In case you missed it—NYC hot spots are now open for outdoor dining. If you prefer to enjoy date restaurants nyc at home, many restaurants across the city have some fun takeout and delivery options. Skip the commute and create a seamless quarantine dinner experience at home.
Here’s the NYC go-to guide for an elevated quarantine date night with your special someone.
And, yes, that includes some of your favorite spirits.
To-Go Cocktails
Did someone mention cocktail delivery to your front door? Please, say more.
Who: Patent Pending
Where: Midtown
Why: Call or DM @patentpendingnyc on Instagram the “cocktail hotline” for your choice of Nikola Tesla inspired refreshments, who inhabited the space years ago. Cocktails ($17-$28), beers by the glass ($8), and a curated selection of wines by the glass ($16).
Who: Thyme Bar
Where: Flatiron
Why: The cocktail lounge nestled in the Flatiron district is known for its use of unusual ingredients not typically associated with a drink menu. Coining the phrase, “THYME2GO,” Thyme Bar is running hot delivery and curbside pick-up deals right now. Order their new Quarantini ($15) made with Ford’s Gin or Spring44 Vodka, Noilly Prat Dry Vermouth, and Gaz Regan’s Orange Bitters. Or, opt for their THYME2GO 6 pack ($75), and if you’re feeling extra frisky, THYME2GO 12 pack ($99). Besides, what’s a quarantine date night in without some of NYC’s best cocktails?
Who: Dante NYC
Where: Greenwich
Why: Greenwich’s Dante NYC legendary Italian small plate and cocktail bar has followed suit and now offers customers the option to “bring Dante home.” Enjoy their “Martini Hour” and Dante’s Signature Negroni Sessions on your couch. Order a cocktail pack ($80-$220) which comes complete with illustrated coasters, matches, playlists, recipes, and tips from the Dante team.
Who: Jacob’s Pickles
Where: Upper West Side
Why: Craving some Southern comfort food or cocktails and craft beer by the bottle? Order online at Jacob’s pickles and try out their Kentucky Porch Sipper ($14) made with Wild Turkey Bourbon, muddled lemon, lime and orange, and angostura bitters, or share a Bloody BLT for 2 ($25) with your partner made with Pickers Vodka, sterling bacon, and jalapeno pickled egg.
Who: Concord Hill
Where: Williamsburg
Why: The Brooklyn eatery is a favorite of locals and they just announced outdoor dining. If you are still uncomfortable with the idea and would feel safer dining at home, order online for curbside pick up or delivery. The eatery focuses on hearty or veggie small plates with a great selection of wine and beer. Place your order via phone or through the delivery app ChowNow, and receive 15% off all alcoholic beverages. Tuesday-Sunday specials include 30% off select wines.
Cuisine
Fine dining shouldn’t be canceled. These restaurants have you (and your partner!) covered.
Who: Daniel Boulud
Where: Upper East Side
Why: Whether it’s an occasion or the two of you are just feeling extra special, you and your partner can opt for this Lenox Hill French restaurant with two Michelin stars. The decorated chef, Daniel Boulud, just launched a new delivery experience. Choose between a weekly changing menu: Boulud Chez Vous, three-course menu ($78), Bistro, three-course menu ($58), and many more. Daniel is now delivering to the Hamptons.
Who: Jean-Georges
Where: Upper West Side
Why: Another elevated French option, Jean-Georges, offers a farm to table menu backed by a two Michelin star rating. Another restaurant opening outdoor seating, but again offers delivery and curbside pick-up. Feast on their beautifully crafted dishes blending French, American, and Asian influences into one fine dining experience. Taste the bestselling seared Faroe Island salmon with corn pudding and marinated cherry tomatoes ($34). For dessert, go with the vegan decadent chocolate pudding cake ($14), available by the slice. Jean-Georges also has a restaurant inside Topping Rose House in the Hamptons.
Who: Socarrat
Where: Midtown East, Nolita, and Chelsea locations
Why: In the mood for some Spanish inspired cuisine? Quench your taste buds by ordering from Socarrat, a Spanish paella and tapas restaurant. Locations in both Midtown East and Chelsea offer a “$49 for Two” menu including your choice of one paella, two sides, and churros (add Sangría, 34oz, or wine—red or white—for $27). Or, go ahead and order a la carte.
Who: Nerai
Where: Midtown East
Why: A Greek cuisine experience—brought to your family room—inspired by the Aegean sea. Located in the heart of Midtown, Nerai specializes in classic Greek plates that are sure to pair well with a spirit of your choice on date night. Enjoy a Bifteki Platter, including, tzatziki, lemon potatoes, a cherry tomato salad, and grilled pita ($27). Or, opt for a heartier entree, such as the day boat scallops, with ouzo-honey glazed pork belly, sunchoke purée, corn, and peas ($40).
Who: La Masseria dei Vini
Where: Midtown West
Why: Summer plans to Europe canceled? No worries, La Masseria dei Vini has got you covered for the perfect quarantine date night in NYC. The restaurant offers dishes from the Italian lands of Puglia. These include seafood crudo and pasta, and Italian wines. Enjoy the Trancio di salmone alla griglia, translating to grilled salmon fillet with grilled eggplant, tomato, and mustard sauce ($25.50). And enjoy (my favorite!) the torta di ricotta alla vaniglia, vanilla-flavored ricotta cheesecake ($12) as a delicious dessert.