You’ve been messaging with a guy off Hinge for a few weeks, and you’re actually prepared for an in-person meetup – until he asks for you to pick the meeting place. Efforts to divert the task back to him fail, and now you’re stuck. Where to go, you wonder? NYgal, of course, has you covered.
First and foremost, before picking just any spot in the city, there are a few pieces of criteria that must be considered. If this is someone you don’t really know or have never met in person, you probably want to be in a crowded space – remember, stranger danger is uncommon but real. Is eating in the plans, or just drinks? Also, you also probably want them to think you know what’s happening in the city, so it has to be somewhat trendy.
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Pianos
Located in the Lower East Side. Today a two-story laidback bar and music venue, its name is a holdover from a store that used to sell pianos in the same space years before. If you find yourself with nothing to say to your suitor, the space has two live performance stages to watch and most nights, you can find alternative rock groups performing, as well as local indie names and DJs. They hold Happy Hour 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. every day, and while the menu follows traditional bar food, for a live music bar, the food is surprisingly good.
Read Bill P.‘s review of Pianos on Yelp
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Surf Bar
Located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It’s the closest you’ll get to “sand between your toes,” while not at the beach. That’s right, the bar floor is covered in sand. Seriously, wear sandals. It’s pretty amazing. This is a great place for the dates when you’re unsure if it’s just drinks or dinner too; they serve classic tropical cocktails and a variety of seafood, with seating inside at the bar, or outside in their back garden.
Read Michael B.‘s review of Surf Bar on Yelp
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e’s Bar
Located on the Upper West Side. Another place full of fun, in addition to their impressive food and drink menu, the lounge boasts an impressive game shelf. Their selection of board games will help to break you and your date out of your comfort zones and get competitive. e’s is ideal for when the pressure is off to be “on,” and you can just relax while getting to know this new person you’ve decided to try dating and can’t remember why.
Read Naina G.‘s review of e’s BAR on Yelp
Cielo
Read Z. W.‘s review of Cielo on Yelp
Crocodile Lounge
Located in the East Village. This place is a godsend for financially struggling 20-somethings in Manhattan – you can eat and drink for the price of a drink. Every purchase of a drink comes with a ticket, which is redeemable for your own personal sized pizza. The bar has great lounge seating options inside or an outdoor patio, as well as a few classic arcade games to see your date’s competitive streak in action. If you’re into weekday date nights, the bar hosts trivia nights every Wednesday!
Read DrPupLuv W.‘s review of Crocodile Lounge on Yelp
