Washington Heights Date Ideas in New York

Old-school reggae plays in the cozy Jamaican room at Blue Mountain Heights, and the well-stocked bar is famous for its rum punches. Live bands and tables outside add a peaceful island feel. We'd start with the chicken rasta pasta, the standout dish. Come on a weekday between 4 and 7pm if you want to begin the night with happy hour drinks.

For a casual date with some energy, Fort Washington Public House is an upscale fusion pub with historic New York decor and live DJs on weekends. We recommend the Korean steak tacos, with a vegan burger, a kale grain bowl and shrimp bisque also on the menu, alongside specialty cocktails, beer and wine. A lobster roll and a buffalo chicken wrap make good plates to share, and the heated outdoor seating is pet friendly. Live sports, including Knicks games, are on too.

Spend an afternoon at The Met Cloisters, the Met's branch for medieval art in Fort Tryon Park. Three of its cloisters are gardens, planted using medieval texts and art as a guide. The Bonnefont Cloister has a westward view across the Hudson to the Palisades, whatever the season, so walk the gardens together and stop there for a while.

Handmade pasta, rich sauces, and candlelit tables make Saggio a cozy choice for a date night in Washington Heights. Choose between the intimate, dimly lit dining room or the covered backyard patio. Portions are generous, so come hungry and consider sharing the standout calamari, lightly charred and finished with white wine and lemon. Just be warned, they don't hold back on the garlic!

Hilltop Park Alehouse is a spacious neighborhood pub with dark wood interiors, penny-tile floors, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it an easy choice for a casual date. The extensive beer list includes draft and canned options, along with ciders, while the menu offers plenty of comfort food. Try the signature Hilltop Burger, made with Pat LaFrieda short rib and brisket, cheddar, roasted garlic aioli, homemade pickles, and crispy shallots. For a daytime date, stop by Sunday brunch for live jazz, buttermilk pancakes, and avocado toast.

Tampopo Ramen is a ramen spot and sake bar known for rich broths and springy handmade noodles, and it works well for dates. We recommend starting with the pork buns, then the mild spicy miso ramen. Sake and craft beer are discounted during the daily happy hour, and vegetarian options are on the menu.

Agave & Maiz serves Mexican food in an elegant dining room with a view, which makes it a cozy pick for a date. The setting suits intimate evenings and a relaxed date night. The menu features quesabirrias and tacos with slow-braised meats and hand-pressed tortillas, and we recommend saving room for the churros.

Geisha Asian Fusion brings together fresh sushi, live DJ music, and a cozy lounge atmosphere for a lively date in Washington Heights. Whether you're stopping by for lunch or settling in for dinner, the upbeat setting makes it a fun spot to enjoy sushi together. For a more affordable date, take advantage of daily happy hour from 3:00 to 7:30 PM, excluding holidays. The sushi is also available to go if you'd rather take your date elsewhere.

Loud music and high energy define Lola Lola, a compact Latin American spot that suits a lively weeknight date. Hookah adds to the lively mood, and the decor is minimal, so the night is about the company and the energy. Split the mofonguito trio and dinner for two is sorted. Buy an entree and you unlock the happy hour deal, which covers only frozen margaritas and sangria.

Radio Restaurant serves bold New American cuisine with a Latin twist. Live Dominican music gives this upscale room an energetic mood, and the stylish Dominican decor includes a colorful roller chandelier. The restaurant is inside Radio Hotel, and its cozy patio makes it a good fit for a date, especially an early dinner and quality time together.