Any suggestions for where to meet someone for our first date?
I was thinking Bar Toto (on 6th Ave. @ 11th), as I've done that before. But I figured I'd open the question to everyone here...
Basically, I'm thinking a restaurant that's somewhat moderately priced (no more than $15 or so per entree), quiet, and cozy.
Ideas?
BigGuy Carneviento Devotee
Joined: 07 May 2006 Posts: 1039 Location: Lincoln Pl, Wash & Underhill
Tue Mar 06, 07 9:07 pm EST
Cocotte at 5th av & 4th st might be a good bet. I was there all the time when I lived on the block. _________________ When the experts are agreed, the opposite opinion cannot be regarded as certain.
-Bertrand Russell
veets "Way Too Incestial"
Joined: 16 Feb 2007 Posts: 2248
Tue Mar 06, 07 9:18 pm EST
Cocotte is a little pricey but lovely food and very romantic. Perhaps too romantic for a first date. I like The Chip shoppe for a first date.. reasonable prices, bright room and a happy feeling. save the intimate place for date two if there uis to be one.
I really like Cocotte. I mean, sure it's more romantic than the average spot, but you are going on a date. You're not meeting a buddy for dinner. I would pass on Chip Shop. As much as I love their chips and fried pizza, the spot itself screams lazy weekend.
Actually, I know you put a $15 per person limit in your post but if you decide to spend more you might want to look at Alchemy. I had dinner there tonight and the ambiance along with the food is quite nice. I can't however comment on the booze since I'm not a big drinker. From what I saw on the shelf and the wine and port they brought up it does look like top shelf. _________________ I'm a Chain Belt...that's called the "quart of blood" technique. You do that, a quart of blood will drop out of a man's body.
Captain Salty Regular
Joined: 04 Jun 2006 Posts: 147 Location: Park Place and Franklin
Wed Mar 07, 07 12:44 pm EST
Beet _________________ Drink good beer.
torisoaw Mistress of Propaganda
Joined: 16 Feb 2007 Posts: 183
Wed Mar 07, 07 1:15 pm EST
My husband and I went on our first date at Chip Shop, for what it's worth...
Mamacita Stuck in the middle with you
Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 7603
Wed Mar 07, 07 4:18 pm EST
torisoaw wrote:
My husband and I went on our first date at Chip Shop, for what it's worth...
Yup, my first date with my BF was nachos, needless to say, we're still going strong after all these years.
Oiseau Wacky Tobacconist
Joined: 07 Sep 2005 Posts: 660 Location: Who wants to know?
Wed Mar 07, 07 4:51 pm EST
My first date with my wife was at Geido. We went Dutch. She still won't let me live that one down. Heck, she should have paid for the whole thing.
steve Cylon
Joined: 17 Nov 2005 Posts: 1263
Wed Mar 07, 07 5:58 pm EST
I like to start with a drink myself and then see where it goes. Bar Beis if it's early is nice. Loki has the couches which is not so bad. I can't really think of a great first date bar round here actually. Convivium is an excellent 1st date restaurant if you don't mind the $$$, otherwise Los Dos Pollitos is nice on the cheaper side. _________________ For The Love Of Paris, Don't Go To The Lounge!
veets "Way Too Incestial"
Joined: 16 Feb 2007 Posts: 2248
Wed Mar 07, 07 6:01 pm EST
Oiseau wrote:
My first date with my wife was at Geido. We went Dutch. She still won't let me live that one down. Heck, she should have paid for the whole thing.
Ech..Geido.. That is where I ate Sushi before I knew what Sushi really could taste like. If you know your "first date" and perhaps your mate for life (now that depends on what restaurant you choose for this first date) loves sushi... spend the extra money and get sushi at Blue Ribbon. If you do marry 25 years from now it will make a great story of a first date because the wonderful meal will be legendary in your personal history.
Oiseau Wacky Tobacconist
Joined: 07 Sep 2005 Posts: 660 Location: Who wants to know?
Wed Mar 07, 07 6:10 pm EST
Well, I don't like sushi, so it didn't matter to me and it was her suggestion. I went for the Katsu Don.
Flexichick Windsor Terrorist
Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 9623
Wed Mar 07, 07 6:29 pm EST
steve wrote:
I like to start with a drink myself and then see where it goes. Bar Beis if it's early is nice. Loki has the couches which is not so bad. I can't really think of a great first date bar round here actually. Convivium is an excellent 1st date restaurant if you don't mind the $$$, otherwise Los Dos Pollitos is nice on the cheaper side.
Not sure if you mean Barbes or Bar Reis above......
steve Cylon
Joined: 17 Nov 2005 Posts: 1263
Wed Mar 07, 07 6:53 pm EST
Flexichick wrote:
steve wrote:
I like to start with a drink myself and then see where it goes. Bar Beis if it's early is nice. Loki has the couches which is not so bad. I can't really think of a great first date bar round here actually. Convivium is an excellent 1st date restaurant if you don't mind the $$$, otherwise Los Dos Pollitos is nice on the cheaper side.
Not sure if you mean Barbes or Bar Reis above......
Good point, I was referring to Barbes, but I was thinking about Bar Reis too. I can see either one working, but honestly, I like a getting to know you bar to be a little loungey to have a bit of intimacy and I really can't think of any bars around here that have quite that quality. Hence Loki.
Old school hotel bars did that great, but they are fast dissapearing. Along those lines, I'm looking forward to seeing the Campbell Apartment in Grand Central which was just renovated. That reminds me I have to call someone _________________ For The Love Of Paris, Don't Go To The Lounge!
Mamacita Stuck in the middle with you
Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 7603
Wed Mar 07, 07 7:56 pm EST
Personally, for a first date with a guy I actually like, I'd want to be taken out for casual-but-delicious food. A high-end pizza place (Franny's maybe or Peperoncino) or even a burger and wings at Bonnies. Definitely have a pre-meal drink or some wine/beer with dinner. It's about having fun and enjoying each others conversation. So $$$$ places sometimes don't lend themselves to laughter and other casual engagements. For me, at least. Now the second/third date, once it's more certain there's an attraction... well! that's another other story. Remember, you make the evening memorable, not the price of the meal.
Flexichick Windsor Terrorist
Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 9623
Wed Mar 07, 07 8:32 pm EST
If you have to go Dutch on a first date, don't go!
I don't care if it's fancy or expensive, as long as they pay attention (I don't like fish....I've had times where dates have said "I booked us a reservation at a sushi place....".....Um, I think I already told you TWICE that I DON'T EAT FISH). _________________ Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball!
So the raw bar is out of the question huh? _________________ I'm a Chain Belt...that's called the "quart of blood" technique. You do that, a quart of blood will drop out of a man's body.
Flexichick Windsor Terrorist
Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 9623
Wed Mar 07, 07 8:55 pm EST
Not my favorite, no. But you know, if somebody asked me what type of food I liked, I'd be willing to go to a raw bar at some point.....even if I didn't like it...but not on the first date and not if they've not bothered to ask or ignored my preferences.
Again, I can go have a glass of wine and some cheese, or even nice pizza place, etc.
My strangest first date was one where I went on a helicopter ride around Manhattan. _________________ Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball!
Why is that strange? Unless he tied you to the skid or the rotor. I'd love to go on a helicopter ride on a first date....provided she pays of course. _________________ I'm a Chain Belt...that's called the "quart of blood" technique. You do that, a quart of blood will drop out of a man's body.
Flexichick Windsor Terrorist
Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 9623
Wed Mar 07, 07 9:34 pm EST
Ha! He paid, of course. I just thought it was a bit OTT for a first date, but it was fun.
That said, I have had some truly awful flying experiences, so I stopped off for a drinkypoo or three before arriving at the heliport. _________________ Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball!
raw "Way Too Incestial"
Joined: 14 Jun 2006 Posts: 2036
Wed Mar 07, 07 10:08 pm EST
steve wrote:
I like to start with a drink myself and then see where it goes. Bar Beis if it's early is nice. Loki has the couches which is not so bad. I can't really think of a great first date bar round here actually. Convivium is an excellent 1st date restaurant if you don't mind the $$$, otherwise Los Dos Pollitos is nice on the cheaper side.
Barbes on 9th Street isn’t bad.
Not everyone can drink on an empty stomach though. If it’s dinner time, I’d be paranoid of seeming cheap or eager to hop into bed or like the stumbling alcoholic that
I am if I only offered booze without food.
Does anyone going on this date have dietary restrictions or cuisine preferences?
If you’re aiming to spend $15.00 on dinner Beet and its sister Mango, both on 7th Avenue, would work. Nana on 5th Avenue might be fun.
Joined: 11 Apr 2006 Posts: 180 Location: where real folk live
Thu Mar 08, 07 6:23 am EST
Ok, here is a wonderful thread for me to bring this up. If I am meeting someone between the hours of 6-8pm should I expect food? The scenario often is we meet for a drink at around 7ish, have a few, and the topic of food never even gets brought up. The guy seems to want to continue hanging out, but I just can't have more than two drinks with out at least a little something to eat. I know that guys don't want to go all out on a first date, but please, get the girl something! Ideally, going to a bar that has food on a first date is good because you can casually move onto the eating part of the date, without making it into a big dinner. I think a place like Flatbush Farm is PERFECT for a first date. Great atmosphere, good drinks, and amazing bar food. _________________ Sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul.
mixergirl Regular
Joined: 11 Apr 2006 Posts: 180 Location: where real folk live
Thu Mar 08, 07 6:26 am EST
Quote:
I'm looking forward to seeing the Campbell Apartment in Grand Central which was just renovated.
Went a couple weeks ago and it's really amazing. Bring your credit card and don't wear sneakers. I think the best time to go is late afternoon, before dinner, but don't ruin your appetite on the yummy snack mix they give you. _________________ Sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul.
steve Cylon
Joined: 17 Nov 2005 Posts: 1263
Thu Mar 08, 07 9:38 am EST
mixergirl wrote:
Ok, here is a wonderful thread for me to bring this up. If I am meeting someone between the hours of 6-8pm should I expect food? The scenario often is we meet for a drink at around 7ish, have a few, and the topic of food never even gets brought up. The guy seems to want to continue hanging out, but I just can't have more than two drinks with out at least a little something to eat. I know that guys don't want to go all out on a first date, but please, get the girl something! Ideally, going to a bar that has food on a first date is good because you can casually move onto the eating part of the date, without making it into a big dinner. I think a place like Flatbush Farm is PERFECT for a first date. Great atmosphere, good drinks, and amazing bar food.
I agree with you 100% and well put. I think the idea of the early evening drink is that if it goes well, you move on to food, not get drunk together, well unless you both want to get drunk in which case have at it. On a good first date though, I look at the early evening drink as a starting point.
If it doesn't go well, you can just get out of it then and there, or I suppose you could get drunk and see if that improves your tolerance for each other.. _________________ For The Love Of Paris, Don't Go To The Lounge!
steve Cylon
Joined: 17 Nov 2005 Posts: 1263
Thu Mar 08, 07 9:40 am EST
mixergirl wrote:
Quote:
I'm looking forward to seeing the Campbell Apartment in Grand Central which was just renovated.
Went a couple weeks ago and it's really amazing. Bring your credit card and don't wear sneakers. I think the best time to go is late afternoon, before dinner, but don't ruin your appetite on the yummy snack mix they give you.
I wish I had gone before they renovated... it sounds great.
Joined: 18 Aug 2006 Posts: 910 Location: nethermead
Thu Mar 08, 07 9:51 am EST
regardless of where you go make it a blind date because if the evening goes awry you can skip out and she won't know until desert
unless she has a sense of smell like a blood hound, she won't track you down _________________ destination: roam
Flexichick Windsor Terrorist
Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 9623
Thu Mar 08, 07 10:09 am EST
Campbell Apartment is good (and pricey), but used to be more fun years ago when it was more of a secret. Also, that's a $15 drink place - definitely not a $15 food place!
Yes, iMixergirl, if somebody is on a date btw. 6-8, there should be something to eat.
If there is food there, or you have had 1-2 drinks and he doesn't discuss food, then it's time for a "well, I really have to go get something to eat now....."
If he doesn't jump right in with a "should we go someplace else (or a "Let's order something")"?, you can get out of there . _________________ Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball!
Oiseau Wacky Tobacconist
Joined: 07 Sep 2005 Posts: 660 Location: Who wants to know?
Thu Mar 08, 07 11:07 am EST
Flexichick wrote:
If you have to go Dutch on a first date, don't go!
So the woman should always pay.
Since NYC has more single women then men, it's men who are the hot commodity!
Flexichick Windsor Terrorist
Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 9623
Thu Mar 08, 07 11:31 am EST
Oiseau wrote:
Flexichick wrote:
If you have to go Dutch on a first date, don't go!
So the woman should always pay.
Since NYC has more single women then men, it's men who are the hot commodity!
If you factor in QUALITY men, they truly are a hot commodity
A date is a date. If you ask a woman out you pay. Doesn't matter if it's $10 or $200. Go someplace w.in your budget.
This is for first dates, as I do always chip in/alternate/pay for some other things (like expensive groceries/wine for dinner at home, or tickets to something, etc) if we continue dating.
Mamacita Stuck in the middle with you
Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 7603
Thu Mar 08, 07 11:32 am EST
Innocent X wrote:
Long Tan.
Wait is Long tan the place on 5th and Union? With the glass wall/doors that are opened up when the weather is warm? On the same side of the street at Brooklyn Industries?
sprite Order of Merlin, First Class
Joined: 08 Dec 2006 Posts: 366 Location: Prospect Heights
Thu Mar 08, 07 6:45 pm EST
Flexichick wrote:
A date is a date. If you ask a woman out you pay. Doesn't matter if it's $10 or $200. Go someplace w.in your budget.
This seems reasonable to me if the guy issues the invitation, but if I were to ask a guy out, I should expect to pay. (I think that's Miss Manners's advice about it, anyway.)
Mind you, I'd be too chicken to ask someone out. Lucky my bf is more aggressive.
FWIW, I've always offered to pay on first dates. The guys always turned me down, so then I offered to pay for dessert or to get the check next time. I did this to signal that a) I was interested in a second date, and b) I did not expect the guy to pay for everything.
I thought that was a good way to handle the who-pays-what problem, but a couple of guys were offended that I even offered. How do others feel about this?
bklynnewbie Regular
Joined: 08 Mar 2007 Posts: 67
Thu Mar 08, 07 9:52 pm EST
I passed on this place for a first date- it's mostly communal seating! How uncomfortable would that be?
bklynnewbie Regular
Joined: 08 Mar 2007 Posts: 67
Thu Mar 08, 07 9:53 pm EST
I passed on Convivium, I should have said......
veets "Way Too Incestial"
Joined: 16 Feb 2007 Posts: 2248
Thu Mar 08, 07 11:56 pm EST
veets wrote:
Cocotte is a little pricey but lovely food and very romantic. Perhaps too romantic for a first date. I like The Chip shoppe for a first date.. reasonable prices, bright room and a happy feeling. save the intimate place for date two if there uis to be one.
Good luck
Sheesh.. I am quoting myself but have to tell you that it is Thursday Nite and I just came back from Cocotte. Thursday entrees are 2 for the price of one ( so that will bring the prive down to out first date poster's range a little) and we ate at the bar. The restaurant was packed so we waited at the bar and had a drink and after afew minutes realized that it made sense to order food there rather than wait for a vacant table out front where it was pretty loud and drafty.. There was one other couple eating. It was a wicked cold night and the back bar was warm and comfortable. The lovely bartender was gracious, efficient and delightful. The food was above gorgeous. . First date or not... check out the bar and if it is quiet at the bar eat there... the bar stools are more comfortable than the chairs in the restaurant.
germfree! Carry On ...
Joined: 30 Sep 2005 Posts: 260 Location: the top shelf
Fri Mar 09, 07 1:52 am EST
I just got back from Alchemy and thought it was rubbish. Liked the room, did not like the food, and the service was clumsy. Horrid wine selection, also.
Flatbush farm does the "gastropub" thing far more successfully at similar prices.
pitu Fake Buddhist
Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Posts: 6489 Location: Utopian Park Slope
Fri Mar 09, 07 10:18 am EST
Mamacita wrote:
Innocent X wrote:
Long Tan.
Wait is Long tan the place on 5th and Union? With the glass wall/doors that are opened up when the weather is warm? On the same side of the street at Brooklyn Industries?
Mamita, I think you're talking about 200 Fifth - dark wood and glass exterior that opens up - one room restaurant bar, other room sports bar.
Next door is Long Tan, which would be a good low key first date. Bar leading to airy mod dining room.
I love Barbes, but it's a bit of a dark hole for a first date.
How about Cafe Steinhoff?
GiGi "drunk with honey"
Joined: 07 Aug 2006 Posts: 184
Sat Mar 10, 07 9:56 am EST
Captain Salty wrote:
Beet
I thought Beet suck. Or not suck?
GiGi "drunk with honey"
Joined: 07 Aug 2006 Posts: 184
Sat Mar 10, 07 10:14 am EST
Does Miss Manners say that if the date is not going well that you should just continue until it's over and graciously exit? Or that you should be truthful and bail at the first sign of incompatability? I went on a date once (with a guy who smelled like pickles) and when we got to the end of dinner, he handed me the bill to pay my portion. I looked like a deer caught in headlights. I have also never gone dutch and took that as an insult, I suppose. I guess I expected the guy to be a gentleman even if there was no attraction and just pay the bill and part ways politely. Plus, I had to sit there and suffer the olfactory assault of pickle fumes the whole night.
As a first date place, I wouldn't mind something like tapas. Do we have any such place in the slope? For choices around here, I personally wouldn't want something too cozy, quiet, or intimate; that's too much pressure. I might like a drink and appetizers at a bar. I've never had a bad time at Blue Ribbon. Has anyone seen the new bar and revisions to that place wrongly name The Comfort Zone? It's called something else now and has a really cute front bar area with a nice little crowd last I went.
Flexichick Windsor Terrorist
Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 9623
Sat Mar 10, 07 11:35 am EST
"smelled like pickles". That's just wrong in so many ways. It also made me truly laugh out loud. _________________ Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball!
_________________ Get your paws off my canned chicken
Flexichick Windsor Terrorist
Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 9623
Sat Mar 10, 07 11:46 am EST
BTW, if the guy was such a boring, smelly freak, I'd expect him to pay for dinner as combat pay for having to sit there for 1-2 hours holding my breath. _________________ Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball!
raw "Way Too Incestial"
Joined: 14 Jun 2006 Posts: 2036
Sat Mar 10, 07 1:30 pm EST
GiGi wrote:
Does Miss Manners say that if the date is not going well that you should just continue until it's over and graciously exit? Or that you should be truthful and bail at the first sign of incompatability? I went on a date once (with a guy who smelled like pickles) and when we got to the end of dinner, he handed me the bill to pay my portion. I looked like a deer caught in headlights. I have also never gone dutch and took that as an insult, I suppose. I guess I expected the guy to be a gentleman even if there was no attraction and just pay the bill and part ways politely. Plus, I had to sit there and suffer the olfactory assault of pickle fumes the whole night.
Here are the rules, Miss Deer in Headlights:
Whoever invites someone to go on an official date should pay; the inviter pays for the invitee. Classy invitees who can afford to contribute always offer some money towards the bill.
Does Miss Manners say that if the date is not going well that you should just continue until it's over and graciously exit? Or that you should be truthful and bail at the first sign of incompatability? I went on a date once (with a guy who smelled like pickles) and when we got to the end of dinner, he handed me the bill to pay my portion. I looked like a deer caught in headlights. I have also never gone dutch and took that as an insult, I suppose. I guess I expected the guy to be a gentleman even if there was no attraction and just pay the bill and part ways politely. Plus, I had to sit there and suffer the olfactory assault of pickle fumes the whole night.
Here are the rules, Miss Deer in Headlights:
Whoever invites someone to go on an official date should pay; the inviter pays for the invitee. Classy invitees who can afford to contribute always offer some money towards the bill.
We're not living in Nebraska in the 1950s and, since women's saleries are begining to catch up with men's in many industries, we can't assume that men must always invite and pay their dates (unless we're only talking about same-sex male couples). If we're dealing with Wally Cleaver and Mary Ellen Rogers in 2007, Wally invites Mary Ellen to Blue Ribbon Sushi on 5th Avenue and offers to pay, but Mary Ellen, who makes almost as much money as Wally as a software engineer, offers to throw down some cash. However, after Mary Ellen and Wally leave Blue Ribbon Sushi, the 50% Split Rule should be applied to any below-the-belt physical activities that may or may not occur between Mary Ellen and Wally. The one exception being if Mary Ellen is wearing dental braces, which would require the enforcement of the %25 Raincheck Rule. Is this clear?
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