MANHATTAN – Getting cozy with a special someone— or getting to know a potential new match— takes the perfect atmosphere and ambiance. Thankfully, the Upper East Side is home to some of the most lively and romantic restaurants in New York City. Whether you’re on a first date, fifth date, or spending the night out on your wedding anniversary there’s a spot in our neighborhood for you.
First Date Spots
Stella & Fly
First Avenue between East 88th and 89th Streets
Lively yet intimate at the same time, Stella & Fly is a wonderful spot for a first date. This charming coffee shop turned bar after work hours are done, is both cozy and romantic.
Order the best espresso martinis in the neighborhood, enjoy live music on Wednesdays and Fridays, and try your hand at trivia on Monday.
Biddy’s Pub
East 91st Street near Second Avenues
Looking to see how competitive or your date can be? Bring them to Biddy’s Pub. With bingo night on Wednesday and trivia on Thursdays, you have your pick at fun game nights to help cut the awkwardness on a first date.
Cocktail Date Night
UES.
Second Avenue between East 88th and 89th Streets
If you think your date night at UES. is sharing an ice cream cone, think again! This romantic speakeasy is a gilded, romantic paradise hidden behind the walls of an ice cream parlor. If you’re a fan of innovative cocktails, this bar is for you.
Unique to the neighborhood, each cocktail is named after a UES namesake. Whether it’s ‘Gossip Girl on the East,’ or ‘I Left My Heart in Yorkville,’ you and your date will have plenty to talk about. This speakeasy is reservation only, and is recommended to make a week in advance.
Keys and Heels
Second Avenue between East 77th and 78th Streets
One of the newest bars opened in our neighborhood, Keys and Heels is a speakeasy hidden behind a shoe and key repair shop on Second Avenue. This small but intimate spot brings you and your date close as you share velvet benches around small round tables.
The mood lighting and creative cocktails make for a great date night out. While they do take walk-ins, it’s recommended to try and fill one of their reservation spots— as walk-in lines can be long.
Romantic Dinner Date
Botte UES
First Avenue between East 83rd and 84th Streets
An intimate restaurant, Botte is the perfect location for a date night out. Here you can enjoy one of the neighborhood’s most romantic spaces without breaking the bank.
As elaborate or casual as you want to make your night, you and your date can enjoy a pizza-pie over a glass or wine, or opt for lamb chops and a branzino.
Quality Eats
Second Avenue at East 78th Street
With the weather getting warmer, it’s time to start outdoor dining again. This is where Quality Eats truly shines! Cozy and intimate booths lined along their outdoor dining space, couples can feel like they’re dining alone while enjoying some of the best food in the Upper East Side.
Sample their raw bar or try one of the best steaks north of 59th street. While you wait for your table, Quality Eats has one of the most beautiful bars to set the evening off to a great start.
Felice 64 & Felice 83
First Avenue at East 64th Street, First Avenue at East 83rd Street
With two locations on the Upper East Side, Felice 64 and Felice 83 offer an elevated Italian restaurant that brings romance to the next level.
With every detail, Felice has set the stage for an elegant night out. Enjoy a famous Aperol spritz, share a burrata and talk softly over candlelight.
With a date night at any of these joints, you’re sure to have a romantic or fun atmosphere to help make sure you and your date have a wonderful evening.
Update: Munchies Korner was removed from this article following the restaurant’s permanent closure. Who’s Jac W.? was removed from this article following the restaurant’s permanent closure.
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