8.3
559 Lorimer St (btwn Metropolitan Ave & Devoe St), Brooklyn, NY
Gay Bar · East Williamsburg · 56 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: It’s free to sing at Queereoke, an LGBT-friendly karaoke night (Tue 10:30pm). The song list includes more than 1,000 tunes. For a little extra courage to serenade your date, turn to $3 well drinks. Read more.

Pete's Candy Store is one of NYC's best date spots.

5. Pete's Candy Store

8.9
709 Lorimer St (at Richardson St), Brooklyn, NY
Bar · Williamsburg · 106 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: At the weekly Quizz-Off (Wed 7:30pm), teams battle through six rounds of questions with hopes of scoring a bar tab (first place $75, second $40, third $15). Read more.

Landmark's Sunshine Cinema is one of NYC's best date spots.

6. Landmark's Sunshine Cinema

143 E Houston St (btwn Forsyth & Eldridge St), New York, NY
Indie Movie Theater · Lower East Side · 138 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: Couples visit this theater to canoodle in the dark while watching quality indie fare. Landmark hosts one of the best midnight-movie series in town, screening both cult faves and classics. Read more.

7. Culture Fix

9 Clinton St (btwn Stanton & E Houston St.), New York, NY
Art Gallery · Lower East Side · 33 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: This subterranean bar, gallery and performance space hosts regular music and comedy events, such as the monthly Acoustic Night and the weekly Comedy Night hosted by Aaron Glaser and Danny Jolles. Read more.

Casa Mezcal is one of NYC's best date spots.

8. Casa Mezcal

86 Orchard St (btwn Broome & Grand St), New York, NY
Mexican Restaurant · Lower East Side · 121 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: Get cozy in a velvet booth at this mescal bar adorned with folk art, statuettes, masks and other mementos of the co-owners’ travels. Taste the namesake spirit in a flight of three one-ounce pours. Read more.

9. Tammany Hall

152 Orchard St (btwn Stanton & Rivington St.), New York, NY
Music Venue · Lower East Side · 52 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: Starting February 9, DJ Ceremony and Apathy Angel will host Corruption at Tammany Hall, a burlesque show, on Thursdays at 9pm. It’s followed by a free dance party at 11pm. Read more.

10. Kuma Inn

113 Ludlow St (at Delancey St), New York, NY
Asian Restaurant · Lower East Side · 101 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: Impress your date at this intimate dinner spot, which offers shareable Asian “tapas” created by chef King Phojanakong. The small plates are also affordable, with most in the $7–$12 range. Read more.

The Cloisters is one of NYC's best date spots.

11. The Cloisters

9.2
99 Margaret Corbin Dr (at Fort Tryon Pl), New York, NY
Museum · Hudson Heights · 250 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: At this museum devoted to medieval art, a path winds through the peaceful grounds to a monastery that appears to have survived from the Middle Ages. Don’t miss the famed unicorn tapestries. Read more.

12. The New Leaf Café

1 Margaret Corbin Dr, New York, NY
American Restaurant · Hudson Heights · 35 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: The Greenmarket-inspired menu at this rustic eatery features seasonal fare. Enjoy a romantic jazz soundtrack while you eat courtesy of the restaurant’s Friday Night Music series (7:30–10:30pm). Read more.

13. Nectar Wine Bar

2235 Frederick Douglass Blvd (121st), New York, NY
Wine Bar · Central Harlem · 28 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: Pop into this chic neighborhood bar to sip a glass of vino and share small plates. If your evening is going well, stop by Harlem Vintage, the adjoining wineshop, and get a bottle to split at home. Read more.

Red Rooster Harlem is one of NYC's best date spots.

14. Red Rooster Harlem

8.7
310 Malcolm X Blvd (btwn W 125th & W 126th St), New York, NY
Southern Food Restaurant · 552 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: Celeb chef Marcus Samuelsson’s eatery offers his take on soul-food classics. Come for Renaissance on Thursdays (7:30pm), a weekly DJ night devoted to jazz and soul tunes from across the globe. Read more.

Studio Museum in Harlem is one of NYC's best date spots.

15. Studio Museum in Harlem

8.7
144 W 125th St (Between Lenox and Adam Clayton Powell Boulevards), New York, NY
Art Museum · Central Harlem · 56 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: Cash-strapped daters should visit this uptown institution on Sundays for free admission. Explore exhibits such as “Harlem Postcards,” which uses photography to examine changes in the neighborhood. Read more.

16. al di là

8.8
248 5th Ave (at Carroll St), Brooklyn, NY
Italian Restaurant · North Slope · 200 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: Be prepared to queue up for a table: al di là is one of the most popular spots on Park Slope’s restaurant-packed Fifth Avenue. Chef Anna Klinger's fresh take on Italian fare is worth the wait. Read more.

Union Hall is one of NYC's best date spots.

17. Union Hall

8.7
702 Union St (btwn 5th & 6th Ave), Brooklyn, NY
Karaoke Bar · North Slope · 171 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: Browse the vintage tomes that line this bar's walls with a bookish date, or head downstairs for one of the venue’s music or comedy shows, such as Eugene Mirman’s weekly Pretty Good Friends. Read more.

18. Blueprint

9.1
196 5th Ave (btwn Union St & Berkeley Pl), Brooklyn, NY
Cocktail Bar · North Slope · 139 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: Sit at the wood-topped bar to watch co-owner Regina Christiansen mix drinks like the classic Blood & Sand, or abscond to one of the smaller tables along the wall for a quiet conversation. Read more.

19. Prospect Park

9.7
Prospect Park W/SW (Flatbush Ave), Brooklyn, NY
Park · Prospect Park · 309 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: During warmer months, a picnic on the Long Meadow can’t be beat, but until then, grab a cup of hot cider at the Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket (Sat 8am–4pm) and explore the secluded nooks in this park. Read more.

Barbès is one of NYC's best date spots.

20. Barbès

8.9
376 9th St (at 6th Ave), Brooklyn, NY
Bar · South Slope · 64 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: This small French space hosts one of the city’s most diverse music scenes in its back room. Arrive early to take advantage of happy hour, with $1 off beers and $3 off cocktails. Read more.

21. Vinegar Hill House

9.1
72 Hudson Ave (at Water St), Brooklyn, NY
American Restaurant · Vinegar Hill · 262 tips and reviews

22. The River Café

8.9
1 Water St (at Brooklyn Bridge), Brooklyn, NY
American Restaurant · DUMBO · 163 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: For special occasions it’s hard to beat this mainstay with Brooklyn Bridge views. For a more relaxed date, sit in the terrace and sample appetizers, desserts and drinks ($25 per-person minimum). Read more.

ReRun Theater is one of NYC's best date spots.

23. ReRun Theater

147 Front St (Jay Street), Brooklyn, NY
Indie Movie Theater · DUMBO · 11 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: This movie house is located at the back of reBar, a gastropub serving small plates. The theater screens indie flicks; grab a bag of duck-fat popcorn ($5–$7) before settling in for a showing. Read more.

24. Bargemusic

8.7
2 Furman St. (at Fulton Ferry Landing), Brooklyn, NY
Boat or Ferry · Brooklyn Heights · 6 tips and reviews
Almondine Bakery is one of NYC's best date spots.

25. Almondine Bakery

8.5
85 Water St (btwn Dock & Main St), Brooklyn, NY
Bakery · DUMBO · 151 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: This charming French patisserie serves eye-catching treats. Seating is limited to five tables and a breakfast bar, so arrive early—you may be able to score an almond croissant before they run out. Read more.

26. Galapagos Art Space

16 Main St (at Water St.), Brooklyn, NY
Arts and Entertainment · DUMBO · 53 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: The bawdy hosts and performers change every week at Floating Kabarette!, a weekly cabaret show (Sat 10:30pm). The red-lit island tables on the indoor lake are the most romantic seats. Read more.

Museum of the Moving Image is one of NYC's best date spots.

27. Museum of the Moving Image

9.3
36-01 35th Ave (btwn 36th St and 37th St), Astoria, NY
Museum · Astoria · 185 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: Aside from exhibiting all types of media (such as fanzines, old cameras and arcade consoles), the facility also offers a 267-seat cinema with multiple weekend screenings. Read more.

28. Sweet Afton

8.7
3009 34th St (btwn 30th & 31st Ave), Astoria, NY
Pub · 257 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: This laid-back Queens gastropub offers an array of reasonably priced suds from craft breweries like Sixpoint, Lagunitas and Captain Lawrence. Complement your brew with beer-battered McClure’s pickles. Read more.

29. The Astor Room

35-11 35th Ave. (btwn 36th & 35th Ave), Astoria, NY
New American Restaurant · 77 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: Romance your companion over a cocktail at this old-fashioned space. Try the Fairbanks (gin, dry vermouth, grenadine and apricot brandy) and enjoy nostalgic dishes like oysters Rockefeller. Read more.

30. The Sparrow Tavern

24-01 29th St (at 24th Ave), Astoria, NY
Bar · 125 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: Down some beers while garage rock plays at this low-key neighborhood pub. Join the locals chilling at the bar over an American or international brew. Read more.

31. Waltz-Astoria

7.5
23-14 Ditmars Blvd (btwn 23rd & 24th St.), Astoria, NY
Coffee Shop · 18 tips and reviews

32. Jimmy's No. 43

43 E 7th St (btwn 2nd & 3rd Ave), New York, NY
Bar · East Village · 135 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: Win major points with a beer lover at this subterranean gastropub: A selection of 12 stellar craft and microbrews is always on tap. Read more.

33. Big Gay Ice Cream Shop

125 E 7th St (btwn 1st Ave & Ave A), New York, NY
Ice Cream Parlor · East Village · 416 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: Sample quirky treats like the decadent Salty Pimp, a chocolate-dipped vanilla cone with dulce de leche and sea salt. The shop is small, so get your cones to-go. Read more.

34. Porsena

21 E 7th St (btwn 2nd & 3rd Ave), New York, NY
Italian Restaurant · East Village · 71 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: The latest venture from Porchetta’s Sara Jenkins is this date-night–friendly spot. Sample one of the unfussy pasta dishes, like anneloni rings tossed with mustard greens and house-made lamb sausage. Read more.

The Beagle is one of NYC's best date spots.

35. The Beagle

162 Avenue A (at E 10th St), New York, NY
Cocktail Bar · Alphabet City · 65 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: This East Village restaurant is outfitted with vintage wallpaper and pages from a 1915 etiquette text. Sample one of the pre-Prohibition quaffs, like the Sherry Cobbler (sherry and lemon juice). Read more.

Joe's Pub is one of NYC's best date spots.

36. Joe's Pub

9.1
425 Lafayette St (btwn Astor Pl & E 4th St), New York, NY
Music Venue · NoHo · 89 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: This space, which reopened last October after receiving a face-lift, will appeal to both cultural connoisseurs and dilettantes alike with live music, theater shows and more. Read more.

37. UCB Theatre East

153 E 3rd St (at Ave A), New York, NY
Comedy Club · Alphabet City · 56 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: This offshoot of the original Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre can’t be beat for a cheap and hilarious date. Plus, you’ll look especially cool on the off-chance that a big-name comedian shows up. Read more.

38. Museum of Sex

7.4
233 5th Ave (at E 27th St), New York, NY
Erotic Museum · NoMad · 196 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: Explore this institution’s collection of titillating photographs, films and all manner of erotic ephemera. Stop by the souvenir shop and pick up a copy of Adult Mad Libs to play with your date. Read more.

39. Ciano

45 E 22nd St (btwn Park Ave. & Broadway), New York, NY
Italian Restaurant · Flatiron District · 47 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: Reserve a table in the main dining area, outfitted with a romantic chandelier and a bright fireplace that’s used to warm focacce, ciabatte and pizzas before they’re served. Read more.

40. Eataly Flatiron

9.2
200 5th Ave (at W 23rd St), New York, NY
Gourmet Store · NoMad · 1479 tips and reviews

Time Out New YorkTime Out New York: Pick up provisions for a home-cooked Italian meal at Mario Batali’s massive retail-restaurant complex. You can also choose from one of six on-site eateries. Read more.

41. The Peoples Improv Theater

123 E 24th St (btwn Park & Lexington Ave), New York, NY
Comedy Club · Rose Hill · 99 tips and reviews