The Best Bars In The East Village For A Date

About: Goodnight Sonny is one of our favorite cocktail bars in the East Village. It has a casual yet chic atmosphere, and is a gem for cocktail enthusiasts.

What makes it great: Approachable yet sophisticated vibe. It offers a diverse menu of artisanal cocktails, craft beers, and excellent wines alongside a rotating menu of fresh seafood bites on a lively street.

Our favorite drink:  Their spicy margarita - the Sunny Orchard - is the best drink on the menu, especially for tequila drinkers.

Our favorite bite: Among Goodnight Sonny's tasty bites, our favorite would be their famous "Oyster Happy Hour." It's an East Village favorite, offering freshly shucked oysters at a great deal.

Reservation: No reservations. First come, first-served.

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About: Thursday Kitchen is a modern, Korean-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar located in the heart of East Village.

What makes it great: The fusion of French and Korean flavors adds an fun twist to your date night. With their glowing cocktails that bring you back to your childhood, Thursday Kitchen is a great spot for a date.

Our favorite drink: When it comes to drinks, you have to get their Capri-Sun style "Glowing Pouches."

Our favorite bite: The edamame dumplings - can't go wrong here.

Reservation: No reservations. First come, first-served.

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About: Pineapple Club is one of the best cocktail bars East Village. The bar gives off a tropical vibe with its playful décor, bringing a piece of the beach to the city.

What makes it great: The unique décor with bright colors and pineapple motifs creates an ideal lighthearted date night.

Our favorite drink: The Pineapple Old Fashioned is their unique take on a classic drink.

Our favorite off the food menu: Get the avocado fries or the chips and guac to split.

Reservation: On OpenTable as well as their website.

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About: The Holiday Cocktail Lounge is one of the most historical cocktail bars in the East Village, and would check as a favorite for any dive bar lover.

What makes it great: It has served legends like Al Capone, Frank Sinatra, and Madonna. It's an iconic dive bar slash speakeasy in the East Village.

Our favorite drink: The Holiday Cocktail - their house vodka drink made with cider was awesome.

Our favorite bite: The Fried Pickles are killer.

Reservation: Yes, on OpenTable.

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About: Ferns offers a unique juxtaposition of traditional pub charm and modern sophistication.

What makes it great: Classic first date bar in East Village with a garden-chic vibe, right off of 1st avenue where there is usually a lively atmosphere.

Our favorite drink: The "East Village Sour," a fresh and flavorful concoction featuring bourbon, fresh lemon juice, a touch of sugar, and a splash of red wine.

Our favorite bite: Get the soft pretzel, served with a tangy mustard sauce.

Reservation: Yes, on Resy.

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About: Bar Verde is a cool Mexican bar and restaurant in the heart of the East Village, known for its vibrant and sleek atmosphere for a date.

What makes it great: It modernizes traditional Mexican drinks and food with its own bohemian flair. Just a heads up, it's a Vegan spot!

Our favorite drink: The house"Verde Margarita," a mix ofof cucumber, cilantro, jalapeno, lime, agave, and tequila blanco. The Paloma was also another must try.

Our favorite bite: The Guacamole and Chips is a safe pick here, as are the empanadas.

Reservation: Yes, on Resy.

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About: The Wayland is a charming and rustic-chic cocktail bar in the East Village. A laid back vibe with a farm-to-table menu, it's an awesome spot deep (ave c) in the neighborhood, but worth the trek.

What makes it great: We're a sucker for a good live music bar, and like that The Wayland boasts a fantastic lineup of live music featuring talented local artists that fill the space with vibrant energy.

Our favorite drink: The "Garden Variety Margarita" - which has some killer chili salt around the rim.

Our favorite bite: The Chef's plate is their spin on a charcuterie board and has a variety of different things to snack on (meat, cheese, nuts, fruit, etc.).

Reservation: Yes, on Resy.

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About: Death & Co is an award-winning cocktail bar in the East Village of New York City. Since opening in 2006 it has offered a uniquely curated menu of inventive and classic cocktails.

What makes it great: Their clear dedication to the craft of cocktail making.

Our favorite drink: The Oaxaca Old Fashioned, is a delicious and complex cocktail made with mezcal, Campari, and mole bitters. It is garnished with an orange twist and a Luxardo cherry.

Our favorite bite: The Foie Gras Torchon, a luxurious dish that comes with brioche, apple butter, and pickled mustard seeds.

Reservation: No reservations. First come, first-served.

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About: Mister Paradise is an swanky cocktail bar located in the heart of East Village.

What makes it great: Known for its innovative drink menu and edgy vibe.

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Our favorite drink: The "Party Lobster." This cocktail is made with clarified tomato, vodka, sake, and lemon.

Our favorite bite: The "Shrimp Toast," made with a blend of shrimp, kewpie, and trout roe.

Reservation: Yes, on Resy.

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About: The Immigrant is a charming wine and craft beer bar in East Village. Split into two separate spaces - one for wine and one for beer - this cozy date bar is one of the best.

What makes it great: The Immigrant does a great job with an extensive selection of international wines and artisan beers - just a picture-esque date vibe.

Our favorite drink: Get something from their wine list. We recommend trying a glass of the Pino Noir from Oregon.

Our favorite bite: You can't go wrong with the charcuterie board, which offers a delightful variety of artisanal cheeses and cured meats.

Reservation: No reservations. First come, first-served.

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About: Madeline's Martini is a new cocktail bar in the East Village (Alphabet City) that specializes in, you guessed it, martinis. The bar has a chic vibe inside with velvet banquettes, chandeliers, and a large peacock mural.

What makes it great: Madeline's Martini is a great spot for a date night in the East Village for a few reasons, but the main one is that it's brand new!

Our favorite drink: Get the classic martini. It's made with gin or vodka, dry vermouth, and a lemon twist.

Our favorite bite: Our favorite bite at Madeline's Martini is the Caviar Sandwich. It's made with black Grinnell caviar, chopped egg, and chives on a brioche bun. If you are in more of a splitting mood, we loved the stuffed cherry peppers.

Reservation: Yes, by email (reservations@madelinesmartini.com).

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About: Upstate Craft Beer & Oysters Bar is a seafood-focused spot in the East Village. They're known for serving  craft beers and an fresh selection of daily-sourced oysters.

What makes it great: Upstate Craft Beer & Oysters Bar is special due to its dedication to showcasing fresh, locally sourced seafood and a well-curated selection of craft beers.

Our favorite drink: Any selection from their constantly rotating draft beer menu.

Our favorite bite: The show's star is undoubtedly their fresh oysters. Sourced daily and served with a delicate mignonette sauce, these oysters are a sublime taste of the sea.

Reservation: Yes, on Resy & OpenTable.

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