Forget dating apps. Seriously, stick with us for a beat, before you swipe left. You may think that gone are the days of when people actually talked to each other – but maybe you’ve been looking in the wrong place. These are the NYC spots to meet that new +1.
The Restaurant: Casa Tua New York
The Neighborhood: Upper East Side
The Cuisine: Italian
Sometimes, it’s best to be led by example. So, when you come across a restaurant not only romantic in nature, but also owned by a couple going on 30+ years of marriage, you can trust they know a thing or two about love. To get things going at Casa Tua, oysters from the raw bar and “A Sicilian in Manhattan” will do the trick (we’re referring to a drink, but wishful thinking is part of the fun).
With a full stomach and the help of a menu swarming with aphrodisiacs, you can scope out the lounge for other singles. The setup makes it easy to meet new people, and you might spark a conversation with one of the club’s members. If you do, eating may turn into dancing, and dancing into a shared Sunrise (the name of another drink—what did you think we meant?). You’ll also have a foolproof plan to see your new crush out again because you’ve found a place they frequent.
Bar at Marea
The Neighborhood: Columbus Circle
The Cuisine: Coastal Italian
A little ambiance goes a long way when you want to meet that special someone. The truth is that it’s all about the energy you’re bringing. If the bar you’re seated at is made entirely of glowing Egyptian onyx, it’ll put you in a confident state of mind. You’ll need to keep cool when you see a billionaire a stool over. Marea is a goldmine for finance hotshots looking to relax during a happy hour or an after-work dinner, so come by during aperitivo hour while spirits are high. The only numbers you’ll be talking about are your second and third rounds of drinks. The portions at Marea aren’t hefty either, meaning you can avoid a food coma. You can opt for a seafood-tasting menu and potentially provoke a conversation about your adventurous meal.
Le Bar Penelope
The Neighborhood: Midtown
The Cuisine: French
Le Bar Penelope has an unassuming vibe. Their website and socials keep the details minimal, so it may be difficult to gauge its appropriateness for your plus-one hunt. Luckily, we’re here to attest that it is perfect for just that; with a balance of upscale ambiance that’s still lowkey, you know you’ll find someone in a playful mood because they’re also there to uncover the mystery of Le Bar Penelope. Design features like a shirtless Kate Moss portrait, velvety jewel-toned furniture, and caviar service set a sultry tone. Loveseats and cushioned poufs will make you feel like you’re in an intimate living room, automatically ridding you of the anxiety-inducing formality of your conventional fine dining establishment.
Bar at Avra
The Neighborhood: Midtown, Upper East Side
The Cuisine: Greek
Avra isn’t a secret; it’s been around for some time and even opened a second location (and celebrity hotspot), Uptown, thanks to its success. That said, while it is a lively environment, it isn’t overwhelming. The Avra spaces are roomy enough to scope out the place and ogle your target from across the room—the initial non-verbal chemistry is a sure sign of interest without being abrasive. Soft lighting, ceiling floral arrangements, and a long wine list will get you in the spirit of romance. Once the seductive eye contact has garnered an ‘okay’, don’t be afraid to walk over to your eye candy. The social feel of the bar at Avra will lend itself to a smooth transition, and booth seating will break the touch barrier, respectfully. Shareable plates also help move the conversation along with a commonality to discuss.
The Grill
The Neighborhood: Midtown
The Cuisine: Mid-Century American
The Grill is an all-around glamorous choice, from the old-fashioned table-side service to the expected dress code and a shared love of luxurious experiences. The crowd has gotten more attractive, and the once unattainable reservation is easier to swing. The soaring ceilings make your flirty evenings feel less claustrophobic, and art galleries nearby make a spontaneous stroll after your ‘meet cute’ easy and stimulating. The bar seating is a wrap-around, so options will be plentiful, and so will the food (which will have shareable plates that aren’t skimpy).
Four Twenty Five, a Jean-Georges Restaurant
The Neighborhood: Midtown
The Cuisine: Contemporary American
The perk of looking for your next wedding date at a restaurant is that each restaurant draws a different crowd. Automatically, you are narrowing down your search in compatibility when you’ve chosen a restaurant in a city filled with thousands to choose from. That said, Four Twenty Five is for those who appreciate design and sustainability. The restaurant has little to zero carbon footprint and works with local farms for fresh ingredients. A grand staircase always helps when making a glamorous entrance, and the group-seating-style tables help you seamlessly go from having your “wow” moment down the staircase to mingling.
Baccarat
The Neighborhood: Midtown
The Cuisine: Alsatian-inspired
It may sound biased coming from us, but hotel restaurants are underrated. Many are open to the public, yet intimate, because people don’t consider them an option. Baccarat is a tasteful option for your bump-in with Mr./Ms. Right. There are Baccarat crystal chandeliers and dishware everywhere. These are a perfect wedding gift and an excellent segue to asking your new friend to be your plus one for an upcoming engagement.
The environment is relaxed with soft music, so you can actually hear your new date fangirl over their lobster roll. If you’re not a big drinker but want to experience the social aspect of a bar scene, Baccarat’s bar also serves tea and coffee. Culinary Director and two-Michelin-starred chef Gabriel Kreuthers’s menu of shareables has the food department covered, and the 60-foot bar provides plenty of space for comfort, which is always important during first-date jitters.
FAQs
Q: What are Baccarat’s bar hours?
A: Monday, 4 pm – 12 am
Tuesday – Saturday, 4 pm – 1 am
Sunday, 4 pm – 11 pm
Q: Where is The Grill located?
A: The Grill is located in the landmark Seagram Building, 99 E 52nd St, New York, NY 10022.
Q: Does Marea allow walk-ins?
A: Yes, Marea allows walk-ins, but due to its popularity, it may be better to attempt a walk-in on a weekday.
