Ultimate NYC Date Night: 3 Romantic Restaurants, 3 Hot Outfits
Sometimes, date night isn't all it's cracked up to be. There, we said it. Whether you're braving a first meet-up or a blind date (come prepared with a quick exit strategy!), the whole process is laden with stress, from what to wear and what to order to who's going to pick up the check at the end of the night. (Be honest, you weren't really offering to pay, were you?) Furthermore, if you're in a long-term relationship, it can be hard to get the motivation to go out at all — why get all dolled up, and, you know, leave the house, when you have so much Homeland to catch up on?
Well, we're turning up the heat. Since we like to consider ourselves your romantic helping hands, we've put together a foolproof guide to the best night out, ever. We've handpicked our favorite NYC romantic restos to set the mood (from laid-back bites to a hot-and-heavy fireside meal), and curated the ensembles to seal the deal impress. All you have to do is make the reservation to get the magic back — or start off on the right (romantic) foot. How you end the date, however, is entirely up to you.
This East Village, lowkey mainstay's decor is decidedly sexy (think: antique chandeliers that will cast you in anbarely-there oh-so-flattering light, black walls, flickering candles, and a bumping soundtrack), so match the room with an equally sultry outfit. Plus, a bright red lip will let your date know you mean business.
To seal the proverbial deal, order one of the expertly crafted cocktails — masterminded by Hotel Delmano's head bartender Sam Anderson — like the "Jet Boy, Jet Girl," concocted with fresh lemon, gin, St. Germain, honey, and a champagne float. Finish it off with one of their no-frills, delicious (and reasonably inexpensive) burgers, or partake in the always reliable oysters ... they are an aphrodisiac, after all. After dinner, put them to the test at Cabin Down Below, from the same owners... it's even darker down there, so feel free to, uh, explore without prying eyes.
Inhabit Cable Scarf, $495, available at Otte; Marc by Marc Jacobs Black Sergeant Leather Jacket, $895, available at Stylebop; Steven by Steve Madden Regainn Platform Ankle Bootie, $159, available at Footnotes; Topshop Diamond Geo Dress, $190, available at Topshop; Nars Lipstick, $24, available at Sephora.
Black Market, 110 Avenue A (at 7th Street); 212-614-9798.
Photo: Courtesy of Black Market
This East Village, lowkey mainstay's decor is decidedly sexy (think: antique chandeliers that will cast you in an
To seal the proverbial deal, order one of the expertly crafted cocktails — masterminded by Hotel Delmano's head bartender Sam Anderson — like the "Jet Boy, Jet Girl," concocted with fresh lemon, gin, St. Germain, honey, and a champagne float. Finish it off with one of their no-frills, delicious (and reasonably inexpensive) burgers, or partake in the always reliable oysters ... they are an aphrodisiac, after all. After dinner, put them to the test at Cabin Down Below, from the same owners... it's even darker down there, so feel free to, uh, explore without prying eyes.
Inhabit Cable Scarf, $495, available at Otte; Marc by Marc Jacobs Black Sergeant Leather Jacket, $895, available at Stylebop; Steven by Steve Madden Regainn Platform Ankle Bootie, $159, available at Footnotes; Topshop Diamond Geo Dress, $190, available at Topshop; Nars Lipstick, $24, available at Sephora.
Black Market, 110 Avenue A (at 7th Street); 212-614-9798.
Photo: Courtesy of Black Market
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