Date Locations for the Socially Spastic

At the request of a good friend of mine who seems to think I have a PhD in the subject, I’m compiled a list of great places to go on a date in Manhattan. The city can be an overwhelming place and it can be difficult to choose between the multitude of restaurants and bars it has to offer, if such is on the table for your date. The following are a number of places which are fun for all different reasons, so you may pick and choose depending on who your lucky companion is. Boys, now you have some potential spots so you don’t have to take your date to “Scores” and ladies, here are some places you can gently suggest if your date happens to be challenged:

Alta- Tapas Restaurant- 64 West 10^th and 6^th Ave
If you blink, you just might miss this wonderful hidden gem in the west village. The sign is barely noticeable on the outside but once you step inside the door, you are transported to a Spanish village. Walk past the long bar with stone-covered walls to a large, open back room lined with a balcony of additional tables. The menu features wonderful small plates such as fried goat cheese with lavender honey and crab cannelonis. They offer both white and red sangria and have an extensive wine list as well. This is really a special spot and has a charming and relaxed, yet romantic feel to it which is perfect for a date.

Stone Creek- Sports Lounge-140 E 27^th Street
For a more casual night out, Stone Creek has an eclectic selection of beers including some personal faves such as Delirium Tremons (first time I tried it was here) and Blue Moon. They also have some pretty tasty bar food like artichoke dip and crispy calamari. Stone Creek has a plethora of flat screen TVs as well, showing pertinent sports games if you like that sorta thing. There are plenty of tables to sit and chat besides the bar.

Boqueria- Tapas Restaurant- 53 W 19^th Street
Another great tapas restaurant, yet more casual than Alta. Boqueria is more of a bar-like setting with long, high tables perfectly suited for couples and tall stools on both sides. The menu is less rich than Alta and seemed more authentic in my opinion, though I love them both. Tapas is great for a date because you can order small bites and decide as you go how much you’d like to have. In addition, the inventive food makes a cool conversation piece.

Pegu Club- Upscale Lounge- 77 W Houston Street
Pegu feels like a hidden speakeasy with its discrete frosted door, overshadowed by neighboring Dos Caminos. If you want to impress someone with an impeccable cocktail, then Pegu is the place to go. The atmosphere is very classy without being obsessed with itself with cozy tables, ornate lamps, and oriental rugs lining the floors. Pegu Club is positioned among the likes of bars like Milk and Honey which does not publish its secret phone number nor its address yet drinks are so good that word of mouth eventually fills the sought after table reservations, months in advance. I had the Gin-Gin Mule which is a delightful concoction of gin, bitters, orange curacao, and fresh lime juice. I highly recommend securing a table at Pegu Club in advance or you will be standing at the bar with the peons

The Dove- Bar- 228 Thompson
Somewhere between the likes of Pegu and Stone Creek in terms of sophistication is the Dove. The red glow of the Dove creates a sexy space while still being casual and comfortable. You can get cozy on one of the couches or relax at the long bar. Drinks are more affordable here though I would not call them cheap. If you want to get dinner before drinks, Cuba is right near by.

Dok Suni- Korean Restaurant- 119 1^st Ave
Intimate and dark, Dok Suni sets the table for a fun date as soon as you walk in. Unfortunately they do not take reservations so you will have to put your name in and wait at the bar. Try the signature yogurt drink (forget what this is called) or one of their inventive martinis while you wait. The salty-sweet bulgogi is divine. This is the sister restaurant of Do Hwa in the west village, which is great for a date as well.

‘Inoteca- Italian, Small Plates- 98 Rivington Street and Ludlow
The vibe at ‘Inoteca is fun for a casual dinner date. The atmosphere is boisterous and social with lots of busy tables and constant motion. They offer a great selection of Italian wines for purchase by the glass, carafe, or bottle. It is a great way to taste through many different wines. Inoteca offers many tasty small sandwiches and plates which are great to share and discuss.

There’s more to come as I think of other ideas… stay tuned.

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