Summer ensures the dating bar is set impossibly high. An alluring influx of warm weather options present themselves in June, a long list a possibilities that rarely get tackled by fall. More often than not, our hopes for the summer exceed our actual plans.
But not this summer. This summer, you will not miss out on something extraordinary. Do some last-minute wooing as the season dwindles down with our list of 22 Awesome No-Fail Date Spots in NYC.
Summer ensures the dating bar is set impossibly high. An alluring influx of warm weather options present themselves in June, a long list a possibilities that rarely get tackled by fall. More often than not, our hopes for the summer exceed our actual plans.
But not this summer. This summer, you will not miss out on something extraordinary. Do some last-minute wooing as the season dwindles down with our list of 22 Awesome No-Fail Date Spots in NYC.
Make like you're at a beach in Mexico at Tequila Park.
Neighborhood: Midtown West
Address: 356 W 58th St.
Website: tequilaparknyc.com
Rooftops (the kind that aren't attached to bro-heavy, tri-level bars) are hard to come by in Midtown, which is why this taqueria tucked inside the Hudson Hotel is all the more a respite. The lush, brightly decorated outdoor space has a sexy vacation vibe, particularly when downing agave-based spirits.
Where tequila flows freely, margaritas follow, of course. The cocktail list, like the Taco Shack menu, is divided into common and uncommon, which means if you're a novelty-seeking cduo, you can wash down those Sriracha cheesesteak tacos with a bubblegum bacon cocktail. Pair adventurous eats with black and white movies and the strumming of an acoustic guitar, and you've just had the best Midtown date possibly ever.
Find your zen at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
Neighborhood: Prospect Heights
Address: 1000 Washington Ave
Website: bbg.org
The Brooklyn Botanical Garden is an urban oasis that sits close by in Prospect Heights, but gives you the sense that you've escaped the city entirely. Nature, as it happens, is also incredibly romantic.
The BBG's sprawling grounds contain enough to keep the two of you busy exploring for an entire day. From the Cranford Rose Garden to the Japanese Zen Pond teaming with coy, the solace that you misplaced in the city, you'll find here.
Explore their climate-controlled rooms (you can make it from rainforest to desert in just a few hours!) and marvel over their bonsai collection before heading off to the gift shop, where you can procure a tiny cactus to remind you of your day before heading off to the nearby Brooklyn Museum (200 Eastern Pkwy). If it happens to be a Saturday (hint, you should plan it that way), you can enjoy live music, beer and wine, and even take a dance lesson before heading off to scrutinize the latest exhibits.
Bond over sketchbooks at the Brooklyn Art Library.
Neighborhood: Williamsburg
Address: 103 North 3rd St.
Website: sketchbookproject.com
Brooklyn Art Library is a place you take someone you love (or, are working towards it with) to. The gorgeous space is lined with shelves sighing under the weight of many books. But not just any books. This is the home to The Sketchbook Project, where people are given empty books to fill with anything their tiny hearts desire.
The project travels the world with the many volumes submitted to the project, and here in Brooklyn, you can browse many of these volumes in a charming setting. Create a custom library card together, and choose a topic, and one of the library employee's will pluck the books from the shelves and bring them to your table. Many are funny, some personal, but each one is creative and surprisingly poignant. You will laugh, be moved, and leave inspired to make something of your own. Like, love.
Fire guns at West Side Rifle and Pistol Range and shoot mezcal (preferably, in that order).
Get a dose of culture at The Cloisters.
Neighborhood: Washington Heights
Address: 99 Margaret Corbin Dr
Website: metmuseum.org
Pools and beaches may be the undisputed pantheons of hot weather activity, but The Cloisters will have you rethinking whether museums deserve a spot on summer's short list.
Found in under-appreciated Fort Tryon Park, The Cloisters is an outdoor branch of The Metropolitan Museum of Art that spotlights medieval art and architecture, enclosed in peaceful gardens that were made for roaming. Marvel at stained glass and learn about the famed unicorn tapestries before taking off into the painstakingly maintained medieval gardens and digging into the picnic we suggest you pack prior to the occasion.
If you're slacking on your homemade grub game, stop by Café Trie, a small eatery overlooking the garden where you can share a cup of coffee and sit back while your girl sings your praises.
Slurp oysters and sip absinthe at Maison Premiere.
Neighborhood: Williamsburg
Address: 298 Bedford Ave
Website: maisonpremiere.com
Let's just start with the inarguable facts: Oysters are an aphrodisiac. Right off the bat, that means your date will be off to a sexy start. Now add absinthe to the mix. Sure, it doesn't make you hallucinate like Hemingway, but it does give you a unique sensation that goes beyond "a buzz."
Luckily for you, Maison Premiere does both incredibly well. Freshly shucked east and west coast oysters can be procured for a mere dollar bill Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m., and well-versed bartenders can make abisnthe's anise undertones sing in balanced cocktails. Have her try the Imperial Opal, a cocktail thate mellows the anise sting with yellow chartreuse and rose water, while you take the unadulterated route and consume it the way the gods intended, i.e. the absinthe drip.
Snag a seat on the outdoor patio, and let the green-fairy's euphoria work its way through while you share licorice-flavored kisses with your equally emerald-eyed girl.
Get amorous Upstairs at The Kimberly Hotel.
Neighborhood: Midtown East
Address: 145 East 50th Street
Website: upstairsnyc.com
Some rooftops are best enjoyed at night, when the sparkling cityscape stands out against the dark sky. That's a scene suited for no-fail romance, especially if you happen to be Upstairs at The Kimberly Hotel.
If the stunning panoramic views of midtown Manhattan don't leave her woozy with delight, the potent cocktails will. Ensure a steamy evening by ordering her the Pear Samba cocktail, which warms up sweet pear puree and Leblon cachaca with Hangar1 Spiced Pear vodka.
The cocktails are admittedly pricey, but what you spend on the drinks, you'll save on the foreplay, because everyone knows rooftops are an express route to being man-handled in the cab home. See what we're saying? Totally worth every penny!
Mutually gorge on local goodies at Smorgasburg.
Neighborhood: Willamsburg
Address: 27 N 6th St
Website: brooklynflea.com/smorgasburg/
If you find yourself hungry and without a date idea on a Saturday afternoon, look no further than Smorgasburg to satisfy both needs at once. Like the Brooklyn Flea Market but with delicious food, Smorgasburg unites almost 100 artisanal food vendors for a mass picnic of sorts on the Williamsburg waterfront that a gourmet-inclined lady won't soon forget.
Be adventurous eaters, and only try things you both haven't, like fried anchovies from Bon Chovie, chai ice cream from The Alchemists, or a stroopwafel ice cream sandwich from The Good Batch. Or, stick to summer staples like oysters from Brooklyn Oyster Party, lobster rolls from Red Hook Lobster Pound or a BBQ brisket sandwich from Mighty Quinn's. Make inappropriate food jokes the entire time, and take pictures of every amazing thing that enters your mouth before collapsing onto a bench along the pier. When you finally head home, you'll inevitably be too full to hump around, but in the AM, you will get props (preferably of the sexual variety) for your date well done.
Take a walk on the wild-ish side at the Bronx Zoo.
Neighborhood: Pelham Parkway
Address: 2300 Southern Blvd
Website: bronxzoo.com
Even if your boo cringes at the thought of anything nature-oriented, she'll be a sucker for the baby animals strolling on grassy knolls at the Bronx Zoo.
If baby animals aren't her thing (Seriously? What kind of woman is she?!), take a stroll through the butterfly garden, peep monkeys, giraffes, tigers, and even lemurs (as part of their Madagascar exhibit) and feed penguins and sea lions. End your excursion into the great outdoors with the Wild Asia Monorail, a 20-minute ride in the sky that gives you a bird's eye view of the best exhibits (that are often too crowded to see otherwise) and the Bronx River, and affords an opportunity to steal a kiss in the sky. Damn, you're slick.
Reenact rom-coms at Jane's Carousel.
Neighborhood: Dumbo
Address: 56 Water Street
Website: janescarousel.com
Inside every woman is a despicable urge she doesn't want to admit or even acknowledge for a rom-com worthy rendezvous. Scratch that embarrassing itch for her by taking her to Jane's Carousel, a dazzlingly restored merry-go-round tucked under the Brooklyn bridge.
After taking a two-dollar-twirl, meander along the cobblestone street towards Almondine Bakery (85 Water Street), where you can snack on macaroons (try the pistachio!) and take a slice of their achingly sweet chocolate créme brule cake to share over east river views, which can be found a mere block away back at the Brooklyn Bridge Park (26 New Dock Street).
Take a train to Rockaway Taco.
Neighborhood: Rockaway Beach, Queens
Address: 19 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
Website: rockawaytaco.com
You know those nights where you're torn between pretending you're fishing in Montauk or on a beach somewhere together in Mexico? Rockaway Taco marries those two fantasies. All you have to do is hop on the A train to Rockaway Beach.
Rockaway Beach might as well be in Connecticut, we know, but it's worth the extra transit time. The seasonal taco stand got hit hard by Sandy, but has reopened for the season, and the frenzy is already in full swing.
The shack invariably draws an eclectic collection of humans (some might call them hipsters, we won't generalize) and a line that snakes back for a half a block. But it all fades away once you hear your name called, trot up to the counter, and walk away with a fish taco. This is why you came: a flaky piece of tilapia encased in a lightly battered shell topped with the perfect amount of radish, slaw, and spicy crema. Throw some spicy salsa verde on for good measure and spring for the guac; it will be the most necessary dollar you have ever spent. Wash it all down with a fresh pineapple and mint juice while basking in the sun and enjoying the ocean breeze rolling off the boardwalk. Now that's modern romance.
Watch a movie under the stars courtesy of Rooftop Films.
Neighborhood: Citywide
Address: Locations vary
Website: rooftopfilms.com
For 15 years, Rooftop Films has been showing top-notch indie films in offbeat outdoor spaces throughout the city, but chances are, your girl hasn't seen one yet. Shouldn't you be the first to share the experience with her, and win those much-coveted brownie points?
With screenings in a stunning industrial space in Gowanus, to a graffiti-covered rooftop on the Lower East Side, you can pick a flick within the proximity of your hood, or choose a spot that will suit your lady's inclinations best.
The 2013 summer series has a mixed-bag of marvelous films and stellar indie selections, like the quietly dramatic, Tiger Tail in Blue. Many feature live music to set the scene before the opening credits, and end with sponsored after parties, which means free booze! Just when you thought the night couldn't get any better...
Get toothaches together at Mast Brothers Chocolate.
Neighborhood: Williamsburg
Address: 111 North Third St.
Website: mastbrothers.com
As a child, she likely dreamt of encountering a chocolate factory like the one Ronald Dahl wrote of, and as an adult, Mast Brothers can fulfill that long-held fantasy. The handsome shop has glass cases that hold artisanal chocolate that will make your eyes water with joy. Inventive varieties of bitter dark chocolate are in small piles around the store, and you're invited to taste each one. You might be tempted to just go H.A.M. on the samples and leave empty-handed if the bars weren't so beautifully wrapped. And because, unlike Willy Wonka's wares, these cacao-treats are handmade by actual Brooklynites. Brothers Rick and Michael Mast, to be exact. Oompa Loompas, be damned.
Kayak under the influence courtesy of The Boat Basin.
Neighborhood: Upper West Side
Address: West 79th St at Riverside Dr
Website: boatbasincafe.com
Take her to lunch at the Boat Basin, where the food is no-frills (think standard-issue burgers and fries) but the gorgeous Hudson river views make your frozen piña colada something worth reveling in.
After your riverside snack, walk down to Pier 72 (West 72nd Street), where you and your slightly tipsy date can try your hand at kayaking on the Hudson free of charge. Thanks, Bloomberg! And if we may, a word of wisdom: If you've never had your way with a paddle before, we suggest drinking after, not before, and taking the complimentary kayaking class before heading out.
After you've tackled tandem paddling, take in the Hudson vistas as the sun sets and amble down to romantically-inclined (as in, super dark and cozy) Casellula (401 West 52nd Street), where you'll find a carefully curated selection of cheese and wine to satisfy your insatiable post-kayaking appetites.
Eat your way through the Chelsea Market, and rummage the wares at Artists & Fleas.
Neighborhood: Chelsea
Address: 75 9th Ave.
Website:chelseamarket.com
The Chelsea Market is the jam. Where else can you get some of the best coffee in the city (at Ninth Street Espresso), the best baguettes (at Amy's Bread), and pick up a great bottle of wine (at Chelsea Wine Vault) for dinner, all in the same place? Browse bestsellers in Posman's Books while snacking on brownie samples from the Fat Witch, or just bask in the intoxicating scents wafting from the specialty food boutiques together. If that's not an aphrodisiac, we don't know what is.
After eating your weight in dulce de leche crepes, amble to the end of the corridor. where you'll find Artists & Fleas (75 9th Ave). The large marketplace has a well-curated selection of vintage and handmade goods where artists and independent designers hawk their unique wares. Browse the 4,000-square-foot and expect to find anything from quirky home goods like clocks made from old books, to a t-shirt made with superhero bedsheets. Leave with something one of a kind, knowing your purchase supported a budding local proprietor. It's only a pop-up offshoot of the original in Williamsburg, so enjoy supporting the cause together while you can.
Sip rosé on the rooftop of Hotel Chantelle.
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Address: 92 Ludlow Street
Website: hotelchantelle.com
Set just apart from the hustle and endless flow of traffic on LES's main stretch between Stanton and Rivington is Hotel Chantelle, which is not a hotel, but a gorgeous tri-level space with a rooftop patio that will woo even the most hard-to-impress girlfriend's pants off.
Start early so you can get a seat in the sun, where she'll happily sip on a specialty cocktail like their Sangria Savoir-Faire, made with fresh fruit and Pyrat rum.
After you've spent a few minutes lounging in the sunshine and gossiping about the Olsen-esque fashion aspirations of the crowd, stumble down to the basement for some bumping and grinding. Admit it, after a few glasses of rosé, making out in public somehow seems like the right move.
Meander along the High Line together.
Neighborhood: West Village
Address: 529 West 20th St.
Website: thehighline.org
The High Line is a relatively new addition to the city's romantic laundry list, thanks to the recent expansion of the ancient, above-ground railroad turned 22-block-stretch of urban bliss. The multi-million-dollar developments have made the High Line into a respite like no other, with as many art installations lining the rusty rails and walkways as there are trees. This elevated park is even more exciting in summer months, offering bird's eye views of the sun-soaked streets below and supplying cold-brewed Blue Bottle coffee and artisan popsicles from La Newyorkina to keep you cool for the length of your stroll. Air conditioning—who needs it?
Keep it classic at The Loeb Boathouse at Central Park.
Neighborhood: Upper East Side
Address: East 72nd Street
Website: thecentralparkboathouse.com
Before taking the time out to curate a truly creative date, make sure your woman is well-versed on the classics—and we're not talking Moby Dick and Heart of Darkness.
Like ice-skating in Rockefeller center, renting a boat and rowing across the lake is an iconic date that would border cliché if it weren't so beautiful. It's something every woman should experience at least once just to say she did, and you should be the one to share that quintessential couple's activity with her. You may catch slack for being corny from your boys, but on the upside, she'll snag some sweet Instagram pics she'll totes treasure forever.
If you want to splurge on her, eat inside, where the white table cloth factor will wow just as much as the views. If the boat ride has left you strapped, eat at the casual outside grill, which is lighter on the wallet and will still leave her swooning over the lake views.
Get competitive at the driving range at Chelsea Piers
Neighborhood: Chelsea
Address: 59 Chelsea Piers
Website: chelseapiers.com/gc
This multi-level driving range affords you the opportunity to practice your swing while taking in views of the Hudson River. If your swing is weak (at best), you can try your hand at virtual golfing, where the two of you can enjoy St. Andrews famously scenic course, sans passport. When you've exhausted yourselves, head to the nearby Raines Law Room (48 West 17th St). Slip into their intimate back garden and sip on the South Side Rickey, a carbonated gin and muddled mint cocktail, and all of your failed drives will seem miles away.
Take a "cruise" on the Staten Island Ferry.
Neighborhood: Battery Park
Address: 4 South St.
Website: nyc.gov
Overpriced "handcrafted" cocktails are cool every once in awhile. But sometimes a bottom-shelf vodka-and-cranberry aboard a boat—excuse us, a ferry—is just what the doctor ordered. Particularly if you've already won her over, and are in a place where fun takes precedent over flossing. Grab your sunglasses and mingle with tourists as you get toasted crossing the water. Enjoy an unmatched glimpse of the city's skyline and unobstructed views of the Statue of Liberty. Share a bag of pretzels and you've got yourself the perfect low-key afternoon.
Take a faux beach vacation at Coney Island.
Explore Chinatown together.
Neighborhood: Chinatown
Address: Canal St.
Website: explorechinatown.com
During the summer, Chinatown is Manhattan's most fragrant neighborhood; we'll admit that. Potent smell of fresh fish aside, poking around the neighborhood's cluttered side streets for exotic eats far is still an enjoyable way to spend a warm day. Get a cheap massage, pick up a knock-off for her, and eat as many mysterious Chinese ingredients as your stomach can handle. Sample candied fish bits, Durian, and sticky buns as an appetizer before heading to Pho Grand (277C Grand St.) for an inexpensive Vietnamese feast. Order the brisket and beef pho, loaded with thinly sliced cuts of meat and floating atop a swell of tender noodles. After all, the couple that slurps together, stays together.