Dating in NYC can be exciting and stressful — and one of the most difficult things to decide is where to go to meet a potential paramour. Depending on the vibe you are looking for, there are endless options all around the city including chill dive bars and cocktail bars as well as coffee shops and fancy dinner spots. If you’re interested in dating an executive, a professional matchmaker is a safe bet, see Perfect 12 Introductions for more information.
When it comes to dating in NYC, sexual relationships can be a natural and important part of the dating process. Whether you’re looking for horny locals for sex or a more serious relationship, it’s important to prioritize communication, consent, and safety in all sexual encounters.
One key aspect of building healthy sexual relationships is open and honest communication about sexual desires and needs so for example the use of toys like a horse dildo can be something a sexual partner could want. This means being willing to have difficult conversations about sex and intimacy, and being willing to listen to one another and respect each other’s boundaries.
Here are some of our favorite places, powered by First Round on Me, the revolutionary new dating app founded by Joe Feminella that helps singles meet IRL. With First Round on Me (“FROME”), the idea is to get off the phone and get together in person. “We want to encourage people to be more confident in themselves and their quest for companionship through face-to-face interactions,” reads a mission statement on the website. With FROME, you can only focus on one connection at a time, which is meant to make for a more meaningful experience. Users are encouraged to set a date to meet upon matching, with the app allowing for either “Available Today” or “Available This Week” which allows users to set a within the next seven days.
The messaging feature won’t work until six hours before the appointed date time, which cuts out the mindless back and forth — saving the “getting to know you faze” for the in person meeting.
Available on the Apple or Google Play stores, find out more and download First Round On Me here.
Where to Go on A First Date in NYC
Dante NYC
View this post on Instagram
A NYC institution, Dante NYC has gained popularity over the past few years thanks to a revamp on the original 1915 location as well as a buzzy West Village addition. The cocktail menu is creative and extensive, and the food menu includes small plates, perfect for sharing.
www.dante-nyc.com
Cha Cha Matcha
Not quite ready for a whole evening affair? Connect for a matcha at this oh-so-Instagrammable cafe, serving up picture-perfect beverages including an evolving menu of seasonal offerings. With four locations around NYC — NoMad, Noho, Nolita and Bryant Park — it’s easy to find one in the area, even with short notice for those “Available Today” meet-ups.
www.chachamatcha.com
Royal Palms Brooklyn
Nothing helps loosen things up on a date quote like games. At Royal Palms in Brooklyn, grab a shuffleboard lane and have some good old-fashioned fun. There is a full bar and food options via food cart along with occasional live music
www.royalpalmsbrooklyn.com
Bemelman’s Bar
The Upper East Side has reinvented itself since post-pandemic days and now Belemelman’s Bar at the swank and iconic Caryle Hotel is on the of the top spots for young people in the city. Featuring live music and perfectly crafted classic cocktails, Bemelman’s is truly a slice is old-school NYC and a lovely place for a first date.
www.rosewoodhotels.com
Loulou
View this post on Instagram
For a first date dinner that’s not too stuffy, head to Loulou. The two-story Chelsea bistro has lots of options, including a restaurant serving French bistro fare along with an extra-long bar serving cocktails in extra special vessels and a Speakeasy for late night bites — if the date lasts that long.
www.loulounyc.com
For more on First Round on Me, or to download the app, visit www.firstroundonme.co.
Our Best Stories Delivered Daily
