The Top 10 Valentine's Day Date Spots in NYC

Looking for a cool spot that's not all corny and obviously romantic? We've got some ideas.

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It's almost the weekend, love is in the air, and...who are we kidding? We've sort of been hoping that somehow Valentine's Day would be forgotten by the entire country, or that at least it we wouldn't have to see it in every ad from toothpaste to credit cards to bbms from from last week's hookup. Alas, the Holiday Gods rarely listen, and the 14th is once again around the corner.

There is an upside to Valentine's Day, however. With the holiday comes an increased amount of desperation and loneliness, which in our world equates to DTF girls all over the place. It's important to be careful with where you take your weekend wifey this Sunday, though—the wrong place with too much atmosphere can get to her head, and next thing you know you're in a relationship. It's a tough line to tread, but luckily, we're here to help with a list of places that'll impress her, while keeping it light and focused on good drinks and fun—in New York City at least. And to our Middle-of-the-country brethren—we got you for next Valentine's...

decibel_sake

DECIBEL, 240 E. 9th ST., (212) 979-2733
COMPLEX SAYS: This place is an adult clubhouse, complete with an underground setting, graffiti on the walls, super Japanese staff, and a selection of more than 70 sakes.
PRICE RANGE: Expect to pay about $8 for a solid glass of sake, and then you can turn the pricing as high as you want from there.

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mayahuel-2

MAYAHUEL, 304 E. 6th ST., (212) 253-5888
COMPLEX SAYS: Mayahuel is an agave-only spirits bar, which means tequila and mezcal for everyone. Mexican booze is mixed with everything from egg whites to absinthe, helping you pull in potent cocktails that also help stimulate the senses.
PRICE RANGE: $10-13/drink

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wineandroses

WINE AND ROSES, 286 COLUMBUS AVE., 212-579-9463
COMPLEX SAYS: It may be a little too nauseatingly romantic for a regular date, but on Valentine's Day, the classy wine and cheese selection in this UWS bar is palatable. Suck it up, sit it down, and ensure your date is impressed, drunk, and ready for greater things.
PRICE RANGE: $11-18/glass of wine

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little-branch-1

LITTLE BRANCH, 22 7th AVE. S, (212) 929-4360
COMPLEX SAYS: Milk and Honey has an over-the-top snobby rep, but it's owners have also opened Little Branch, a less expensive, less pretentious version. The cocktails are bangin', and the bar environment helps you keep it casual.
PRICE RANGE: $9-15/cocktail

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the-box-2

THE BOX, 189 CHRISTIE ST., (212) 982-9301
COMPLEX SAYS: If you're in the mood to screw romance—or just screw in general—this is the place for you. Gaudy, burlesque, wild, and absolutely promiscuous, The Box is still the best place for guaranteed debauchery. It's heyday of being the "it" spot may be waning, but if you're going to see some crazy stage performances, Valentine's is a safe bet.
PRICE RANGE: $45/cover, but that's just the beginning

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hotel_delmano

HOTEL DELMANO, 82 BERRY ST., (718) 387-1945
COMPLEX SAYS: One of the first cocktail spots in Williamsburg, Hotel Delamano is hipster-central. Don't let that discourage you, however. The drinks are smart and decently priced. Unlike its name suggests, this bar doesn't offer rooms, but you can figure it out.
PRICE RANGE: $9-15/drink

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deathandco

DEATH & CO. , 433 E. 6TH ST., (212) 388-0882
COMPLEX SAYS: This bar is very, very serious about the art of mixing and drinking, and the head bartender loves his cocktails like we do music. The atmosphere is dark, comforting, and fun, and ladies like the the speakeasy theme.
PRICE RANGE: $13/cocktail

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chika_2

CHIKALICIOUS , 203 E. 10th ST., (212) 995-9511
COMPLEX SAYS: Wine and dessert. There is no faster way into a woman's bed heart.
PRICE RANGE: $14/prix fixe

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ten-bells-3

TEN BELLS, 247 BROOME ST., (212) 228-4450
COMPLEX SAYS: You know that hot vegetarian chick that you've had your eye on? Well, this is the spot for her. Organic, natural wine may not sound like your usual cup of tea, but it'll have her environmental urges satisfied, and your needs taken care of too.
PRICE RANGE: $9-11/glass

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bourgeois-pig

BOURGEOIS PIG, 111 E. 7TH ST., (212) 475-2246
COMPLEX SAYS: That whole dessert and wine thing we mentioned earlier? Scratch that. Fastest route to entry is, for sure, chocolate fondue and hard liquor. Get it here, and get it done.
PRICE RANGE: $10-12/cocktail

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