Best First Date Bars (Manhattan & Brooklyn)

Posted on by Anna W

I’ve been single for about 3 years, which means I’ve been on a LOT of first dates. Some good, most mediocre.
My criteria for a good first date spot is somewhere not too dark, loud, or crowded. Below are my top picks for where to take your next hinge/bumble/coffee meets bagel/tinder/do people actually meet IRL anymore? date.

MANHATTAN:
  • Angel’s Share 
    • East Village speakeasy hidden inside Village Yokocho. 
    • Cozy, sophisticated vibes & AMAZING cocktails.
    • Actual Japanese employees! Yesss!! Not common at Japanese establishments. 
  • Cienfuegos
    • Cocktail bar above Mother of Pearl in the East Village.
    • Fun, casual vibes. 
    • 100% vegan food/drink menu! 

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IN LOVE

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  • Tiki Tabu
    • Rooftop bar with fun jungle vibes located on the 7th floor of Sixty LES. 
    • There are a bunch of couches inside to lounge on, and outdoor seating. 
    • Good for day-dates. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYT539RjXX4/?taken-by=karlamichelle89

  • Spitzer’s 
    • Casual bar in the LES with a big beer menu– 40 different ones on tap! 
    • Lots of space/seating.
BROOKLYN:
  • Sisters
    • BEAUTIFUL bar in Clinton Hill.
    • Plenty of vegan options on their food menu! 
  • Donna
    • Cute cocktail bar in Williamsburg.
    • Also known for their tacos, but I’ve never tried them. 
    • Friendly, fun atmosphere. I LOVE the interior design here. 
  • Torst 
    • For beer lovers!! They have a really interesting/ever-changing beer menu.
    • Located in Williamsburg, right across from Screamer’s (aka best pizza ever). ;) 

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Last week I had the joy of crossing off a #liquidloveaffair bucket list location. @torst_nyc was all I had hoped for, defining class and culture through style, authenticity, and most importantly, through an eclectic and truly diverse offering of some of the world's best in the craft beer game. This is a must go to for those wishing to experience an ambiance of sophistication without the stuffiness of arrogance. Thanks for hanging out with me @fournssauce ! #liquidloveaffair #drinklocal #drinkNY #drinkTørst #sour #sourbeers #tastetherainbow #worldclassbeer #properglassware #rarebeers #hopsfordays #beeronbeeronbeer #instabeer #beerstagram #craftbeer #notcrapbeer #beersofinstagram #beerlover #beer #craftbeerlover #craftbeerlife #craftbeerlove

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  • Cardiff Giant
    • Clinton Hill bar serving all local booze.
    • The backyard is super cute! 

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With people, @ashcmu

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  • Lavender Lake
    • Another great day-date spot in Gowanus– one of the best backyard spaces I’ve experienced. 
    • Kind of a bitch to get to, but worth it! Quintessential hipster-Brooklyn vibes. 
    • Has a decent vegan menu. 

P.S. Thank you to the below accounts for letting me use your pics! So grateful for the generous IG community.

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