Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in the East Village

Cocktail date spots

You need a drink that sets the right tone for the evening without the distraction of a loud or crowded room.

Based on 678 Opinions
+675
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Time Out Market Union Square image 1
Time Out Market Union Square image 2
Time Out Market Union Square image 3
View all

Food court with an open, modern design and bright, spacious seating creates an upbeat, social vibe. Loud club and rap music set a lively, energetic tone, attracting a local crowd who come to eat, meet, and unwind. A large bar and rooftop terrace add distinctive features for drinks and views.

Cocktails here offer a great variety with well-balanced flavors. Drinks like The Smokin Woman avoid being overly sweet and pair well with the beautiful atmosphere.

Wide variety of high-quality food options suits both groups and casual dates. The spot works well for couples who want a relaxed meal near work.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has tons of different vendors and options."

"The Thai food here is truly authentic and flavorful."

"The food options here are great for casual dates."

Good to know

1

Wednesday is their infamous steak frites night.

2

Time Out Market Union Square offers a happy hour.

3

They do not accept cash directly and require buying a gift card.

02
Ichibantei image 1
Japanese restaurant

Upscale Japanese restaurant with dimmed lighting and a long bar creates an intimate, cozy atmosphere. Music blends old school reggae and 80s-90s bangers, giving a unique underground Tokyo vibe. Space features high ceilings and a layout reminiscent of a former club, combining dining with lively energy.

Cocktails come at a reasonable price alongside sake. The drinks offer solid quality without stretching the budget.

The spot offers a nice atmosphere ideal for mini dates or catching up. Its interior design suits dinners with friends, featuring ramen, curry rice, cocktails, and mocktails for a chill evening vibe.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here feels like cozy soul food in a dimly lit hideaway."

"The cocktails here are really good and well-crafted."

"It's a cozy spot, perfect for a date night."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a $15 minimum order per person before sitting down.

2

No outside drinks are allowed at the restaurant.

3

The restaurant only has outdoor seating at night.

03
Moxy NYC East Village image 1

Hotel rooms maximize limited space with efficient design and feature large windows offering a spacious vibe. Rooftop bar buzzes with lively energy and serves notable drinks and food. Street noise peaks late at night, creating a busy urban atmosphere around the property.

Cocktails here come with a free welcome drink and are crafted with care by skilled bartenders. The bar lounge offers a comfortable vibe with swings and a mix of fun snacks alongside the drinks.

Rooms stay clean and up to date, creating a comfortable setting for a date.

People are saying

"The hotel staff were so attentive and friendly, making me feel right at home."

"The staff here make you feel like family on your date."

"The cocktails here were delicious and even better than I expected."

Good to know

1

Happy hour includes $1 tacos and $9 margaritas.

2

The rooftop bar is closed at 8 pm on Saturdays.

3

The hotel charges a mandatory $30 resort fee per night.

04
Cathรฉdrale Restaurant image 1

Space features a cathedral ceiling art installation and live jazz performances that create a unique, classy atmosphere. Decor includes vintage objects and a lounge with free skee-ball arcade machine, adding a playful touch. Energy stays lively with a live DJ enhancing the vibe.

Fun cocktails and delicious drinks stand out at the bar. Alberto crafts nice cocktails that pair well with the food.

Excellent happy hour options include champagne, oysters, and lobster rolls. Food highlights feature wagyu tartare, dates with cheese, and truffle pasta. The setting suits a memorable date night.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here have delicious food, especially the steak cooked to perfection."

"The bartenders here make Date Spots feel so welcoming and attentive."

"The cocktails here were delicious and beautifully presented."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5-7 PM on weekdays with great drink specials.

2

Reservations are required for private events and large parties.

3

The bar area fills up quickly, so arrive early for happy hour.

05
Yellow Rose image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Small, intimate Tex-Mex restaurant with southern cozy vibes and tasteful Texas-inspired decor. Noise level is high, creating a lively atmosphere that fills the packed dining area. Strong frozen margaritas and nostalgic touches like tube TVs playing classic films add to the unique experience.

Creative cocktails stand out with a variety of fresh options. The cherry sherry cocktail is a notable choice, and drinks are priced at $16 each.

Decor and vibe create a relaxed atmosphere suited for dates or hanging out after work. Food quality and prices do not stand out compared to other spots.

People are saying

"I loved the flavor and ingredients in their tacos."

"I found the cocktails here to be amazing and stunning."

"The tortillas here are excellent for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

It is advised to make a reservation on Resy.

2

The restaurant closes at 10 PM but stopped seating new customers at 9:25 PM.

3

On Mondays, the restaurant turns into a burger spot, offering great classic burgers.

06
Mocha Red Steakhouse + Mixology Bar image 1

Steakhouse with trendy open front and tasteful cozy decor creates a fun lively atmosphere enhanced by a skilled DJ. The space balances upper scale and classy vibes while remaining approachable. Aromas of incense and roaming photographers add unique touches to the experience.

Expertly crafted cocktails bring a touch of sophistication with an impressive menu full of creative concoctions. Specialty drinks perfectly complement the food flavors.

Specialty cocktails come expertly crafted and pair well with the food. The atmosphere suits a relaxed dinner for two.

People are saying

"The service at these dinner spots is impeccable and attentive."

"You have to try their inventive and delicious cocktails."

"The food here is delicious, a must-visit for any food lover."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner service to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect to pay around $80 for two sandwiches and water.

3

The restaurant closes at midnight, so plan your visit accordingly.

07
Mocha Burger image 1
Kosher restaurant

Kosher restaurant with Tulum-inspired decor and a skylight area by the bar creates a laid-back, beach-like vibe. Dim indoor lighting with candles and outdoor seating including a sukkah add warmth and variety. Known for exceptional burgers and cocktails, it offers a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Cocktails here stand out for their amazing quality and perfect balance. The bartender shows great skill, making drinks that pair well with the food and suit a night out with friends.

Offers a casual vibe suited for dates and small gatherings. Welcomes groups like friends, family, or couples with a relaxed atmosphere.

People are saying

"I found the burgers here to be amazing and flavorful."

"I found the kosher food here to be delicious and high-quality."

"The burgers here are fantastic and melt-in-your-mouth."

Good to know

1

Booking a table is essential due to high demand.

2

Expect high prices, with burgers averaging around $30 each.

3

A $30 minimum order is required for takeout.

08
Gen Korean BBQ House image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Spacious interior with modern decor and booth seating accommodates multiple grills simultaneously. Atmosphere is lively and energetic with upbeat music, though smoke and grease fill the air due to ventilation challenges. Tables often feel cramped and shared, creating a bustling dining experience.

Bartenders craft creative and flavorful cocktails. Mocktails show strong attention to taste and balance.

Offers affordable date nights with group BBQ and casual dining options. Some diners report food poisoning after meals.

People are saying

"The Korean food here, especially the bulgogi and pork belly, was great."

"The service here is so quick and friendly, making it a great spot for dates."

"The cocktails here are creative and flavorful."

Good to know

1

You should go an hour early to get on the virtual wait list.

2

The restaurant does NOT take reservations; add your name to the waiting list.

3

The all-you-can-eat option lasts for 2 hours.

Discover more

East Village, New York

Area guide
Loading Map...