Date Night in Tribeca
Cool cocktails and delicious dishes to woo the one you love.
Tribeca is a neighborhood where there is always something wonderful happening in terms of fashion, food and mixology; not to mention the world of art. If you happen to live or work there, you are very lucky, indeed. Some of the city's finest restaurants, cocktail lounges, boutiques, and galleries are only steps away. But even if you call another nabe in Manhattan home or reside in Queens, Brooklyn, or the Bronx, spending some quality time in Tribeca is well worth the subway trip or Uber ride. There's some unique stuff going on here that you won't find anywhere else! Yes, date night certainly IS something special when your destination is one of Tribeca's atmospheric restaurants or lounges. Rest assured, though, that these divine establishments also work for a girl's night out or after-work gathering spot.
After all, in NYC, where many of us originally hail from someplace else and our parents and siblings are not close by, our FRIENDS ARE OUR FAMILY in the truest sense of the word. So get out there, enjoy a great meal and celebrate with those nearest and dearest to you!
Smith and Mills - Tribeca
The ambiance at this gastropub is simply off the charts. Located in what was once a nineteenth-century carriage house, Smith and Mills have everything that you want to set the mood for a romantic evening: soft lighting, an antique bar made out of centuries-old wood as well as doors that are full of character and history. Why there's even a turn-of-the-century elevator cabin? It is quite the conversation piece. Brought to you by the duo of Akiva Elstein and Matthew Abramcyk, Smith and Mills has been designed to encourage conversation and conviviality.
Now, let's get something straight. Even though you are enveloped by years gone by, the kitchen and bar deliver an eating and drinking experience that is totally 2023. Enticing and thirst-quenching are the words that come to mind when describing Smith and Mills' cocktail list.
The King is an elixir that lives up to its name with a well-thought-out list of ingredients including rum, lemon juice, an orange peel, and muddled peaches for that extra boost of fruity refreshment. This beverage is topped with a splash of ginger ale. Another cocktail you will adore is the Perfetto Sour, composed of fernet, Campari, lemon juice, yellow chartreuse and demerara. On a very lively and whimsical note is Papi Collins which is made for those who LOVE to get spicy with a nice pour of tequila, sriracha bitters, and spicy salt which is offset slightly by cucumber juice and a touch of honey. The food menu here consists of mostly small plates that are big on taste. There's quite a diverse selection to be had, so you and your date for the evening or group of friends will find something that appeals to those taste buds.
Oysters are considered to be the ultimate aphrodisiac so why not partake of the kitchen's fresh from-the-sea Littleneck clams? They're available by the half-dozen or dozen. Other dining options include salmon tartare, shrimp cocktail and chicken schnitzel accompanied by greens and perfectly poached eggs. The menu also offers a juicy cheeseburger that's topped with cheddar, caramelized onions and Russian dressing. It comes with a hefty side of fries.
Location and Hours:
71 North Moore Street
New York N.Y. 10013
(646) 858-1433
Hours:
Sunday and Monday 4 PM to 11 PM
Tuesday to Saturday 4 PM to 1 AM
Tiny's & The Bar Upstairs - Tribeca
This charming pink townhouse, which dates all the way back to the 1800s, is a family affair. The place is owned and operated by siblings Ana, Matt and Jack Abramcyk. Their goal was to create a classic neighborhood gathering spot where anyone and everyone could drop by, eat, drink and chat over a glass of vino AND, most importantly, leave happier than when they entered.
The trio succeeded beyond their wildest dreams and the pink-painted Tiny's has become something of an icon in the neighborhood. And, oh by the way; the building's facade wasn't pink at all... until the siblings, Abramcyk showed up. They DO like things to be different and that's not necessarily bad, especially when you are competing for customers on the already overcrowded New York dining scene.
The real warmth and ambiance, though, as great as the decor is, comes from the owners. Their personality is the draw here. They love interacting with their customers. Coming to Tiny's totally feels as though you're a guest at a house party. But a very refined one, at that. The kitchen and bar back up the owners with grub and sips that keep the locals coming back for more. Shareable plates run from curried spinach dip with toasted pita and popcorn shrimp to a very healthy yet delectable serving of kale chickpea fries.
If you would like to start the evening off with an appetizer you'll have a hard time deciding between the heavenly Burrata with roasted onion crema, collard greens, fried bread and hot honey sauce and the Marinara sauce-bathed meatballs that are smothered with DiPalo's fresh-made Mozzarella. Yum-Yum!
The entrees do tend to be a bit on the pricey side. But they are worth every penny you will pay. The grilled branzino is fork tender and is accompanied by not just toasted
sunchokes, but kale, farrow, leeks and a herbed olive tapenade. The chef's pan-roasted duck is every bit as juicy and succulent as you'd want. Yet, the meatiness of the duck is contrasted with a very veggie-forward array of bok choy, turnips and a carrot-ginger puree. It is satisfying and healthy at the same time. Dessert at tinies is nothing short of decadent. You won't be able to stop eating
The Kit Kat, an enthralling concoction of dark chocolate ganache, peanut butter crunch and raspberry coulis. To wash it all down and toast those who matter the most to you, be sure to partake of their excellent beer, wine and cocktail list. You'll feel so Don Draperish and sophisticated when you sip the Truffle Martini, made with your choice of Wolffer estate gin or Tito's vodka. The star of the show, though, is the garnish; olives that are stuffed with black truffles and blue cheese. Another must-try drink is Servando's Palomarita, composed of hibiscus and Pamplemousse infused tequila, lime juice and grapefruit juice.
Location and Hours
135 West Broadway
New York N.Y. 10013
(212) 374-1135
Hours:
Monday to Friday 5 PM to 10:30 PM
Saturday 10:30 AM to 11 PM
Sunday 10:30 AM to 10 PM
American Cut - Tribeca
Dining at American Cut is so much more than just a night out. It is an unforgettable experience. Chef Marc Forgione's riff on the traditional New York steakhouse, American Cut elevates what you have come to expect from the tried and true establishments that have been around seemingly forever and are beginning to show their age.
The atmosphere is most definitely upscale, even luxurious. Yet, the premises still have a cozy air that works for an intimate evening for two. Guaranteed, the staff here knows how to pamper their guests and make them feel special. American Cut is where glamorous nostalgia meets the Instagram age. Get your phone ready to share some really colorful images of, not only steak, steak and MORE steak but colorful salads and desserts. Mouth-watering and crave-able does NOT do these amazing cuts of beef justice. Options include a 10oz. filet mignon; a 14oz. NY strip steak, dry-aged; a gigantic porterhouse for two and the always in-demand bone-in ribeye.
For an extra charge, you can top any steak with seductive add-ons like bone marrow, Jack Daniels-infused onions, Point Reyes Blue Cheese, or S&W bacon. If your dad and grandfather enjoyed the steakhouse experience, then they will feel right at home at American Cut. Although, that having been said, they may not recognize the sides such as sunchoke spinach with Fontina cheese and smoked salt, Brussels sprouts with bacon in an apple cider glaze, and mashed potatoes with chopped-up jalapenos throughout! Don't be surprised if your waiter shows a theatrical flair as American Cut features an intriguing mix of tableside preparations that will knock your socks off like the Tomahawk chop flambe' as well as the OG 1924 Caesar Salad which is, quite literally, tossed before your eyes. And they don't stint on the Parmesan cheese with this one, either!
A stiff drink has always been the hallmark of a good steakhouse. The cocktails that American Cut's mixology team turns out are out of bounds, for sure. The bar's signature elixir is the Perfect Cut which has serrano peppered Blanco tequila and Del Maguey mezcal blended with vanilla bean and fresh pineapple juice. The Lifeboat features limoncello and vodka mixed with elderflower, lemon juice, and Prosecco. Delicious!
Location and Hours:
363 Greenwich Street
New York N.Y. 10013
(212) 226-4736
Hours :
Tuesday to Saturday 5 PM to 10 PM
Sunday and Monday Closed
Locanda Verde - Tribeca
A Tribeca standby since 2009, Locanda Verde is helmed by noted chef and cookbook author Andrew Carmellini together with his partners Josh Pickard, Luke Ostrom, Ira Drukier and legendary actor Robert DeNiro. Located on the ground floor of the Greenwich Hotel, Locanda Verde is all about warm, inviting hospitality and amazing Italian food.
In the old days in Italy, a Locanda was an inn; a place where you could seek refuge from your travels, enjoy a good meal and stay the night. Directly translated, Locanda Verde means Green Inn. Chef Carmellini's dishes are both rustic and refined. His food will hit all the right notes on your palate. Chef Andrew's innovative creations open culinary doors but they don't take you on a journey that's too far off the beaten path. Above all, this is comfort food that will soothe your soul. The chef feels that dinner is a time to destress and celebrate your friends and loved ones.
The ambiance at Locanda Verde encourages just that. Currently, the chef is offering a series of specials that feature a "celebration of black truffles from Umbria".
You are in for a real treat as you can choose from gnocco fritto , fettuccine with roasted mushrooms and porcini crema, or short ribs for two accompanied by creamy polenta and roasted tomatoes. Aside from the truffle-centric dishes, the menu offers temptations such as Catskill rainbow trout sided with Sicilian-style cauliflower, Rigatoni with lamb bolognese sauce, mint and sheep's milk ricotta and a whole lobster oreganata that is dressed in saffron butter and lemon.
At Locanda Verde, it is almost a cardinal sin to leave the premises without enjoying dessert. Please; if you're almost filled up, select a dessert to share. This way you won't be overdoing it. A good place to start would be Locanda's superb tiramisu. You won't be able to stop eating those espresso-soaked ladyfingers that are generously topped with mascarpone marsala crema.
And, then, there's the outrageous warm chocolate lava cake with a scoop of hazelnut and black truffle gelato. If you have a celebration of some kind coming up, be it a birthday party, anniversary, or family reunion, be sure to check out Locanda Verde's private dining space. This room, which can comfortably accommodate up to sixty people, is detailed with recycled New England oak and pine, brick-lined archway windows and a working stone fireplace. If that wasn't enough there is a striking ceiling overhead constructed from 90,000 wine corks.
Chef Carmellini and his staff will create a seasonal menu just for your event,t served family-style so that your guests get to taste a little bit of everything.
Location and Hours:
377 Greenwich Street
New York N.Y. 10013
(212) 925-3797
Hours:
Lunch and Dinner:
Monday to Friday 11:30 AM to 11 PM
Saturday and Sunday 7 AM to 11 PM
Breakfast/brunch & dinner
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