New York Dating Guide: Artists, Comedians, and Writers Reveal Their Favorite Date Spots

Key facts

• CULTURED magazine published a guide to unconventional New York City date spots, featuring recommendations from 16 cultural figures.
• Eddie Huang recommends the back patio at Buvette in the West Village, noting it is not a hot spot and reservations are available 48 hours in advance.
• Nicky Campbell suggests a Pilates class at Solidcore as a date, saying it's fun to see a man in a vulnerable position.
• Orna Guralnik recommends Unnameable Books in Brooklyn.
• Daniel Goldhaber suggests Spectacle Theater on a Sunday afternoon for Fist Church, citing True Romance as proof that mystery kung fu movies are romantic.
• Mary Bronstein loves the lobby bar at the Chelsea Hotel, describing it as quiet decadence with signature martinis made tableside.
• Jerry Saltz only goes to Madman Coffee on University Place between 9th and 10th.
• Spike Einbinder recommends Houdini's grave in Machpelah Cemetery, noting it's free, intimate, and may require light trespassing.
• Annie Hamilton suggests The Beast ride at South Street Seaport, recalling her 8-year-old birthday party there.
• Savannah Sobrevilla recommends the Russian & Turkish Baths in the East Village for a sweaty, half-dressed start to a date.
• Celeste Yim suggests Prospect Butcher Co. near the park, where you can get a sandwich or picnic materials and discuss dinner.
• Kelly Cutrone recommends Arturo's on Houston, praising its dimly lit red interior, affordable food, and occasional jazz performances.
• Adam Friedland suggests the Chelsea Piers driving range.
• Katie Rex recommends Chinatown Fair Family Fun Center, an arcade opened in 1944, open until 2 a.m. on weekends.
• Chanté Joseph suggests a three-stop date: Skin Contact, Sami & Susu, and Subject: A for cocktails.
• Andrew Rannells recommends Eataly on 23rd and 5th for a walkabout, coffee, and browsing pricy foods and Italian dishware.
• David Krumholtz recommends Mari Vanna, a Russian restaurant on East 20th Street with old world European decor and house-infused vodkas.
• Nori Reed suggests Red Hook Lobster Pound and Louis Valentino, Jr. Park and Pier, with views of the Statue of Liberty and nearby IKEA.
• Margeaux Labat recommends Kissa Kissa in Crown Heights, an all-vinyl jazz bar with strong cocktails and small tables for close conversation.
• Nikita Richardson recommends a bathhouse for third or fourth dates, noting no phones are allowed in bathing areas.
• The article includes photos by Amy Heycock and images courtesy of Buvette, Hotel Chelsea, The Beast, Arturo's, Subject: A Cocktail Bar, and Kissa Kissa.