Anna Wildman

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. 

In the era of Prohibitionism, a lot of #speakeasy bars were secretly opened inside shops and restaurants. Here is one of my favorite: @angelssharenyc 🍸 It's hidden inside of the exquisite #japaneserestaurant @villageyokochony and perfectly knows how to set the right mood 😍 #hiddenNYC

A post shared by Magnolia Spell (@magnoliaspell) on Apr 7, 2017 at 5:05am PDT

• Cienfuegos
  • Cocktail bar above Mother of Pearl in the East Village.
  • Fun, casual vibes. 
  • 100% vegan food/drink menu! 

IN LOVE

A post shared by Anna Frumenti (@annafrums) on Jul 14, 2017 at 4:43pm PDT

• 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. 

• Spitzer’s 
  • Casual bar in the LES with a big beer menu– 40 different ones on tap! 
  • Lots of space/seating.

#tbt to last Thursday's pints on arrival at Schniders or Shalom or Schnitzles or whatever. #NYC #LES @claremaher4 @da.rock

A post shared by kaylyn gelata (@kayy_g) on Oct 13, 2016 at 7:53am PDT

BROOKLYN:

• Sisters
  • BEAUTIFUL bar in Clinton Hill.
  • Plenty of vegan options on their food menu! 

I don't have AC, so I'm cooling off across the street from my apartment in what has to be one of the most beautiful spaces in Brooklyn, Sisters! Enjoying a nice glass of white 🥂#pinotgrigio #clintonhill #brooklyninteriors #brooklyn #sistersrestaurant #interiordesign #interiors #design #bardesign #brooklynbars

A post shared by Olwen Phillips (@olweneats) on Jul 12, 2017 at 2:06pm PDT

• 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. 

Absolutely love, love this space! Just look at those ceilings! So unique and gorgeous 💯🙌 | #thedesignertourist #desginertourist #designnerd #pretty #thatsdarling #donna #iger #igers #igersnewyork #igersny #igersbrooklyn #igerswilliamsburg #newyork #ny #brooklyn #williamburg #interiordesign #barrelvaultceilings #cocktails #featuremeinstagood #restaurantdesign #bar #designblog #instamood #igdaily #picoftheday #bardesign #cocktails #donnabklyn

A post shared by The Designer Tourist (@thedesignertourist) on Aug 23, 2016 at 7:56am PDT

• 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). ;) 

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

A post shared by Kevin Barry (@liquidloveaffair) on May 31, 2017 at 8:53am PDT

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

With people, @ashcmu

A post shared by Terence (@thetalentedmrhatten) on Sep 18, 2016 at 11:30am PDT

• 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. 

Yesterday night's backyard @lavenderlakebrooklyn #brooklyn #bonneadresse #terrasse #jardin #blogueuse #voyage #travelblog #nycblogger #thelazyfrenchie

A post shared by Aurélie Hagen (@the_lazy_frenchie) on Aug 18, 2016 at 9:20pm PDT

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

• @magnoliaspell
• @a.fru
• @karlamichelle89
• @kayy_g
• @olweneats
• @thedesignertourist
• @liquidloveaffair
• @thetalentedmrhatten
• @the_lazy_frenchie