10 Romantic New York City Summer Date Spots

There's nothing like summer in the city, and with restrictions relaxed in the big apple, New Yorkers are ready to feel alive again... and to start dating again. Put down your phones. Get vax'ed and waxed. It's time to head back out on the town!

Summertime is meant to fall in love. Or at least to drink cocktails with a your temporary summer fling. Whether your romantic vibe is rooftops, street-side dining, comedy, or speakeasies, I've got your summer date spots covered so you'll have stories to tell in the fall.

La Pecora Bianca (Flatiron Location)

Ever wanted to dine in the middle of the street? No? Well, now you can anyway! This La Pecora Bianca location has the street closed off for patrons and has a perfect view of the Flatiron building. It’s hard to choose between the pastas on the menu, but you’re sure to enjoy your meal no matter what you order. The food is not only pleasing to the eye; it’s pleasing to the palette. I never want it to end, hence why I’ve been back so many times. For drinks, I recommend getting one Aperol Spritz and one Lavender Spritz and sharing them. Party because it’s cute to share, partly because I can’t choose which drink I like better. Have fun drink-clinking in the street!

Empire Hotel Rooftop

Combine this UWS gem with the sunset and you’ve got yourself some serious romance. The restaurant serves tasty apps and Gossip Girl inspired cocktails. The botanicals will make you feel like you’re in a park in the sky, and the “Hotel Empire” sign will remind you that you're still within walking distance of Park Avenue. Ambiance: included. Chuck Bass: not.

Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit

Emily in Paris, but make it You and Your Hot Date in New York. This light show is probably the only Starry Night you’ll be able to catch this summer in the light pollution of New York City (other than the original painting at the MoMA, of course). It’s super trippy and pulls you into a post-impressionist dreamscape. Optimal for all of your cheesy lines about the stars in your date’s eyes, blah blah blah.

Bella Ciao Basement

Filled to the brim with early 1900s speakeasy vibes, this Little Italy underground dinner-and-a-show spot is perfect for a comedy show or musical entertainment. This is a great spot to cool down with your date after a hot day and vibe into the night the old fashioned way - with an Old Fashioned cocktail in-hand. The authentic Italian food is served by authentic Italian waiters here… Bellissima.

Magic Hour Rooftop

A carousel in the sky? We’re here for it. Lit with pink and purple lights like you’re in an episode of Euphoria, you and your cutie can book a loveseat on the carousel and rotate the entire time you eat and drink the night away! Warning: you may feel more tipsy than you actually are.

Mudspot

This Lower East Side coffee shop is perfect for either a brunch date or fresh coffee at the bar. At brunch time, it’s always filled with people, and not just because Timothee Chalamet was a regular here and Dylan Sprouse followed up his Disney career by working here in his NYU days. The chai latte is so good with oat milk, and sitting under the clear red roof in the back on a stormy summer day creates the perfect chance to romantically charm your date.

The Comedy Cellar

A classic New York night, but underrated as a date spot. Located around NYU, the night life in the area is lively and filled with young professionals and crowded bars- perfect for a few drinks beforehand. There’s always big-name comedians dropping by during the later shows, your favorite Netflix comedians included. You can take a dose of that comedy show serotonin, get to understand your date’s sense of humor, and now they’ll associate your presence with laughter (you're welcome). Book at least a few days in advance or get there super early.

Mr. Purple Rooftop

With nearly 360 degree views of the Manhattan skyline and pool next to the outdoor bar, Mr. Purple is the perfect little Lower East Side Oasis. The cocktails are delicious here, and please try one of their Cosmopolitans. Or three. The atmosphere of the outdoor lounge is perfect for finding that click with your date during sunset. Romantic, I know.

PUBLIC Hotel Roof

Rooftops are a big theme here - after all, it is rooftop season. This Nolita spot has panoramic views of the city and is a sexy nighttime lounge to bring your sultry date. Cozy up on the couches aside the dim lights and under the (hard-to-see) stars, and let this modern, plant-filled atmosphere be your matchmaker.

Lauderée (SoHo Location)

Something about this place has that je ne sais quoi. Lauderée originated in Paris; their Parisian outdoor look and renaissance outdoor seating will have you feeling like you’re living summertime in France. Lauderée is known for their life-altering macarons and delicate pastries, but you can order a meal here as well. If a guy planned this date for us, those charms would work on me. De Rien.