Where to Celebrate Valentine's Day in New York City
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Valentine’s Day can be quite a polarizing of holidays, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t celebrate. Whether you’re raising a glass with a loved one or putting an empty glass back on the bar alone, New York City is the place to be where one can make the most of it.
Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar
Nothing quite says Valentine’s Day than wine and chocolate, and luckily enough, this venue has dedicated itself to not only both of these things, but great Mediterranean cuisine as well. Built on the concept of romance embodied in food and drink, Ayza is a perfect date spot for new and old couples alike. While their full bar is available, definitely be sure to check out their signature chocolate martinis. (11 W 31st St.; 212-714-2992)
Make this Valentine’s Day a destination and head over to Le Avenue in Long Branch, New Jersey. With a glorious view of the ocean, nothing says “I love you” more than a getaway for two. To make the occasion extra special, GM Thierry Carrier has crafted his version of a Valentino cocktail with a tip of the hat toward a classic Negroni. This Valentino is a bright concoction of passion fruit, strawberry, and vodka and is a surefire way to please a partner. (23 Ocean Ave., Long Branch, NJ; 732-759-2900)
For those who view this holiday of romance to be some Hallmark sham, you’re not alone. This year, the Brooklyn Running Company is offering an alternative to companionship - a pub crawl with friends. Beginning at Rocka Rolla in Williamsburg this pub crawl will run you all the way to Oak and Iron over in Greenpoint. Tickets for participation are $20. (222 Grand St., Brooklyn; 718-782-7866)
Right outside of Times Square, you’ll find the intimate, quaint, and ever so romantic Lillie’s Victorian Establishment. Always one to do something nice for the holidays, beverage director Johnny Swet is rolling out the red carpet for his Valentine’s Day cocktails. The Valentine’s Vesper is an elegant combination of gin, vodka, lillet, pomegranate liqueur, and rose petal garnish. If chocolate is on your mind, try the Chocolate Champagne: créme de cacao, chocolate bitters, and a bit of the bubbly stuff. With each of these cocktails, guests will receive a complimentary macaron or chocolate covered strawberry. (249 W 49th St.; 212-957-4530)
If your true love is film and quality booze, Videology in Williamsburg sounds like your Valentine’s Day destination. This year will be an all out game of trivia - a bit of fun for those who aren’t into the cheesy stuff. Leading up to the big day, the bar/theater will be doing special screenings of the classic Harold and Maude, a film which goes inexplicably well with one of their pisco sours. (308 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn; 718-782-3468)
A love for drinking is true love indeed. This year on Valentine’s Day, New York will host one of themost versatile beverage tours around. Venues will range from a historic German beer hall to a modern Japanese izakaya bar and more. (Tour Begins At: 8 Stuyvesant St.)
Photo via Flickr user tlindenbaum
