The first impression is everything, so time to find the perfect place to take bae. Here are a few ideas for queer-friendly places around NYC to take the person you’re crushing on.
LessA cocktail forward Dyke space for all of us queers. Designed as a place to dance, drink, have a lite bite and experience joy. Inspired by and built for our community. 🌈
Queer-owned Via Carota delivers cozy Tuscan food and nods to the charm of 17th-Century Italy. Of the many Italian restaurants on offer in NYC, Via Carota stands out for its vibe and its delicious food. The menu has a lot to explore - including some stellar veggie options if that’s your flavor. Note that you’ll have to stand in line because it’s walk-in only - but it’s definitely worth the wait!
Located in the Prospect Heights neighborhood, Branded Saloon is a queer bar serving LGBTQIA+ folks, after-work professionals, artists from all walks of life, and visitors from around the world. Sporting a great menu including hot drinks, shots, soups salads, and more - there’s something for everyone here. Lookout to see if they're hosting any events or comedy shows - they're always a blast!
Founded and run by NYC restaurant veterans Telly Justice and Camille Lindsley, HAGS identifies as Queer first and a restaurant second. Located in the East Village neighborhood of NYC, HAGS is queering the fine dining experience—from labor practices structured around a four-day work week and food sourced directly from the neighborhood.
Twenty-five years ago, the stars aligned and gave birth to the fabulousness that is Superfine. This Brooklyn-based restaurant and music venue, owned by a trio of badass women and queers, has been a staple in the Dumbo neighborhood under the Manhattan Bridge. Superfine has been the talk of the town since opening its doors in 1998, raking in accolades and making everyone's to-do list. Cheers to Tanya Rynd, Cara Lee Sparry, and Laura Taylor for creating and maintaining this magical place.
Ginger’s is Brooklyn’s Iconic lesbian bar located in the Park Slope neighborhood. A self described “queer space for queer people,” Ginger’s has all the makings of a perfect dive bar including a pool table, a jukebox and they even let you bring in your own food! Ginger’s is a fun, laid back vibe, attracting a diverse crowd.
Dirt Candy is one of the only vegetarian restaurants in New York City with a Michelin star. Known for its delicious and inventive dishes and cocktails, James Beard-nominated former Iron Chef Amanda Cohen has created a restaurant as famous for treating its employees fairly as it is for its five-course tasting menu.
Hudson River Park is another great option for the outdoor-loving couple. The stretch goes from Battery Park to 59th Street, with beautiful views of the Hudson River and New Jersey along the way. Take a walk, have a picnic, or layout in the sun with your partner. There are a lot of beautiful spots for photo opportunities, and benches or grass to sit on. This is a great free date idea for a beautiful day.
Established in 1991, Henrietta Hudson is legendary! 🏳️🌈 Built by Lesbians and welcoming to all queers this spot is perfect for hanging out drinking, shooting pool & people watching. Henrietta Hudson definitely has a reputation as a hook-up spot, making it perfect for couples looking for a rowdy night out and eager singles.
This Black-owned, women-led restaurant in Harlem is a favorite spot of Lin Manuel Miranda's. Vinateria specializes in Spanish and Italian cuisine and focuses on providing killer wine to go along with every meal. The restaurant is also focused on providing great food and ambiance to the neighborhood and community - we love to see a restaurant that gives back! Take your date to Vinateria for some good food and a neighborhood feel.
Club Cumming is a well-known spot in the NYC queer community. For the couple that loves a different event every night, this is the perfect place to go. On the schedule for any given week expect burlesque, drag, and cabernet shows. This spot can get a bit crowded due to its popularity, but don’t let that take away from enjoying a great night with your boo here.
Fonda has a few different locations - in Park Slope, the East Village, and Chelsea - but they all offer regional Mexican comfort food and great drinks from a chef that grew up in Mexico City. At Fonda's "the tortillas are hand-pressed, the guacamole is made to order, and the margaritas are thoughtfully crafted." Check them out for a perfect, cozy date.
The High Line is a non-profit organization and public park built on an elevated rail line. You can be sure that you’ll walk through gardens, see art, performances and eat great food. This is a great place to be outside, connect with your date, and enjoy some great scenery.
Owned and led by one of "The Most Badass Chefs in New York" according to Thrillist, Baoburg offers a chance to try Southeast Asian comfort food. The menu spans food from the region and celebrates the fusion inherent to the cuisine. The chef grew up understanding the greatness of nature and infuses her creations with this ethos. And if you or your date are vegan/vegetarian, there are plenty of substitutes you can add to a dish!
For a more casual date (maybe with your respective four-legged friends in tow), check out Chateau le Woof - which caters to humans and dogs! Sip craft tea or coffee while your pet indulges in healthy, homemade treats. Date night can be about all the people and creatures we love - and what better way to celebrate than to give everyone a treat.
This fresh take on Italian cuisine is a culinary experience that is a dream for foodies. The place is low-key and cozy - perfect for a cute night out with your partner. There are plenty of great options to dig into for any palate, but be sure to try their famous housemade limoncello to top off your night!
A combination dive bar and bowling alley - The Gutter is a great option for an alternative, low-key Valentine's celebration. Get competitive at the bowling alley and take a breather for drinks at the bar! Just be prepared for some old-school alleys that can give way to technical malfunctions. Weekends are the busiest times for the venue - so plan ahead!