In New York City, the one thing we’re not at a loss for is people — instead, we’re saturated. You would think that might make it easy to find respectable gal or guy just by stepping outside, but, as most of us konw all too well, that is not the case. Becase of the vast amount of people around you at all times, New Yorkers can really make use of a platform that helps you filter and sort through the masses. Subscribing to OKCupid or similar dating sites has become a viable option to finding that special someone to warm your knickers at night. 

How does that go down? Probably something like this:

— You make your profile, filled with your best photos and adorable anecdotes that show just how intriguing and charismatic you are, and (let’s just say it) it’s completely obvious that you’re a downright catch. Check.
— Your inbox is flooded with trolls and creepies and sad folk and now you’re wondering why you did this in the first place and you really are better then this and thank goodness you never mentioned this to your friends and how does that person not realize how obvious their photoshopping antics are…. Check.
— You take a break and never look at the site for four months. Check.
— You decide to get over your freak out, since there's not a lot of better alternatives anyway, so you go back to the site. Check.
— Surprise, surprise, you start messaging someone who might actually be an option. Check.
— You search them and stalk their social media activity. Check.
— Finally, you’re ready to plan THE DATE. Where should you go? We can help.

First off: make your first engagement a bar. Don’t commit to dinner, or any activity that doesn’t allow a drink in both of your hands. (To be clear, we mean a drink in your hand and a drink in your date's hand. Get to know this person first before you double-fist or sip from the same straw.) Secondly, since this is a first date, so you have to be ready to scoot out at a moment’s notice. Third, you need to find the vibe that's not too crazy, but not overly intimate. You need to choose your venue wisely, and we've got seven suggestions that fit the bill.

Puck Fair: This busy after-work Irish pub in Noho has a breezy atmosphere and fun crowd. The ceilings are high so it doesn’t feel cramped, and there’s a swanky downstairs dungeon area that provides more quiet, if things look promising (298 Lafayette St.; 212-431-1200).

Pravda: A plush, cavernous Russian lounge, this is one of the only Nolita bars that’s not completely swamped during happy hour. It has plenty of seating, so you can have a decent conversation without people pushing through you to get another drink. When it opened its doors a few years back, it was quite trendy, but the scenesters have since moved on to other plasirs, and it’s now become a nicely relaxed cocktail spot (281 Lafayette St.; 212-226-4944).

Kingston Hall: This East Village bar specializes in Caribbean-themed drinks and has plenty of other fun cocktails plus an interesting, antique decor. The vibe is speak-easy like, but without the pretension (149 2nd Ave.).

The Pony Bar: You'll find crowds during peak hours on Friday and Saturday nights, but any other time, it’s a chill craft beer bar with two locations (UES and Hell’s Kitchen) to choose from. Most importantly, there's an ever-changing electronic menu-board above the bar of more than 20 interesting drafts — you can get an early feel for your date’s character by their decision making process (637 10th Ave.; 212-586-2707).

Draught 55: A very relaxed, open bar in Midtown East with a huge selection of craft beers, the back room here is a good bet for more seating, live music and a fireplace during the colder months (245 E 55th St.; 212-300-4096).

Reunion: This Aussie underground cocktail bar in Hell’s Kitchen has a surf shack decor and is altogether welcoming and fun. Bonus; the happy hour deals are solid (357 W 44th St.; 212-582-3200).

Amor y Amargo: This fantastic (albeit tiny) East Village cocktail bar has a huge selection of liquors and bitters, wielded by friendly, experienced bartenders always ready to whip you up some interesting concoctions. NB: avoid the weekend, or come early to beat the crowd (443 E 6th St.; 212-614-6818).

Now that you're armed with these suggestions, go, go, go! Yes, it’s going to be horribly awkward, but try to enjoy yourself. Good luck! (You’ll need it… just kidding… or maybe not!)

Photos by Danya Henninger