First date, high West 40's/50's

[dcole]

Went to drinks with a blind date last week and now looking for a restaurant rec for the West side in the high 40's or 50's. We are in our mid 20's. Hopefully something with good ambiance/decor - and able to get out for $150 or under with drinks. Any ideas? Thanks!

[Mr Porkchop]

Casellula, a wine bar with good food, comes to mind. Perhaps you're looking for something more formal though, but I think it's a good first date spot.

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Casellula
401 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019

[small h]

I had a recent enjoyable experience at Casellula, but it was packed by 6:30 on a Friday, and they don't take reservations. Which may be a consideration for the OP.

[dcole]

Definitly looks cool, and will most certainly keep it in mind for future dates, if there are some - thanks guys. Also, thank you Striver - think I might do Print.

[Blumie]

Bar room at The Modern. Your date will think you're artsy!

[dcole]

Thanks for the suggestions. Never been to Quality Meats, but have heard good things...i just think it might be a bit too "meaty", especially since I look like a total meathead. Been to Bar Americain, definitly very a good, but a tad pricey.
Blumie...I thought of the Bar Room, but think I am going to save that for a full day of museum and dinner. I do believe that they have a kitchen expo there now, showing the evolution of kitchens/cooking equip now.
I'm thinking of Gallo Nero unless I hear of something better...The place looks nice, has a good menu. Anyone been there?

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Bar Americain
152 W. 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019

Quality Meats
57 W 58th St, New York, NY 10019

Gallo Nero
404 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036

[Striver]

Gallo Nero is good but - and a big but at that - it's very small, fairly cramped, and the seats (unless they've changed them since I was there) are not comfortable.

I strongly suggest you check out Print, in the Ink48 hotel on 11th and 48th. The decor is modern and very attractive, the seating is well spaced (good for a date), the food - contemporary American with terrific vegetables (and I'm a meat-lover, too) - is excellent, service is fine, price is reasonable for the quality. We've eaten here several times in the last few months, and are looking forward to returning soon. Incidentally, they've also got a roof lounge ("Press" - get the theme? :)) on the 16h floor, if that appeals to you for before or after dinner drinks.

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Gallo Nero
404 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036

[orthorunner]

The rooftop at Press is definitely impressive and plenty roomy to get to know someone, especially earlier in the night. The drinks aren't stellar, however; I would stick with wine and beer there. I think this would make for a great date idea.

[TooLooseLaTrek]

Two places come to mind.(1) Quality Meats - Steakhouse on West 58th St. Meat-centric obviously but with some decent seafood options.Hipper decor/clientele than the typical steakhouse.(2) Bar Americain - Bobby Flay place on West 52nd St. Southwestern skewed "American Brasserie". Good bar,active room.I've only eaten here once,a few years ago.
Not sure what it's like now but it may be a good place for another date.

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Bar Americain
152 W. 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019

Quality Meats
57 W 58th St, New York, NY 10019