Date nights can take many forms in New York; it could be a night out to eat at a restaurant, a stroll down great spots, or a night out at a gallery. Whether you are just getting to know someone, intend to profess your love to someone special, or want a great time with your partner, we’ve compiled some top spots that are perfect for a date night in NYC this fall.
The High Line
Every Tuesday night from April to October, the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York goes to the High Line to help passers-by gaze at the stars, planets, and other space sights through their telescope. If you want something out of the ordinary date night or just love the stars, this is a terrific idea. Asides from viewing stars, The High Line is a great spot to enjoy beautiful flora foliage and fresh art installations. When it’s time to grab a meal or drink, you will find a handful of restaurants and bars nearby.
Le Coucou
Located in Soho, this spot exudes romance with its sweeping chandeliers, candles, white table clothes, and a decadent French menu. A date at this Soho restaurant is fancy, formal, and romantic. There are many food options, including the quenelle made from pike, lobster au Poivre with cognac cream, and peppercorn sauce. It’s recommended to dress formally for dinner at Le CouCou, so don’t be surprised when you see the men in suits, jackets, and gloves.
Tiki Chick
Looking for a perfect spot to have a romantic date this autumn? Try Tiki Chick. This restaurant looks the part! The dim lighting, the moss-covered ceilings, and the stylish interior decor make it a great place to have conversations with your date. You can sip frozen cocktails, order their signature buttermilk fried chicken sandwich or find something else on the menu.
Met Museum
A great date night idea in NYC is visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art! The Met Museum offers a date night that involves viewing the great artworks, listening to live music, and sipping delicious cocktails. Date nights at the Met Museum are hold every Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 9 pm at the American Wing Cafe.
Sona
Partly owned by Priyanka Chopra, Sona celebrates Indian dining and is perfect if you want to try out Indian dishes. Sona has a sleek interior, and the menu includes Mumbai dishes, delicious cocktails, and globally influenced food like gruyere roti, grilled chicken with lemon dressing, and spicy salami. You can also book the private dining room if you want something more intimate and exquisite.
Great Jones Distilling Co.
How about a date night touring Manhattan’s only legal whiskey distillery? Great Jones Distilling Co opened to the public in 2021 and is already a top spot for couples who want a great date night. For your date night, you can book different experiences at Great Jones Distilling Co. There is the option to tour the distillery to experience the whiskey-making process, take a mixology class with your date, or book a culinary cocktail pairing experience.
One If By Land, Two If By Sea
A list of romantic spots for a date night is incomplete if One If By Land, Two If By Sea isn’t on it. Located in the West Village, this restaurant is perfect if you are looking for a spot where you can have a romantic meal with your date.
One if By Land, Two if by Sea is built inside a carriage house built in 1767, and many date nights have happened within the walls since its opening in 1973. The place plays live music, has a dreamy private garden and a fireplace to keep people warm alongside a candlelit table to set the mood, and a menu so delicious you may want to come back for a second date.
Peasant
Peasant is a popular Italian spot on Elizabeth Street known for its rustic food and cozy space. This restaurant’s warm and cozy dining room makes it perfect for an intimate date night. There are many food options at Peasant, including wood-fired pizza, handmade pasta, and cold Italian wines.
The Slipper Room
Experience the fun of NYC’s theatre, comedy, music, circus arts, magic, and dance with your date at this venue. At the Slipper Room, expect to see singers, dancers, performers, comedians, and many sideshow tricks that will keep you and your date entertained. The vibes are great and fun, so we highly recommend The Slipper Room if you want a very entertaining date night.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
A date idea for nature lovers? Try the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. A walk through this 50-acre beautiful and flower-filled garden is enough time to get to know your date while experiencing nature. Brooklyn Botanic Garden is especially glorious in autumn so if you visit during this time, expect to see a lot of colorful leaves and sights.
Lilia
This Italian restaurant has a stunning interior and a menu that is so delicious. The wood ceilings, concrete floors, and white floors make the restaurant look very cozy. But the best part about this restaurant that keeps it always fully packed is Missy Robbins’ handmade pasta. Have conversations with your date while you twirl any of the pasta options, if you are lucky to get a reservation before it’s stack packed.
Raoul’s
With the honey-hued interior, impressive artworks, black tin ceilings, and pink neon lighting, Raoul’s is undoubtedly one of the best date spots in NYC. Raoul’s offers a bar and restaurant, which are great for a date night. There are many food options on the menu, including steak au poivre, roasted lamb, oysters, and cold white wine.
River Cafe
This restaurant couldn’t be any more romantic, thanks to the Michelin-starred menu, the entryway filled with lanterns, the serene ambiance, and the breathtaking views of the Hudson River, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Manhattan skyline. People enjoy their menu, especially the Foie Gras Duet and Wagyu Steak Tartar. River Cafe is worth a try if you want to enjoy fine dining in a romantic setting and amazing views!
There is no shortage of spots for a date night in NYC. Whether you want to have a great desert, gaze at the stars or become acquainted with great artworks, there is something for everyone. The spots on this list are just a few of the many great options for a perfect date night in New York.
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