Masha Berman
Bushwick
If you and your significant other both love dogs and ice cream, we’ve got the sweetest date idea for you. Ollie’s Ice Cream + Stuff just opened in the neighborhood earlier this month, and their whole concept is delicious flavored ice creams for you and your furry friends. Yes, you read that correctly — they sell doggie ice cream too, allowing you to pamper both partner and pooch. It’s a great idea on a hot summer day for a more casual date, but the charming combination of dessert and dogs just might make you fall in love.
Ollie’s Ice Cream + Stuff is located at 158 Irving Ave.
2. LEFT HAND PATH
Left Hand Path is the perfect kind of Bushwick bar whether you’re just starting to get to know someone new or are in an established relationship. Enjoy a neighborhood feel and a relaxed ambience as you make your way to Bushwick’s best patio. The all-wood interior offers a welcoming and original aesthetic. Grab a table on Sundays to hear live music.
Left Hand Path is located at 89 Wyckoff Ave.
3. MARIA HERNANDEZ PARK
Summertime is all about being outside, right? And while it’s nice to go a restaurant with dim lighting, sunshine and a change of scenery at Bushwick’s largest community park could be beneficial.
Check their calendar for occasional events, or plan your date for a Saturday morning or afternoon so you can visit the farmer’s market in the park. Consider picking up some fresh, local ingredients to cook dinner together and extend your date into the evening.
Maria Hernandez Park is located at Knickerbocker Ave. & Starr St.
4. HONEY’S
Taking a date to Honey’s, a tasting room and cocktail bar operated by Enlightenment Wines Meadery right next door, is both a fun and educational experience. Learn all about small batch meads and seasonal, honey-based wines (which are actually dry, not sweet) made locally right here in Bushwick. You’ll get points from your partner for such a cool choice of activity in this industrial chic space.
Honey’s is located at 93 Scott Ave.
5. L’IMPRIMERIE
L’imprimerie, Bushwick’s celebrated French bakery and café has an adorable patio, so you can meet your special someone for coffee and pastries outdoors if the weather permits. Or, order inside and take in the slightly vintage feel — a nod to the building’s former days as a print shop. The menu boasts several selections that are organic, local (they even keep bees on the roof that supply fresh honey!) and Instagram worthy, which might encourage you to document your courtship.
L’imprimerie is located at 1524 Myrtle Ave.
Ridgewood
6. JULIA’S BEER AND WINE BAR
A little wine and cheese can be so romantic on a summer night, which is one reason we love this establishment for a date. With several comfort food options and an extensive list of cocktails and beers on the menu, nearly everyone can find something they like at Julia’s, and the chandeliers coupled with red walls inspire romance without being too stuffy.
Julia’s Beer and Wine bar is located at 818 Woodward Ave.
7. HIGHLAND PARK
Parks are a simple, pleasant way to enjoy someone else’s company. Highland Park in particular is well suited for outdoorsy types, with walking trails and views of the Rockways and the Atlantic Ocean. There is also space for those who simply wish to picnic outside and enjoy nature. Physically active daters can benefit from several recreational sport facilities on the grounds.
Highland Park is located at Jackie Robinson Parkway
8. RIDGEWOOD RESERVOIR
The Ridgewood Reservoir is actually part of Highland Park, but worth mentioning in its own right. It’s a picturesque spot for a hand-in-hand stroll, and you might even see some interesting flora and fauna as you promenade — a nice break from the bustling atmosphere of the city.
The Ridgewood Reservoir is located inside Highland Park.
9. SWEET JANE’S
If you’re all about karaoke, themed parties or event-based dating in general, Sweet Jane’s might be the right place you. An assortment of in-house board games at this dive bar offers the possibility of adding a competitive streak to the outing. As a bonus, their prices are affordable; you can sample the fare without feeling like you’ve blown your budget.
Sweet Jane’s is located at 64-02 68th Ave.
10. NOWADAYS
Nowadays is summer living at its finest: They host frequent events that cater to a number of interests, which are a great way to add a little excitement to your dating life. In addition, there’s both an indoor and outdoor gathering space, resident DJs, a taproom serving local brews and much more.
Nowadays is located at 56-06 Cooper Ave.
Which spot is your favorite? Did we miss anything? If you love a place that’s not listed, mention it in the comments below!