Thursday, November 20, 2008

This is Essential: Sex & Dating

Photographs: Glenn Seven Allen and Rachael McOwen

For breathtaking views

Brooklyn Heights Promenade
There’s no better way to enjoy the romantic city you live in than to gaze upon it from afar. But being surrounded by the neighborhood’s impressive houses will inevitably lead to talk of your 2.5 kids. Between Middagh and Remsen Sts, Brooklyn Heights

Empire State Building
It’s as touristy as the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, but from way up top, you can spot your respective apartments—and hope that you both see one of them up close later. 350 Fifth Ave at 34th St (212-736-3100)

New Museum
This wonky building is a sight on its own, but nearly every story of it will afford you a view of the Lower East Side. 235 Bowery between Prince and Spring Sts (212-219-1222)


For slow-moving vehicles

Bike Around Downtown
Register in advance and bike around the South Street Seaport for free. We’ll give you two bonus points for every tourist you take down! Piers 16 and 17 between Fulton and South Sts (downtownny.com/bikearound)

Deno’s Wonder Wheel
Nothing’s more romantic than teetering at the top of a Ferris wheel with your date. (Coney Island is closed for the season, so keep this one in mind for when the warm weather returns.) 1000 Surf Ave at W 10th St, Coney Island, Brooklyn (718-265-2100)

Staten Island Ferry
Bask in the glory of Lady Liberty, the fresh salty air and the reasonably priced beers. Whitehall Ferry Terminal, 1 Whitehall St


For cozy drinking holes

The Dove
This speakeasy-ish hideaway offers 22 different wines by the glass and comfy sofas. That’s a combination that can only lead to good things. 228 Thompson St between Bleecker and W 3rd Sts (212-254-1435)

Hudson Library Bar
An enormous working fireplace, snuggleable leather sofas and rows of leather-bound tomes will force your date to get more comfortable. 356 W 58th St between Eighth and Ninth Aves (212-554-6317)

Ono at the Hotel Gansevoort
It’s always warm at this iconic hotel’s outdoor bar, but if the heat lamps and private nooks don’t get things hot enough, just drink more. 18 Ninth Ave at 13th St (212-660-6766)


For conversation avoiders

BAM Harvey Theater
See bizarre music, theater and dance during the annual two-month Next Wave Festival. Anything to make you look more normal, right? 651 Fulton St between Ashland and Rockwell Pls, Fort Greene, Brooklyn (718-636-4100)

Metropolitan Opera
It may sound like a cliché, but as anyone who’s seen Moonstruck will remember, you don’t know romance in the city until you’ve been to the Met. Columbus Ave at 65th St (212-362-6000)

Ziegfeld
While sitting in the plush velvet seats of this ultrafancy theater, accidentally-on-purpose reach for the popcorn at the same time. 141 W 54th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves (212-307-1862)


For inadvertent touching

Cielo
This intimate club has a kick-ass sound system so bust a move, because where there’s dancing, groping naturally follows. 18 Little W 12th St between Ninth Ave and Washington St (212-645-5700)?

’ino
Space is limited at this panino centric restaurant, so you might need to sit a little closer than usual. 21 Bedford St between Sixth Ave and Downing St (212-989-5769)

Soho Billiards
Assist him with his shot and make pool a full-contact sport. 298 Mulberry St at E Houston St (212-925-3753)

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