Best Date Spots on the Upper West Side in New York

Consuelo brings a warm, family-run feel to the Upper West Side, making it a charming choice for a relaxed brunch or dinner date. From the team behind Cocina Consuelo, this Mexican restaurant on West 104th Street has a personal, neighborhood atmosphere that's perfect for getting to know someone over good food. For a daytime date, try the masa pancake with seasonal compote.

Dagon is a modern Mediterranean restaurant on Broadway at West 91st Street, with a lively bar and bright colors. Executive Chef Ari Bokovza's menu spans flavors of southern Italy and northern Africa, and the crispy roasted lamb and a sweet-savory chicken liver mousse are the dishes that stand out on a date. The indoor room is loud while the outdoor seating is pleasant, so you can pick the mood for the night.

Amsterdam Ale House is a laid-back neighborhood pub on the Upper West Side, perfect for a casual first date over drinks and a bite to eat. The relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to settle into conversation, whether you're stopping by for happy hour or grabbing a late-night bite after a show at the Beacon Theatre. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 PM, and the kitchen stays open until midnight on weekdays and 2 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Bánh is a tiny Vietnamese restaurant on Amsterdam Avenue that has become a standout for Vietnamese food. It suits a first date or a casual dinner, and the outdoor seating gives you a spot outside when the weather cooperates. The menu is known for bún bò bơ and bánh mì.

Caledonia Bar is a cozy Upper West Side whiskey bar that's perfect for a relaxed first date over drinks. With an extensive selection of Scotch, Irish and American whiskeys, there's plenty to explore together, whether you're a whiskey enthusiast or just curious to try something new. The welcoming, pub-like atmosphere keeps things casual and conversation easy, without the formality of a traditional whiskey bar.

El Fish Marisqueria brings a polished take on Mexican seafood to the Upper West Side, making it a lovely choice for a dinner date. Located on Amsterdam Avenue, the restaurant has a slightly more upscale feel than its sister spots, offering a setting that's special enough for a romantic evening without feeling overly formal.

Eléa is a spacious Greek spot on West 85th Street on the Upper West Side, where the bar sits on the upper level and the main dining room is below ground. Meet for drinks upstairs, then head down to the main dining room for dinner.

At 81st and Amsterdam, Pig & Khao cooks Thai and Filipino food under neon glow, behind oversized garage doors, to a quiet hip hop soundtrack. It suits a first date, a low-key birthday, or a date night built around sharing. The menu includes khao soi, pork sisig, whole fried fish, and BBQ babyback ribs, and the murtabak and tocino wings are also worth ordering. Drinks include Last Word jello shots and a calamansi pisco spritz.

Step back into the Roaring Twenties at Prohibition, a lively Upper West Side cocktail bar with vintage speakeasy charm. A neighborhood favorite on Columbus Avenue since 1996, its spacious setting and signature cocktails curated by beverage director Tristan Colton make it a fun choice for a first date or a night out together.