Where To Wine And Dine Before Downtown Live: Seven Date-Night Spots

Downtown Live is launching two weekends of live, outdoor performances starting May 15, and while that’s cause enough for celebration on its own, may we humbly suggest turning whatever shows you attend into a full-blown date night?

With 30 performances at venues across Lower Manhattan (you can grab tickets and check out the full schedule here), any show you end up going to will be a stone’s throw from the perfect spot to grab pre-show dinner or drinks, or post-show nightcap or dessert.

The Dead Rabbit

What more fitting way to celebrate the safe, vaccinated return of New York City nightlife than with a stop at the rightfully-dubbed “World’s Best Bar.” Sip on a Con Artist (it involves pisco, Mezcal, and passionfruit) and revel in once again being able to soak in the energy of a dark, atmospheric Manhattan bar.

Ampia Restaurant & Rooftop

It’s officially warm enough to outdoor-dine without huddling next to the nearest heat lamp, and to us, that means it’s rooftop season. Grab a reservation at Ampia to take in the skyline over wine and fresh, delicate seafood or a fresh, Neapolitan pizza. They’ve got well-executed Italian classics for every palate.

Harry’s

Nothing says a classic New York night out quite like a proper steakhouse dinner, an experience we’ve all sorely been missing over the past year. Harry’s has rightly earned its place as a neighborhood staple since the 1970s, and we can’t think of a better dinner date than one that involves shrimp cocktail, a crisp martini and a perfectly cooked steak.

White Horse Tavern

Dive bars are another crucial cornerstone of Manhattan nightlife, and you won’t find one more iconic than this comforting haunt, whether you’re stopping by for one post-show drink or several.

Luke’s Lobster

While summer hasn’t officially kicked off yet, there’s no harm in ushering it in a little early with some of the freshest lobster rolls you’ll find anywhere outside of Cape Cod.

Toro Loco

Upscale tacos, fresh margaritas and, hey, did we mention candied bacon mac and cheese? Whether you’re in the market for a nightcap, a quick snack or a full-blown leisurely dinner, Toro Loco has you covered.

Insomnia Cookies

While Insomnia Cookies has become something of an empire since their early days serving late-night munchies to NYU kids, they still live up to their core mission of offering up sweet treats to the city’s night owls. Swing by their 76 Pearl Street location for a warm, perfectly gooey cookie to split on the romantic walk home.

photo: @ampiarooftop