Olivia Jeanette

New York City has everything you could possibly want when it comes to food and drink. Everyday another place pops up that demands your attention to check it out. After being here over four years now, we have a short list of favorite spots to have a little date night. It goes without saying, our date nights have slowed quite a bit since the arrival of Sebastian but we still manage to get out together. Today, to go along with my ootd, I wanted to share our favorite places to grab dinner and drinks here in the city. Our list is ever changing but these spots have stood the test of time. You may already be familiar with some and if you haven’t had the chance to check any of them out, put it on the agenda. Enjoy!

Minetta Tavern

This is where we had our first true NYC dinner. To this day(only been 4 years but hey) it is still our favorite place in the city. The drinks are delicious, the ambiance is old school and perfect, plus the food is amazing. Whether you want to sit at the bar, which we often do, or grab a table, the setting is sublime.

Wolfgang’s 

If you enjoy a great steak and just a really cool vibe, this is the spot. It a true, back in the day New York City steakhouse. Feels like Sinatra could walk in at any moment. The white table clothes, flawless service, perfectly cooked meat and the atmosphere keeps us coming back. Oh and the thick cuts of bacon aren’t bad either.

Upland

This is our new favorite local spot. It reminds us of a menu you would see in California. It has everything from fluke crudo, cioppino, wagyu ribeye and their duck is killer. It’s a upbeat atmosphere with great food. Plenty to choose from regardless of what you are in the mood for.

Beauty & Essex

This place is just awesome. One of the best entrances into a restaurant. You walk into a pawn shop and the door on the back wall opens up to the restaurant. It is a super chic, hip place that is just a fun place to have a date. We love the food. Think small plates. It’s traditional dishes turned upside down and delicious. Their take on a  grilled cheese and tomato soup is crazy good. After dinner we head up the spiral staircase and grab a drink at the upstairs bar. Oh, if you ever watch food network, it’s owned by Chris Santos.

Bathtub Gin

Walking down 9th Avenue you would never think hidden inside a coffee shop was a speakeasy. While they have really good coffee, the good stuff is behind the inside door. It opens up into a dark bar room then drops a step into a lounge with a bathtub right in the middle. This is what you picture in your mind of what a New York City speakeasy would look like. Bartenders with ties and suspenders, a dark almost hazy setting and drinks that are super strong and delicious. It’s the perfect place to bring friends from out of town to give them a taste of a proper city bar.

Date Night Favorites

Let me know your favorite spots! While we have our favorites, we are always trying somewhere new.

xo, Olivia