Long Island City Date Ideas in New York

Bar Enzo is a second-floor bar in Long Island City, built around owner Joe Schinco's Italian American upbringing. Rows of his family photos cover the walls, which gives the room a personal feel. The cocktail list leans on classics such as spritzes and negronis, and the owner calls the Enzo Negroni the flagship.

Sharing ramen is half the plan at Takumen, an izakaya-inspired Japanese spot in Long Island City that makes sense for date nights. Soy garlic, miso and Thai green curry are the wing flavors, and they outshine the snacks, ramen and rice bowls. Dinner can be crowded, while daytime is calmer and more like a cafe.

The entrance at The Newsroom is hidden behind Coke and Snapple refrigerator doors, so getting in is part of the evening. This speakeasy-style restaurant and bar is inside Z Hotel, and its intimate tables for two keep the night close. The evening blends entertainment with food and drink. Reservations are highly recommended.

Casa Enrique is a Mexican restaurant in Long Island City that opened in 2012 and works for a laid-back date night or an evening built around margaritas. The menu includes the mole poblano, rich with sweet and smoky notes, and enchiladas filled with pulled chicken and topped with salsa verde. A big bar shows soccer. A crowd often waits outside, so book ahead.

Anime, J-Pop and Japanese ingredients shape the drinks at 56709, a Japanese-inspired cocktail bar in Long Island City. Japanese pop culture is the theme here, with cocktails, music and anime to match. Named for Pikachu, the Pika Pika blends rum with mango, tomato, sunflower seeds and cheese. Order the plum-seasoned sweet potato fries and the radish cake with XO sauce.

Hupo brings bold Sichuan flavors to Long Island City, with two dining rooms and a bar that make it a great choice for a dinner date. The menu is ideal for sharing, especially the customizable mala dry pot, flavorful mapo tofu, and garlicky pea shoots. If you both enjoy some heat, try the spicy cumin lamb. Pair your meal with beer, wine, or one of the restaurant's sweeter cocktails for a lively evening together.

R40 brings the warmth of an upstate retreat to Long Island City, with wood-paneled interiors, candlelit tables, and a cozy atmosphere perfect for a romantic dinner. The Argentinian menu centers on an open kitchen and custom parrilla grill, with dishes like steak, pork chops, crab empanadas, and focaccia. A wine cellar visible through the glass floor adds a unique touch, while the seasonal backyard offers a lovely setting for an outdoor date.

A dark, cozy single room and a small bar set the scene at Tournesol, a French bistro in Long Island City serving lunch and dinner every day at affordable prices. Start with goat cheese croquettes or escargots, then move on to moules frites or duck liver terrine. The low-key room makes a relaxed spot for dinner for two.

Walk the waterfront together at Gantry Plaza State Park, a 12-acre stretch of Long Island City with a fishing pier and basketball courts.