New York's Best First Date Spot 2008

This long-partying tapas spot sates Lower East Side appetites at prices that leave room for another pitcher of sangria.

Reviews:

• “I’m Torn!”
• “Terrible service and subpar food”
• “Tapas and Sangria OK, live music very nice!”
• “A real review”
• “The Perefect Start to Any evening”

Tips: A rotating roster of bands sets a lively, dance-friendly vibe Sunday through Thursday, starting around 8:30pm.

Oliva or email Oliva

An underground world where cocktail mixing is treated with reverence.

Reviews:

• “Horrible Attitude and Customers Treated Very Badly”
• “What happened?”
• “Great Service and Atmosphere.”
• “Great Drinks, Trendy but Not Obnoxious, Relaxing Spot”
• “Not so much ice please!”

Tips: A complimentary tray of crispy Indian crackers is often served with the drinks.

Little Branch

Challenging live music and esoteric wines draw pleasure-seekers to this cozy jazz venue.

Reviews:

• “MUSICS OF THE WORLD”
• “great place, great music!”
• “Accent on attitude”
• “As if all of the great cities of the world converged at the edge of the universe.”
• “nice mood…”

Tips: Get there before 10pm to claim a barstool, a spot on one of the
long benches or, if you’re really lucky, a table all to yourself.

Zebulon

Shared Spanish small plates in a lively yet elegant Flatiron nook.

Reviews:

• “Poor value and a poorly executed menu.”
• “great atmosphere, good food”
• “Very good tapas and a charming staff. Avoid the paella.”
• “Never again.”
• “A little piece of Spain in the City”

Tips: Menu items are sized on three tiers: Tapas for small tasting ($7), mid-range media-raciones ($11) and entree-sized raciones ($27).

Boqueria or email Boqueria

Carefully crafted bohemian decadence, from the candlelight-splashed room to the homey, yet refined New American menu.

Reviews:

• “Foodies rejoice, w/ good service! "
• “Great food, service wanders”
• “TERRIBLE SERVICE ruins the goodish food and ambience”
• “Definately worth checking out!”
• “Very good and getting better…”

Tips: The refreshing, not-too-sweet Delancey—made with pomegranate, Prosseco and elderberry liquer—is well-worth its $12 price tag; the international, manageably small wine list runs $30-$350.

Allen & Delancey

High-flying Victorian grandeur and low-budget beverages.

Reviews:

• “Good Place Nasty Redhead Host”
• “A bar with heart…”
• “Love this place!”
• “Please go elsewhere unless you like to be harrassed by staff”
• “Everything was wonderful except our waitress”

Tips: Every day until 8pm, specialty martinis, small carafes of wine, cosmos and margaritas are only $6 each.

The Dove

With outstanding American fare and impeccable service, it sets the bar for neighborhood dining.

Reviews:

• “Great food, nice wine, perfect service”
• “The test of a good restaurant is how they deal with mistakes. Hearth gets an A+”
• “Good service, but the food is not that great for that price.”
• “Wonderful food and great overall experience!!! You must go!”
• “Tastes that arouse all of your senses.”

Tips: The wine list is exciting and daring, and owner Paul Greico can be found kneeling next to tables, walking diners through the one-page list of seasonal options that might include a dry Greek red Karyda ($40). The wines by the glass are no less impressive, especially the Genot-Boulanger pinot noir ($10.50).

Hearth

The foreboding name, dark doorway and unlikely neighborhood create an illusion of mystery around this classy cocktail den.

Reviews:

• “abusive doorman – unless you enjoy being condescended, please stay away!”
• “Place is fantastic!!!”
• “You either Get It or you Don’t”
• “Cool concept…Horrible execution”
• “Rude, Arch and Uninformed”

Tips: Bartenders, who hail from the likes of Freeman’s, the Flatiron Lounge and Pegu Club, serve their Manhattans and martinis with an additional ice-chilled sidecar. In addition to the $12 specialty cocktails, there are well-chosen wines, scotches and whiskies.

Death & Co

An update of the old-school pub with thoughtful details and tasty tapas.

Reviews:

• “The Best Bar in New York City”
• “Amazing Cocktails Late Night”
• “Great place especially late night”
• “Best Late Food”
• “great, no attitude bar/restaurant”

Tips: The seasonal watermelon martini, made with fresh watermelon juice and Ketel One Citron (a Fred McKibbin original from the early ‘90s), may be the city’s most delightful drink.

Grace Bar and Restaurant or email Grace Bar and Restaurant

Outstanding, creative market-driven fare shines in a welcoming Soho home.

Reviews:

• “Fantastic time!”
• “Awful bartender/horrible service”
• “Bad service, good food.”
• “Never go here”
• “Did not live up to expectations”

Tips: The restaurant is serious about its ingredients, and offers numerous special tasting dinners and events to celebrate whatever’s in season. Call to find out what’s coming up.

Savoy