Whether you’re cynical about Valentine’s Day or looking to celebrate big this year, February 14 is undoubtedly one of the biggest nights in New York for wining and dining out.
If you’re single, happily partnered, or simply want a fun night out with some gal pals, there’s a restaurant with your name all over it.
For New Couples: The Portrait Bar
If you need a cozy spot to break the ice that comes with dating someone new, The Portrait Bar has got you covered. Tucked behind Café Carmellini inside The Fifth Avenue Hotel, this classy, comfy bar offers cocktails inspired by different cities throughout the globe (the Cebu Island, made with rum, coconut, peppercorn, and calamansi, is one of my favorite drinks in the city). Pair those drinks with top-notch bar bites by chef Andrew Carmellini. The comté gougères are like mini cheese-filled cream puffs, and should you dare to eat a burger or a hotdog in front of your new special someone, The Portrait Bar has upscale versions of each. The interior is, as the name suggests, lined with portraits in a moody, dim lit setting that will certainly help ease those nerves of dating someone new.
1 W. 28th St. (NoMad)
Engagement Dinner: Gabriel Kreuther
Is it time to pop the question? Then you better choose a restaurant that really sets the romantic tone. Gabriel Kreuther, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant named for its acclaimed chef, will certainly lead with high expectations. This Valentine’s Day, the French fine-dining eatery will offer a seven-course prix-fixe menu inspired by Alsace, France and priced at $375 per person. Dishes include king crab cooked in dulce seaweed butter, Perigord black truffle tagliatelle, and citrus cured tuna loin. Go big, and add a wine pairing for an additional $295 per person to ensure it’s truly a night for the books.
41 W 42nd St. (Midtown)
“Galentines:” elNico
Valentine’s isn’t just for lovers, and in fact, many women celebrate on February 13 as “Galentine’s Day,” a holiday that came into fruition from an episode of “Parks and Recreation.” My girlfriends and I make it a point to go somewhere fun every year that day, and one of my favorite spots for hanging with my closest gal pals over cocktails and Mexican bites is elNico Rooftop inside The Penny Williamsburg. Their mole tasting is an absolute must, which comes with five different variations, ranging from classic poblano to a mole blanco, which has a sesame-forward taste similar to tahini. You’ll also want to grab some ceviche and their “todos los tacos,” a sample plate of one of each of their tacos (the broccolini taco with grilled Oaxacan cheese is stellar). And while I love the food at elNico, their cocktails are the real star of the show–the Barbarella with Lalo Tequila, salted pineapple, and coconut foam is the ideal fuel to vent about love lives, or lack thereof, while laughing with some close friends.
288 N 8th St., Brooklyn (Williamsburg)
Singles Night Out: Nothing Really Matters
Maybe you’re single and thriving this Valentine’s Day, and you’re looking to meet others in the same boat or to simply have a good time on a holiday typically reserved for people in love. If that’s the case, underground speakeasy Nothing Really Matters is the place to be. Hidden inside the 50th St. subway station, this cool cocktail bar whips up some innovative libations, like the “Milk & Cookies” made with mezcal and horchata and served with a rice crispy treat. Or try a “Chai Tai,” made with Chairman’s Reserve Rum from St. Lucia with orgeat and masala chai. What really rounds out the Nothing Really Matters experience is ordering a pie from See No Evil Pizza next door, which you are free to enjoy at the bar. The “Gino Bartali” made with pesto alla genovese and caciocavallo cheese is a nice nod to southern Italy, so grab a cocktail and some ‘za, and mingle the night away in one of New York’s most fun atmospheres. Hey, maybe you’ll meet the love of your life.
210 West 50th St. (Hell’s Kitchen/Theater District)
Takeout for The Newly Dumped: Thai Diner
Maybe you’re single and not ready to mingle. Nothing can add insult to injury quite like a romantic holiday when you’re bitterly spending it alone. As someone who has been single for years, I know what can cure any lonely day of the year: Thai takeout. Thai is quintessential comfort food, and Thai Diner takes it a step even further with their Thai disco fries, which are crinkle cut fries smothered in a spicy curry with pickled peppercorns for crunch. So, take it from your token single writer friend (me) — there’s nothing to be sad over when you can get takeout soupy noodles. I mean, who needs a lover when you have khao soi?
186 Mott St. (Bowery)
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