Get romantic with your own Tony or Maria
The Jakewalk
The year-old JakeWalk relies on a casual, unpretentious approach to fine drinking and cheese nibbling. The warmly lit room is lively but conducive to awkward first-date small talk, and there’s more than enough great wine, whiskey and vintage mixology to encourage a second rendezvous. 282 Smith St between DeGraw and Sackett Sts, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn (347-599-0294, thejakewalk.com). Average drink: $9.
Char No. 4
Char is ballsier than a wine bar—it’s more for the hard-drinking and meat-loving than those of the delicate vegan persuasion—but it still has that classy, dateworthy ambience. Its American whiskey collection is deliciously daunting, and thanks to chef Matt Greco, you can impress your crush with one of Smith Street’s best—and meatiest—menus. 196 Smith St between Baltic and Warren Sts, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn (718-643-2106). Average drink: $8.
Jadis
This rustic brick-and-dark-wood French wine bar walks the line between cozy and cramped, but an impressive and affordable list makes up for it. Well-heeled clientele avail themselves of a tasty array of charcuterie, snails, cheeses and quiches, all the while taking advantage of the romantically close quarters. 42 Rivington St between Eldridge and Forsyth Sts (212-254-1675). Average drink: $6.
Angel’s Share
Flush with secret-bar cred back when most spots were uncool enough to actually employ easy-to-see signage, Angel’s Share has been a prime Manhattan date destination for 15 years. The feel is mature and subdued, and there’s no standing allowed, but land a table and a low-key evening of Asian-inspired cocktails and peaty single-malts await. 8 Stuyvesant St between Second and Third Aves (212-777-5415). Average drink: $10.
BrookVin
Brooklyn’s newest wine bar boasts a casual, candlelit and obscenely amorous setting, likely to perpetuate the proliferation of Park Slope babies for years to come (as if the moneyed crunchies needed any help with that). And to eat? You guessed it, small plates—because no one wants to hook up after a big meal. 381 Seventh Ave between 11th and 12th Sts, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-768-9463, brookvin.com). Average glass of wine: $10.
PDT
Faux speakeasies might be approaching overexposure (isn’t that ironic?), but trendiness aside, Jim Meehan’s cocktails are still among the best you can get. Plus, if your date doesn’t appreciate the kimchi-topped (David) Chang Dog, he or she’s probably not worth it anyway. 113 St. Marks Pl between First Ave and Ave A (212-614-0386, pdtnyc.com). Average drink: $13.
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Winter—and everything—gettin’ to you? Party at our favorite bars, just like the casts of this season’s Broadway hits.
Mamajuana has an average drink price of $5??? Have you even been there? The bottled beers are five bucks, but the wines and cocktails are in the $7-15 range. Do you guys even check out places' websites?