As you explore Brooklyn in all of its’ historic glory, consider paying homage to the romantic atmosphere and celebrating Valentine’s Day in the borough. Brooklyn offers a unique charm to everyone, locals and tourists alike, with numerous iconic restaurants and entertainment offerings.
So before you make those reservations, weigh your options carefully. Valentine’s day only rolls around once a year. As a result, you want your romantic plan to go off without a hitch. What does your charming date enjoy? The type of food, ambiance, drinks, or entertainment can make or break a date, so consider your options carefully. Most restaurants offer Valentine’s Day specials, events, or fixed-price menus, so inquire ahead of time.
The only question left to answer is, did you schedule an appointment for your haircut?
First Date Spots Brooklyn
Westlight
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Consider Westlight for cocktails, snacks, and panoramic views of the New York City skyline. Westlight, a staple of Williamsburg, offers stunning views and a sensual, dimly-lit ambiance. The romantic and contemporary decorations, suspended lighting, and glass interior creates a feeling of relaxation and luxury. In addition, Westlight offers a 23rd-floor rooftop ice rink for your Valentine’s Day pleasure if you are the outdoorsy type.
Their famous cocktails include the Knaughty or Knot, The Four Winds, and The Camelot. If you feel snacky, you must try the charred octopus skewers or the Korean chili-glaze short rib. Westlight is an outstanding choice for a first date. It’s a great place for an intimate conversation, where you can feel on top of the world (in good company) and be on top of the world.
Kimoto Rooftop Garden Lounge
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Suppose it’s early in the afternoon and you are in the mood for sushi or cocktails. Then you should head over to the Kimoto Rooftop Restaurant and Garden Lounge. Truly inspired by a garden, this chic rooftop lounge offers Asian-fusion cuisine cocktails, unique Asian craft beers, bottle service, and incredible city views. The name Kimoto means “one who lives beneath the trees. ” The ambiance is urban and minimalist. Kimoto is a great place to relax, enjoy conversation, and take in all that Brooklyn offers, whether during the day or at dusk observing the sunset.
Kimoto serves a brunch menu special, with $30 unlimited mimosas for two hours. The chicken N’ waffles, with soy-marinated buttermilk chicken, is an Asian-inspired spin-off of the classic southern staple. While the cocktail menu is on the sweet side, you can ask the bartender for whatever you want. They will make it!
If you have drinks and wish to snack, you must try the lobster fried rice for dinner accompanied by whichever small plates/sushi strikes your fancy. Given the popularity of this venue, you should make your reservations well in advance.
Michael’s
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Michael’s is an upscale Italian restaurant and a historical staple of Brooklyn, serving customers since 1964 through three generations. The ambiance is warm, elegant, and romantic. Michael’s features daily specials as well as an extended menu. The wine by the glass list, although small, has many drinkable offerings, and we recommend the Gaja “Promis” Super Tuscan.
Try the Zuppa do Clams or Michael’s seafood hot antipasto for an appetizer. Next, order the grilled octopus, roasted bone marrow, escargot, or lobster bisque if available on a particular day. Consider sharing the seafood risotto while you wait for your main entrée to arrive. Outstanding entrées include Michael’s lobster with shrimp, Chilean sea bass with fennel/Cipollini/cherry tomatoes and rosemary, Australian rack of lamb with roasted garlic/rosemary/fava bean purée, and Ossobucco. For dessert consider the classic tiramisu or crème brûlée. The Italian family-recipe classics are also outstanding. If at the end of the evening, you fall in love (with the sauce), you can always take their bottled Arrabbiata with you.
St. Mazie Bar & Supper Club
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St. Mazie is a quaint bar with daily, live jazz music, a garden, and a downstairs restaurant area. Check out their schedule for daily music offerings. The jazz bands range from legendary to up-and-coming, with typically a local following, like Jazz with Asher Ben-Or, Alex Simon’s Gypsy Jazz, Kings County Swing, and The Aaron Johnson Jazz Quarter.
The main floor area is where you can listen to music and enjoy the cocktail/bar menu. Then, you may choose to head downstairs to the supper club, where you can enjoy upscale, comfort food. While St. Mazie’s is entertaining and charming, we recommend it for the atmosphere and quality of music, not just as a destination restaurant. Consider timing your visit around the shows.
St. Mazie holds a happy hour from 5 to 7 PM with house wine, beer, oysters, and champagne specials. The jazz brunch takes place on Sundays, between 1 and 3 PM.
House of Yes
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Suppose you’re feeling a bit risque. Then head over to the House of Yes and check out the burlesque shows. House of Yes is a former warehouse that features dance, circus, theater, and cabaret performances. Featuring interactive performances where patrons can dance and drink, House of Yes features the offbeat, the unusual, and the whimsical. The venue describes itself as a “creative collective with a performance-infused nightclub” and has been proud to host creative cultures and outrageous dance parties since 2015. The performance objective is to defy categorization and transcend genres. At the vanguard of the nightlife culture, the House of Yes fosters self-expression, creativity, and experimentation of emerging artists.
While tickets are available on a first-come-first-serve basis, the demand is high, so get there early. You can also purchase your tickets in advance to avoid waiting. The weekend parties are themed, and guests are encouraged to dress up in costumes. Are you feeling creative? You cannot find a better evening for a crazy and fun night out.
As you enjoy your evening and everything that Brooklyn offers, remember that this is only a sample of what the borough has to offer. Brooklyn is full of nightlife, culinary gems, history, and pride. So, invite your valentine for a magnificent date night in this charming and magical New York City borough.
Want to try another borough for a first date option? Check out these other locations!
