Valentine’s Day in NYC can cost you a pretty penny if you go the prix-fixe route. Unless you’re looking to splurge, wine bars are a smart alternative to a pricy restaurant: sexy without feeling overtly romantic, cost-efficient without seeming cheap, and plenty of small plates, ideal for sharing.
We’ve rounded up a few of our favorites below, tailored to every kind of date:
Authentic: D.O.C.
A trip to this Williamsburg winebar will transport you to a rustic pub in Florence, where native Italians serve wines from every corner of the country. Try a tasting flight of “shots” to fully experience the large list; wash down with a panino and sheep’s milk cheese.
83 N Seventh St.
www.docwinebar.com
Casual: Terroir East Village
Cramped quarters, rock music, and a tattooed staff make Terroir the anti-pretension wine bar. Knowledgeable waiters are skilled at helping you navigate the bible-sized wine list without making you feel like a know-nothing. Don’t neglect the bruschetta.
413 E 12th St.
www.restauranthearth.com/terrior/Terroir.html
Charming: Blue Ribbon
Arrive early to secure a space at this quaint West Village drinking destination. An expansive list of wines, beers and cocktails suits every taste, and plates like Manchego & Mexican honey and Short Ribs provide delicious sustenance.
34 Downing St.
www.blueribbonrestaurants.com/rests_downingSt_main.htm
Geek Out: Corkbuzz
An NYC playground for vino nerds, this is the place to explore if you speak the language of wine. Sommeliers are a plenty, serving up rare regions and vintages. Hearty seasonal dishes will ensure you can walk a straight line after you’ve drained your second bottle.
13 E 13th St.
www.corkbuzz.com
Sophisticated: Lela Bar
Tucked away on Hudson Street, this dark bar is lit by candles and filled by the sounds of smooth jazz. A large list of half-bottles allows you to sample several wines in a sitting, and the cheese selection may be one of the best in the city.
422 Hudson St.
www.lelabar.com
Leora Kalikow is the Director of Communications, Public House Wines
www.publichousewine.com
Twitter/Instagram: @publichousewine
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