Unique NYC Date Ideas Meant To Impress

Since New York City is one of the busiest and most exciting cities in the world, just riding the subway together could count as an eventful first date. But that’s exactly the problem with the Big Apple: Finding a date spot is too easy. Sure, the Statue of Liberty will always take your breath away, and Central Park never disappoints, but can’t a gal enjoy a nice evening without being surrounded by thousands of sweaty, mouth-breathing tourists?

New York also just so happens to be one of the creative capitals of the world, drawing in artists and dreamers from all over. Don’t let those chain-smoking, skinny jeans-sporting, oversized lens-wearing hipster show you up. There’s a whole world outside of Times Square! Read on for a few of our favorite date night spots:

Be the Queen of the Night

Once in a while you stumble upon something that reminds you exactly why New York City is so damn unique. Queen of the Night is one of those things. It’s a dinner theater that aims to involve you in the experience.

Instead of simply being a spectator, during the initial cocktail hour, you’re taken into small rooms and shown nude women, whispered to by attractive members of the cast, caressed (nowhere indecent!), and asked sexy, personal questions. If it sounds uncomfortable, believe me, it’s not. It’s very sexy.

All that is followed by a decadent dinner where you’re expected to go to other tables to share dishes – and there is plenty to go around. For those of us with a kind heart, be forewarned: each table is adorned with a roasted whole suckling/baby piglet. It was the only part I didn’t like (in fact, truth be told, I almost cried!)

During and after dinner, there are performances that I can only liken to a cross between Eyes Wide Shut and Cirque du Soleil. Curious? You’ll just have to go see for yourself!

Choose Edgy Entertainment

Broadway can be a cliche date destination, but that’s only if you pick the most obvious titles like “The Lion King” or “Wicked.” To keep things interesting, test your date’s sense of humor by seeing the “It Shoulda Been You,” a show that is so funny your face will be sore from laughing by the end (ours were!)

Full of short and funny music numbers, unexpected plot twists (we won’t give anything away, but expect to find out your date’s views on several social issues) and Jew-jokes with perfect delivery, this was truly one of the most fun, (shockingly) edgy and modern shows we’ve seen in years — maybe ever.

Take in the Sunset and the City

For a truly romantic evening, the Top of the Standard (previously known as the Boom Boom Room) is hard to beat. With dramatic city views that turn magical at sundown, the glittering room that entered late-night lore is equally alive during Sunset Service. In the evening, live jazz music, a small-plate menu, and speciality cocktails turn the room into the city’s most sophisticated supper lounge.

A couple of important tips: Make sure to call ahead (212-645-4646) because, while it’s open every day after 4pm (and noon to midnight on Sundays), they only have live music a few times per week on random days. Oh yes, and only A-list celebrities can get away with dressing down at Top of the Standard, so make sure you’re in cocktail attire.

Want a more casual date? In the afternoon (4pm and later), they welcome guests for tea and drinks amid spectacular panoramic city views.

Get Educated

Leave the Museum of Natural History for the kids.  The Museum of Sex includes art and artifacts meant to educate on the history, sociology, philosophy and psychology of sex.  Special exhibits change often but their permanent collection of books, film, photography, clothing, costumes, inventions and ephemera are always available.

Explore Madness

If you’re adventurous enough, Roosevelt Island makes for an excellent day trip. Also called Blackwell Island, it’s most famous as the location of an abandoned insane asylum, the same one Nelly Bly infiltrated in 1887. But it also features other strange and fascinating historic sites including City Hospital and the Blackwell Island Light, both constructed by prisoners and the Roosevelt Island Tramway.

Dine in the Dark

If you’re in the mood for an sensual dinner date, consider dining in the dark.  Several restaurants in New York, including Opaque and Camaje, offer events where guests are blindfolded or served in pitch darkness. Throw on a blindfold, get transported to other worlds, bask in the sounds, smells,and textures of exquisite dining. At Camaje, you can enjoy a 4-course meal paired with wines, live music and dance, all experienced while blindfolded. The lack of sight enhances your other senses, allowing the smell, taste and texture of your food to become more vivid.

Take a Dance Class

Dance classes are a fun way to get some exercise while enjoying solitude. Steps on Broadway offers classes in everything from ballet to zumba at all levels. You can buy a single class, or purchase them in packs. Just show up with your dance date and get ready to rediscover a past hobby, or learn an entirely new one!

What’s your favorite date night in NYC?