First date restuarant recs?

[tlowenfels]

I am going an a first date this weekend. Basically a blind date. Looking for a good place to take a young lady. I live in Chelsea, she lives in Murray hill, so somewhere downtown-ish, East or West village included. I like almost any kind of food, but I am not really sure what her likes/dislikes are. Basically, I am looking for a place where we can get some nice drinks/wine and some good food. Doesn't need to be super fancy, but would like it to be a place that would impress a girl in her mid 20's. Also a place where we can hear each other talk without having to shout. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks

[iFat]

Aright man, with all due respect to the other posters, this question is right in my wheelhouse. If you want to go to a cocktail bar with excellent food, go to Cienfuegos or Death & Co both on 6th bet. 1st and A. You want an automatic good time restaurant? impress her with your style and take her to Raoul's in Soho. Everyone loves Raouls. Can't go wrong right there. Something heavy on the drinks and heavy on the food, try Yerba Buena in the East Village. And if all else fails, Apizz is always there for you on the LES.

www.immaculateinfatuation.com

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Apizz
217 Eldridge St., New York, NY 10002

Yerba Buena
23 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009

Cienfuegos
95 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009

[princeofpork]

Excellent suggestions although it may be tough to stay under 100 at Apizz or Yerba Buena. I would add Mayuhel to the list. Great drinks, good food, lively atmosphere.

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Apizz
217 Eldridge St., New York, NY 10002

Yerba Buena
23 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009

[Nancy S.]

I think Mayuhel is perfect as well (the drinks are spectacular and the atmosphere is great), and I'm also a fan of Yerba Buena.

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Yerba Buena
23 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009

[feynmix]

Mayahuel is pretty much perfect - but might be difficult to stay under $100.

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Mayahuel
304 E 6th St, New York, NY 10003

[princeofpork]

The drinks at Mayhuel and YB are all around 12-14 each. SO if you have 2 rounds you are already half way to your limit.

[daffyduck]

what's your price range and what are your likes and dislikes?

[tlowenfels]

Around $100, I guess, but that can be somewhat flexible. To give you an idea, one of my favorites is Momofuku Ssam Bar. I also like tapas, peruvian/ceviche, spicy stuff, unique brick oven pizza places, Mediterranean food, places that have really good drinks. Probably would want to stay away from sushi, indian, and things like that. But I am open to most things as long as they are good. Hope that helps.

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Momofuku Ssam Bar
207 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003

[thew]

i think ssam is a great 1st date place. hip, good food, the menu inspires conversation

[fm1963]

Ssam wouldn't be a good choice if the OP is unsure about his blind date's taste in food.

Casa Mono would be a better option - equally energetic, more accessible food, and more comfortable chairs as well.

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Casa Mono
52 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003

[sgordon]

Also, you never know how long you'll be stuck waiting in line at Ssam. Never good on a first date.

My downtown recs:
Prune
Falai
The Orchard
Apiary

A little fancier: WD-50 (the food would certainly be a conversation starter...)

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WD-50
50 Clinton Street, New York, NY 10002

Falai
68 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002

[jycnyc]

The Place (*highly recommended)
Home
August
Mari Vanna (OK food, but very nice decor)
Craftbar
Cafe Cluny

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Cafe Cluny
284 West 12th Street, New York, NY 10014

Mari Vanna
41 East 20th Street, New York, NY 10003