It’s so convenient to get to know a kindred spirit on dating site like this, and one of the first pieces of information to tease out of them is their favorite weekend getaway locations, ideal cuisine, or preferred musical genres? Ideally, you’ll want to invite them on a face-to-face date, so you can take your virtual relationship to the next level. The perfect setting for your romantic encounter? Somewhere with a rich history and thriving nightlife. Welcome to one of New York’s most colorful districts: Harlem. Here are six ideal date spots.
The Cecil
Situated right at the beating heart of this area, The Cecil serves up traditional Afro-Asian-American cuisine which will give you a fabulous taste of this ethnic melting pot. Although the place is constantly buzzing, there’s also an intimate atmosphere, perfect for focusing on your dining partner.
The Honey Well
Located near the Hudson River, you can relish liquid refreshments with your other half here. Make sure you’ve arrived for happy hour, where you’ll be able to indulge in a mouth-watering array of expertly-prepared cocktails. Choose from a menu containing all the classics, but if you’re feeling a tad more adventurous, you can always request the bar staff use you as a guinea pig for one of their very own concoctions. This venue operates a reservation and open-bar-seats-only policy which guarantees the Honey Well is well managed, never becoming overcrowded.
Apollo Theater
This theater has been at the hub of Harlem’s vibrant and diverse music scene for years and would make for a worthy addition to your date night itinerary. This stage has been graced with exponents of everything from soul to jazz, blues to swing, gospel to R&B, so it’s no wonder it attracts enthusiastic devotees from all over the Big Apple. Whatever you and your significant other have been up to earlier, sit back and enjoy the show.
Red Rooster
Named after a legendary Harlem Speakeasy, Red Rooster is run by a celebrity chef (Ethipion-born Marcus Samuelsson) and serves up delicious cuisine inspired by the roots of modern American dishes. Marcus is married to model Maya Haile, so if you’re looking for a glamorous atmosphere to complement fabulous food, make this a key destination for your date.
The Studio Museum
If you want to investigate the eclectic nature of African American art in all its myriad forms, head over to the Studio Museum. Established in 1968, this museum showcases the most exciting work by black artists past and present, with collections of inspirational paintings, sculptures, and installations from the 19th century onwards. Revel at over 2,000 pieces, especially photographs representing the permanent archive of James Van Der Zee, the key Harlem Rennaisance photographer. Passing aged 96 in 1983, he gained a formidable reputation for his colorful portraits of his local community.
Bill’s Place
Harlem is synonymous with music originating in the African American community, such as Hip Hop and Soul, but those genres can traces their roots right back to blue and jazz. There are various clubs throughout Harlem where you can experience vibrant musicians playing their mesmerizing songs to rapt audiences; none more so than Bill’s Place. Although this was opened by tenor saxophonist Bill Saxton in 2006, the actual venue goes back much further, all the way to the 1930s when America was gripped by Prohibition, and audiences would skulk away in speakeasies where they could savor illegal booze, the edgy jazz numbers providing the perfect backdrop. On Friday nights Bill leads the Harlem All-Stars, keeping his customers enthralled with a series of jazz classics. They’re following in hallowed footsteps: Fats Waller and Billie Holiday have all performed here.
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