Cheap-er Eats For A Date: Downtown

Face it, a date is going to set you back a little more than a typical “cheap eat” would unless you’re far into the relationship and can get away with taking her/him to that falafel stand in the village and calling it a night. There are plenty of quality spots throughout the city that are on the cheap-er side and, when combined with drinks or dessert afterwards, can make for a great date. Here are a few to start you off.

Note: Prices given are ranges for typical dinner menu items.

Bread (NoLita)
Restaurant, Italian / Mediterranean
20 Spring St (btwn Elizabeth St & Mott St), South side of street; 212.334.1015
Prices: Apps: Less than $10; Salads/Pastas/Breads: Low-Mid $10’s; Entrees: Low-Mid $10’s
No Reservations Accepted, American Express Not Accepted
Notes: Cool, hip spot in NoLita with relatively cheap food and wine menu, low-lit basic décor with small tables throughout and two bars (front and back), a focus on panini and of course bread, which they get from Balthazar down the street, also offer a variety of salads, pastas and typical Italian entrees, order a few items and share.

Drinks Before/After
The Monday Room (Public) / Public (Bar Area)
Wine Bar / Restaurant, Eclectic / Australian
210 Elizabeth St (btwn Spring St & Prince St), East side of street; 212.343.7011
Notes: The Monday Room: Great intimate spot with educated staff (personal wine steward) and stellar wine selection, choose from by the half glass (tasting), glass, half bottle, bottle or flights of wine for a varied experience, changing menu of small and larger plates available with food and wine pairing recommendations, ability to make OpenTable reservations.
The Bar at Public: Loungey bar with bar seating, small tables and cool décor (Public designed by AvroKo), great ambiance and usually a quiet but good scene, if you like beer, order from the available Aussie selection.
How to find it: Both spots are accessible through Public’s main entrance. Ask the host/ess if the Monday Room is open (or check beforehand) since private parties are occasionally held there, it will be directly to your left when you enter. If you prefer a full bar, say that you’re there for drinks at the bar, turn right and keep walking until you see it at the end.

Epistrophy
Wine Bar
200 Mott St (btwn Kenmare St & Spring St), East side of street; 212.966.0904
Notes: Great low-key, popular spot for wine, rustic, hodgepodge of a few couches, tables and bar seating, front windows open up on nice nights.

Dessert
Rice to Riches
Dessert Bar, Rice Pudding
37 Spring St (btwn Mott St & Mulberry St), North side of street; 212.274.0008
Hours: Sun-Thu: 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-1am
Notes: Popular dessert spot featuring 20+ flavors of rice pudding, well-lit with funky décor, random quotations on the wall, limited seating with a counter to stand at, order a “solo” or “epic” size to share (for 2).

Ciao Bella Gelato
Dessert, Gelato / Sorbet
285 Mott St (btwn Prince St & Houston St), West side of street; 212.431.3591
Hours: (Apr-Oct) Sun-Thu: Noon-11pm, Fri-Sat: Noon-11:30pm; (Nov-Mar) Daily: Noon-7pm
Notes: Tiny gelato shop, a favorite of many, a little pricey but quality assortment of flavors, don’t expect to sit so take your gelato or sorbet and go for a walk (Good route: walk down Mott, make a right on Spring and walk west towards SoHo).

Pinkberry
Dessert, Frozen Yogurt / Smoothies / Parfait
41 Spring St (btwn Mott St & Mulberry St), North side of street; 212.274.8883
Hours: Sun-Thu: Noon-11:30pm, Fri-Sat: Noon-12:30am
Notes: Doesn’t really need a description, trendy frozen yogurt chain featuring original and seasonal flavors (pomegranate, coconut, passionfruit) with fruit and dry toppings, smoothies and fruit parfait available as well, modern décor and ample seating, expect a small line occasionally.

Caracas Arepa Bar (East Village)
Restaurant, Venezuelan / South American
91 E 7th St (btwn Ave A & 1st Ave), North side of street; 212.228.5062
Prices: Arepas/Empanadas/Salads: Less than $10; Entrees: Low-Mid $10’s
No Reservations Accepted
Notes: Popular homemade Venezuelan food joint, neighborhood atmosphere, very cheap, great assortment of arepas (small pita-like pockets made of cornmeal stuffed with various items), empanadas and other dishes, order a few things to share, definitely try the house sauce that is on every table, expect potentially long waits during prime dinner hours, but give your name and go for a drink nearby.
How to find it: Look for the Caracas Arepa Bar sign, Caracas To Go is the smaller take-out/eat-in location next door.

Drinks Before/After
Desnuda
Wine Bar, Ceviche
122 E 7th St (btwn Ave A & 1st Ave), South side of street; 212.254.3515
Notes: Small, intimate, very narrow ceviche and wine bar, great date spot and atmosphere, only about 20 seats around the long bar, decent wine selection with menu of ceviche and oysters, all food prepared by one or two (very friendly) people behind the bar so sometimes a bit of a wait, good complementary truffle oil popcorn, cool hacienda-like fans above you, great for getting a bottle of wine and a light snack to start out your night or grabbing a glass while waiting for a table at a nearby restaurant (Caracas) or bar (Bourgeois Pig, Death & Co.).

Bourgeois Pig
Bar / Lounge, Specialty Cocktails / Fondue
111 E 7th St (btwn Ave A & 1st Ave), North side of street; 212.475.2246
Notes: Romantic, intimate spot with bordello-like décor, large chandelier, a bunch of 2-person seating arrangements with antique armchairs, stools with ledges and bar seating, food selection consists of small plates with a focus on fondue, specialty drinks list concocted by same mixologist as Death & Co. (same owner), try to find seats by the window in the corner, expect a wait on popular nights, great for a date.
Deals: On Mondays and Tuesdays, from 6pm-2am, half-priced bottles of wine (call to confirm).

Death & Co.
Bar / Lounge, Specialty Cocktails
433 E 6th St (btwn Ave A and 1st Ave), North side of street; 212.388.0882
Notes: One of the best and most popular specialty drinks spots in the city, small lounge with bar and table seating (try not to get seated at the stools with the ledge), always popular, cool vibe, great to impress a date, good small plates, look for a wood-paneled façade to find it, expect a potential wait for a table but give the doorman your name and number and come back when you are notified that space is available.

Dessert
Butter Lane Cupcakes
Bakery, Cupcakes
123 E 7th St (btwn Ave A & 1st Ave), North side of street; 212.677.2880
Hours: Mon-Thu: 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-Midnight, Sun: 11am-10pm
Notes: Quaint, cupcake-exclusive bakery, “cupcakes for grownups” slogan stresses a focus on the use of pure ingredients, good assortment to choose from, outdoor seating only.

Lula’s Sweet Apothecary
Dessert, Ice Cream / Frozen Confections / Vegan / Dairy-Free / Gluten-Free
516 E 6th St (btwn Ave A & Ave B), South side of street; 646.912.4549
Hours: Sun, Tue-Wed: 3pm-10pm, Thu-Sat: 3pm-11:30pm, Mon: Closed
Notes: Entirely natural, vegan, dairy-free with gluten-free selections available (several nut-based varieties), but definitely not taste-free, this frozen desserts spot is good for everyone (not just vegans), décor resembles an old-fashioned soda shop with several stools to sit on, friendly service, offerings include ice cream, soft serve, fudge, milk shakes, malts and more.

ChikaLicious Dessert Bar
Dessert / Bar, Ice Cream / Sorbet / Chocolate
203 E 10th St (btwn 1st Ave & 2nd Ave), North side of street; 212.995.9511
Hours: Daily: 3pm-10:45pm; American Express Not Accepted
No Reservations Accepted
Notes: Small, intimate, always crowded, 20-seat dessert-exclusive spot, built around an open kitchen, dessert chefs prepare your dessert in front of you (try to sit at the bar), unique experience with modern, chic décor, $14 prix fixe menu (amuse, choice of dessert, and petits fours) which changes daily, wine pairing for an additional $7, coffee, tea, espresso also available, usually a wait from 8pm-close, but relatively fast turnover, head across the street to Dessert Club, ChikaLicious for take-out if the wait is too long at Dessert Bar.

Dessert Club, ChikaLicious
Dessert / Bakery, Ice Cream / Frozen Yogurt / Baked Goods
204 E 10th St (btwn 1st Ave & 2nd Ave), South side of street; 212.475.0929
Hours: Mon-Fri: 1pm-Midnight, Sat: Noon-Midnight, Sun: Noon-11pm
Notes: Tiny, take-out annex to ChikaLicious Dessert Bar across the street, sophisticated versions of desserts, selection of puddings, cupcakes, baked goods, snow cones, sorbets and smoothies, limited cramped seating so better to order and go.

Bianca (NoHo)
Restaurant, Italian
5 Bleecker St (Btwn Bowery & Elizabeth St), North side of street; 212.260.4666
Prices: Apps: Less than $10; Pastas: Low $10’s; Entrees: Mid $10’s
No Reservations Accepted, Cash Only
Notes: Popular, cheap, cozy NoHo spot with inviting and romantic atmosphere, very affordable menu of quality Italian food and wines, dim-lit, exposed brick walls, feels like you’re in someone’s home kitchen, expect a potential wait, great for a date without having to spend too much.

Drinks Before/After
Madam Geneva at Double Crown
Bar / Lounge, Gin
4 Bleecker St (at Bowery), Southwest corner; 212.254.0350
Notes: Cool, hidden, gin-driven cocktail lounge, good unique beer selection, interesting gin and jam concoctions, long bar with couches, chairs and small candle-lit tables, décor resembles colonial southeast Asia, weekends get very crowded so go during the week.
How to find it: Enter Double Crown (restaurant) and walk to the back for the door (entrance) to Madam Geneva.

Von
Bar, Wine & Beer
3 Bleecker St (btwn Bowery & Elizabeth St), North side of street near Bowery; 212.473.3039
Notes: Chill bar, eclectic crowd, good selection of wine and draft beers, low-key atmosphere with cool vibe, various seating throughout the front and back rooms, “hidden” downstairs lounge located behind a door in the back room (to the right in the back) good for dancing on certain nights, but can get very crowded.

Dessert
Ciao Bella Gelato
Dessert, Gelato / Sorbet
285 Mott St (btwn Prince St & Houston St), West side of street; 212.431.3591
Hours: (Apr-Oct) Sun-Thu: Noon-11pm, Fri-Sat: Noon-11:30pm; (Nov-Mar) Daily: Noon-7pm
Notes: Tiny gelato shop, a favorite of many, a little pricey but quality assortment of flavors, don’t expect to sit so take your gelato or sorbet and go for a walk (Good route: walk down Mott, make a right on Spring and walk west towards SoHo).

Rice to Riches
Dessert Bar, Rice Pudding
37 Spring St (btwn Mott St & Mulberry St), North side of street; 212.274.0008
Hours: Sun-Thu: 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-1am
Notes: Popular dessert spot featuring 20+ flavors of rice pudding, well-lit with funky décor, random quotations on the wall, limited seating with a counter to stand at, order a “solo” or “epic” size to share (for 2).

Pinkberry
Dessert, Frozen Yogurt / Smoothies / Parfait
41 Spring St (btwn Mott St & Mulberry St), North side of street; 212.274.8883
Hours: Sun-Thu: Noon-11:30pm, Fri-Sat: Noon-12:30am
Notes: Doesn’t really need a description, trendy frozen yogurt chain featuring original and seasonal flavors (pomegranate, coconut, passionfruit) with fruit and dry toppings, smoothies and fruit parfait available as well, modern décor and ample seating, expect a small line occasionally.

Barrio Chino (Lower East Side)
Restaurant, Mexican / Nuevo Latino
253 Broome St (btwn Ludlow St & Orchard St), South side of street; 212.228.6710
Prices: Apps: Less than $10; Entrees: Low-Mid $10’s
No Reservations Accepted, American Express Not Accepted
Notes: Small, hip Mexican spot where the Lower East Side meets Chinatown, perpetually crowded, solid Mexican cuisine, loud but fun atmosphere, cool scene, limited cramped seating, asian-influenced décor, margaritas and specialty drinks, expect extensive waits so give your name and number and get a drink nearby.

Drinks Before/After
Ten Bells
Wine Bar
247 Broome St (btwn Ludlow St & Orchard St), South side; 212.228.4450
Notes: Cool all-natural, organic wine bar with u-shaped bar and high table communal seating in the back, serves wines from Europe, Oregon and Morocco, cheeses from Essex Market, unique cold cuts and small dishes.

Lolita Bar
Bar
266 Broome St (at Allen St), Northeast corner; 212.966.7223
Cash and American Express Only
Notes: Chill spot for drinks, full bar with both bar seating and individual tables, gets crowded on weekends.

White Slab Palace
Restaurant / Bar, Eclectic / Scandinavian
77 Delancey St (at Allen St), Southeast corner; 212.334.0913
Notes: Good for drinks at the bar or one of the small tables, not for food, could get relatively crowded on popular nights, solid cocktails, industrial décor with great windows looking out onto both Allen & Delancey.

Dessert
Babycakes NYC
Bakery, Cupcakes / Baked Goods
248 Broome St (btwn Orchard St & Ludlow St), North side of street; 212.677.5047
Hours: Sun-Mon: 10am-8pm, Tues-Thu: 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat: 10am-11pm
Notes: If you have any dietary restrictions whatsoever, you should probably head over to this vegan and kosher bakery, offers all-natural, organic alternatives free from the common allergens (wheat, gluten, dairy, casein and eggs), menu consists of cupcakes, loaves, cookies and cookie sandwiches, brownies and a variety of other baked goods.

Sugar Sweet Sunshine
Bakery, Cupcakes / Baked Goods
126 Rivington St (btwn Norfolk St & Essex St), North side of street; 212.995.1960
Hours: Mon-Thu: 8am-10pm, Fri: 8am-11pm, Sat: 10am-11pm, Sun: 10am-7pm
Notes: Retro neighborhood bakery hangout, focus on cupcakes and cakes with selection of puddings, brownies, cookies, bars and pies, hodgepodge of seating in small front space.

Bar Pitti (Greenwich Village)
Restaurant, Italian
268 Sixth Ave (btwn Houston St & Bleecker St), East side of street; 212.982.3300
Prices: Apps: Less than $10; Panini: Less than $10; Pasta, Entrees: Low $10’s
Only Reservations for Parties of 4+: 212.982.3300, Cash Only
Notes: Always crowded, very popular, cheap Italian spot with great location and outdoor seating on 6th Ave, right next to Da Silvano, the more expensive but quality Italian alternative, usually good for celeb-spotting at either restaurant, solid atmosphere when the weather’s nice, expect a wait.

Drinks Before/After
Blue Ribbon Downing Street Bar
Bar
34 Downing St (btwn Bedford St & Varick St), South side; 212.691.0404
Notes: Tiny bar with bar stool seating and standing room, classy but casual spot, good for waiting for a table at a restaurant nearby and having small bites, variety of wines, beers and hard liquors available.

Little Branch
Bar / Lounge / Speakeasy, Specialty Cocktails
20 Seventh Ave S (at Leroy St), Southwest corner; 212.929.4360
Cash Only, Open Daily 7pm-3am
Notes: One of Sasha Petraske’s popular drink havens, cool subterranean spot for specialty cocktails, drinks can be expensive, but are worth it, try to grab a booth or sit at the bar, live jazz Sun-Wed around 10:30pm.
How to find it: Look for brown door jutting out on southwest corner with doorman standing in front (usually). Small lines tend to form semi-regularly on popular nights.

Dessert
Sweet Revenge
Bakery / Bar, Dessert / Cupcakes
62 Carmine St (btwn Bedford St & 7th Ave), South side of street; 212.242.2240
Hours: Mon-Thu: 8am-11pm, Fri: 8am-12:30am, Sat: 11am-12:30am, Sun: 11am-9pm
Notes: A bakery with a liquor license and happy hour that stays open late, offers cupcakes with beer/wine pairings, unique sit-down or carry-out spot, selection of cupcakes, gelato, an ice cream sandwich (cupcake or 2 cookies with layer of gelato) and other baked goods with wine and beer list.
Happy hour (4-8pm): $10 for a glass of sangria or wine and a cupcake (selection of the day), $15 sangria carafe, $5 select beers.

Grom Gelato
Dessert, Gelato
233 Bleecker St (at Carmine St), Northeast corner; 212.206.1738
Hours: Sun-Thu: Midnight-11pm, Fri-Sat: Noon-Midnight
Notes: Good gelato spot focusing on the use of high-quality, mostly Italian ingredients, menu is a bit pricey, several tables for sitting or take-out and either find a bench in the small park across the street, go for a stroll up Bleecker (north) or head over to Washington Square Park nearby.

Beard Papa Sweets Cafe
Dessert, Cream Puffs
5 Carmine St (at 6th Ave), Northwest corner; 212.255.4675
Hours: Mon-Thu: 10am-9pm, Fri: 10am-10pm, Sat: Noon-10pm, Sun: Noon-9pm
Notes: Japanese chain focusing on the cream puff, standard and unique fillings available, fresh items throughout the day, small selection of other desserts including mochi ice cream, chocolate cake, a cheesecake bar, cream and custard and mango specialty.

Tonnie’s Minis Cupcake Shop
Bakery, Cupcakes
120 W 3rd St (btwn Macdougal St & 6th Ave), South side of street; 212.473.2002
Hours: Mon-Sat: 11am-10pm, Sun: Noon-9pm
Notes: Small, non-descript cupcake shop, small and moist cupcakes, limited seating so grab and go.
How to find it: Look for a few steps up on the side and a small sign for Tonnie’s.

Café Gitane (NoLita)
Restaurant, Moroccan / French
242 Mott St (btwn Prince St & Houston St), East side of street; 212.334.9552
Prices: Apps: Less than $10; Entrees: Low-Mid $10’s
No Reservations Accepted, Cash Only
Notes: Casual, hipster hang out with good French-Moroccan food, relatively basic décor, cool atmosphere, expect a potential wait but shouldn’t be too long, try to get one of the outdoor sidewalk tables when the weather’s nice.

Drinks Before/After
Epistrophy
Wine Bar
200 Mott St (btwn Kenmare St & Spring St), East side of street; 212.966.0904
Notes: Great low-key, popular spot for wine, rustic, hodgepodge of a few couches, tables and bar seating, front windows open up on nice nights.

The Monday Room (Public) / Public (Bar Area)
Wine Bar / Restaurant, Eclectic / Australian
210 Elizabeth St (btwn Spring St & Prince St), East side of street; 212.343.7011
Notes: The Monday Room: Great intimate spot with educated staff (personal wine steward) and stellar wine selection, choose from by the half glass (tasting), glass, half bottle, bottle or flights of wine for a varied experience, changing menu of small and larger plates available with food and wine pairing recommendations, ability to make OpenTable reservations.
The Bar at Public: Loungey bar with bar seating, small tables and cool décor (Public designed by AvroKo), great ambiance and usually a quiet but good scene, if you like beer, order from the available Aussie selection.
How to find it: Both spots are accessible through Public’s main entrance. Ask the host/ess if the Monday Room is open (or check beforehand) since private parties are occasionally held there, it will be directly to your left when you enter. If you prefer a full bar, say that you’re there for drinks at the bar, turn right and keep walking until you see it at the end.

Dessert
Ciao Bella Gelato
Dessert, Gelato / Sorbet
285 Mott St (btwn Prince St & Houston St), West side of street; 212.431.3591
Hours: (Apr-Oct) Sun-Thu: Noon-11pm, Fri-Sat: Noon-11:30pm; (Nov-Mar) Daily: Noon-7pm
Notes: Tiny gelato shop, a favorite of many, a little pricey but quality assortment of flavors, don’t expect to sit so take your gelato or sorbet and go for a walk (Good route: walk down Mott, make a right on Spring and walk west towards SoHo).

Rice to Riches
Dessert Bar, Rice Pudding
37 Spring St (btwn Mott St & Mulberry St), North side of street; 212.274.0008
Hours: Sun-Thu: 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-1am
Notes: Popular dessert spot featuring 20+ flavors of rice pudding, well-lit with funky décor, random quotations on the wall, limited seating with a counter to stand at, order a “solo” or “epic” size to share (for 2).

Pinkberry
Dessert, Frozen Yogurt / Smoothies / Parfait
41 Spring St (btwn Mott St & Mulberry St), North side of street; 212.274.8883
Hours: Sun-Thu: Noon-11:30pm, Fri-Sat: Noon-12:30am
Notes: Doesn’t really need a description, trendy frozen yogurt chain featuring original and seasonal flavors (pomegranate, coconut, passionfruit) with fruit and dry toppings, smoothies and fruit parfait available as well, modern décor and ample seating, expect a small line occasionally.

Lil’ Frankie’s (East Village)
Restaurant, Italian / Pizza
19 First Ave (btwn 1st St & 2nd St), West side of street; 212.420.4900
Prices: Apps: Less than $10 – Mid $10’s; Pizzas: Low-Upper $10’s; Entrees: Mid-Upper $10’s
Only Reservations for Parties of 6+: 212.420.4900, Cash Only
Notes: Popular, homemade pasta and thin-crust (Neapolitan) pizza spot, sister to Frank and Supper both a few blocks away, good value, casual atmosphere, friendly service, extensive Italian wine list with good limited beer selection, several small dining rooms and a nice backyard garden area.

Drinks Before/After
Jadis
Wine Bar, French
42 Rivington St (btwn Eldridge St & Forsyth St), North side of street; 212.254.1675
Hours: Mon-Thu: 5pm-Midnight, Fri-Sat: 5pm-2am, Sun: Closed
Notes: Cozy, intimate, dimly lit wine bar with dark wood, exposed brick, primarily focused on French wines with some other European and South American ones available, limited but very good selection of small plates, great prices for a wine bar, small tables, high communal tables and bar seating in the front with couches and an open space in the back lounge.

Arlo and Esme
Coffeehouse / Wine Bar / Lounge
42 E 1st St (btwn 1st Ave & 2nd Ave), North side of street; 212.777.5617
Notes: During the day, main floor is a café serving coffee and espresso; at night, becomes a wine bar, dim-lit but a little noisy with people walking through to get to the downstairs lounge, a larger cavernous space with several rooms, dj music, pool table, full bar, variety of seating and a bit of a scene on the weekends.

Il Posto Accanto
Wine Bar, Italian
190 E 2nd St (btwn Ave A & Ave B), North side of street; 212.228.3562
Notes: Sister wine bar to Il Bagatto (next door), Italian wine selection and menu of apps, a little expensive for the locale, good for grabbing a glass of wine while waiting for a table nearby.

Dessert
The Bean Coffee & Tea
Coffeehouse / Teahouse / Café, Sandwiches / Pastries / Gelato / Juice Bar
49 1/2 1st Ave (at 3rd St), Northwest corner; 212.353.1477
Hours: Sun-Thu: 7am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 7am-2am
Notes: Neighborhood coffee and tea café with an offering of sandwiches, wraps, salads, pastries (from other bakeries), juices and gelato, small tables and benches for sitting.

Pinisi Café & Bakery
Bakery, Pastries / Cupcakes / Baked Goods
128 E 4th St (btwn 1st Ave & 2nd Ave), South side of street; 212.614.9079
Hours: Daily: 7am-11pm
Notes: Small, quaint bakery with all baking done on premises, wide assortment of cupcakes, pastries, baked goods, coffee and tea, limited indoor seating and a few chairs in front.

Pinisi Café & Bakery
Bakery, Pastries / Cupcakes / Baked Goods
18-20 First Ave (btwn 1st St & 2nd St), East side of street; 212.828.3345
Hours: Daily: 6am-Midnight
Notes: New sister location to Pinisi (up the street on E 4th St btwn 1st Ave & 2nd Ave), larger space with similar menu of cupcakes, pastries, baked goods, coffee and tea, indoor seating available.

Sugar Sweet Sunshine
Bakery, Cupcakes / Baked Goods
126 Rivington St (btwn Norfolk St & Essex St), North side of street; 212.995.1960
Hours: Mon-Thu: 8am-10pm, Fri: 8am-11pm, Sat: 10am-11pm, Sun: 10am-7pm
Notes: Retro neighborhood bakery hangout, focus on cupcakes and cakes with selection of puddings, brownies, cookies, bars and pies, hodgepodge of seating in small front space.

Lula’s Sweet Apothecary
Dessert, Ice Cream / Frozen Confections / Vegan / Dairy-Free / Gluten-Free
516 E 6th St (btwn Ave A & Ave B), South side of street; 646.912.4549
Hours: Sun, Tue-Wed: 3pm-10pm, Thu-Sat: 3pm-11:30pm, Mon: Closed
Notes: Entirely natural, vegan, dairy-free with gluten-free selections available (several nut-based varieties), but definitely not taste-free, this frozen desserts spot is good for everyone (not just vegans), décor resembles an old-fashioned soda shop with several stools to sit on, friendly service, offerings include ice cream, soft serve, fudge, milk shakes, malts and more.

Westville (West Village)
Restaurant, American
210 W 10th St (btwn W 4th St & Bleecker St), South side of street; 212.741.7971
Prices: Apps: Less than $10 – Low $10’s; Entrees: Less than $10 – Mid $10’s
No Reservations Accepted
Notes: Tiny, hole in the wall spot, very popular, quality food at reasonable prices, health-focused but plenty of “unhealthy” options as well, great for brunch, definitely try the vegetable-based market sides (even if you don’t love veggies), solid desserts, expect to wait for a table during prime dining hours.

Drinks Before/After
Wilfie & Nell
Bar / Restaurant
228 W 4th St (btwn Christopher St & W 10th St), West side of street; 212.242.2990
Notes: Very cool pub-like spot, generally a good crowd, bar seating as well as large communal picnic tables and several smaller tables dispersed throughout, cheap bites available, good beer selection and a full bar, gets crowded regularly so don’t expect to have a quiet drink or find seating easily.

The Otheroom
Bar, Wine & Beer
143 Perry St (btwn Greenwich St & Washington St), North side of street near Washington; 212.645.9758
Cash Only
Notes: Small, very intimate spot with low lighting, serves a nice variety of wines and beers, seats at the bar, couch seating in the front and a good back room with wrap-around seating and small tables (go for these), order and pay for your drinks at the bar.

Dessert
L’arte Del Gelato
Dessert, Gelato
75 Seventh Ave S (at Barrow St), Southeast corner; 212.924.0803
Hours: Sun-Thu: 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-Midnight
Notes: Small spot focusing on gelato (cream and fruit-based) with a wide variety of interesting flavors, sorbets available as well, limited seating inside with a bench outside, get your gelato and take a walk up Bleecker (north, crossing over 7th Ave).

Eskimix
Dessert, Frozen Yogurt / Ice Cream / Smoothies
318 Bleecker St (btwn Grove St & Christopher St), West side of street; 212.206.6828
Hours: Mon-Thu: Noon-11pm, Fri-Sun: Noon-11:30pm
Notes: Frozen yogurt and ice cream shop with igloo / north pole décor, choose from vanilla/chocolate ice cream, tart/vanilla/sugar-free frozen yogurt or dairy free frozen tofu as a base, then blend in fruit, candy, vitamin boosters or other various toppings, smoothies available as well, limited ledge seating with a few stools.

Magnolia Bakery
Bakery, Cupcakes / Baked Goods
401 Bleecker St (at W 11th St), Southeast corner; 212.462.2572
Hours: Sun-Thu: 9am-11:30pm, Fri-Sat: 9am-12:30am
Notes: The most well-known cupcake bakery in the city and the first to spark the craze with its appearance on Sex & the City, more of a tourist destination but some locals swear by it, watch out for long lines during peak hours, selection of cupcakes, cakes, pies, cookies and other baked goods, try the banana pudding.

Birdbath, Neighborhood Green Bakery
Bakery, Organic / Green
145 Seventh Ave (at Charles St), Southeast corner; 646.722.6570
Hours: Mon-Fri: 7:30am-10pm, Sat-Sun: 9am-10pm
Notes: By the same owner as The City Bakery, this eco-friendly bakery serves a wide assortment of cookies, muffins, pastries and other baked goods using organic ingredients, cute décor and casual atmosphere, small area with uncomfortable seating.

Café Habana (NoLita)
Restaurant, Latin American / Mexican
17 Prince St (at Elizabeth St), Northeast corner; 212.625.2002
Prices: Apps: Less than $10; Entrees: Low-Mid $10’s
No Reservations Accepted
Notes: Popular, casual, latin food crowd-pleaser, small and cramped but good atmosphere, décor is a bit like an old-fashioned coffee shop, cool crowd, affordable prices, expect a wait during dinner hours and throughout the day on the weekends, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Drinks Before/After
The Monday Room (Public) / Public (Bar Area)
Wine Bar / Restaurant, Eclectic / Australian
210 Elizabeth St (btwn Spring St & Prince St), East side of street; 212.343.7011
Notes: The Monday Room: Great intimate spot with educated staff (personal wine steward) and stellar wine selection, choose from by the half glass (tasting), glass, half bottle, bottle or flights of wine for a varied experience, changing menu of small and larger plates available with food and wine pairing recommendations, ability to make OpenTable reservations.
The Bar at Public: Loungey bar with bar seating, small tables and cool décor (Public designed by AvroKo), great ambiance and usually a quiet but good scene, if you like beer, order from the available Aussie selection.
How to find it: Both spots are accessible through Public’s main entrance. Ask the host/ess if the Monday Room is open (or check beforehand) since private parties are occasionally held there, it will be directly to your left when you enter. If you prefer a full bar, say that you’re there for drinks at the bar, turn right and keep walking until you see it at the end.

Epistrophy
Wine Bar
200 Mott St (btwn Kenmare St & Spring St), East side of street; 212.966.0904
Notes: Great low-key, popular spot for wine, rustic, hodgepodge of a few couches, tables and bar seating, front windows open up on nice nights.

Dessert
Ciao Bella Gelato
Dessert, Gelato / Sorbet
285 Mott St (btwn Prince St & Houston St), West side of street; 212.431.3591
Hours: (Apr-Oct) Sun-Thu: Noon-11pm, Fri-Sat: Noon-11:30pm; (Nov-Mar) Daily: Noon-7pm
Notes: Tiny gelato shop, a favorite of many, a little pricey but quality assortment of flavors, don’t expect to sit so take your gelato or sorbet and go for a walk (Good route: walk down Mott, make a right on Spring and walk west towards SoHo).

Rice to Riches
Dessert Bar, Rice Pudding
37 Spring St (btwn Mott St & Mulberry St), North side of street; 212.274.0008
Hours: Sun-Thu: 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-1am
Notes: Popular dessert spot featuring 20+ flavors of rice pudding, well-lit with funky décor, random quotations on the wall, limited seating with a counter to stand at, order a “solo” or “epic” size to share (for 2).

Pinkberry
Dessert, Frozen Yogurt / Smoothies / Parfait
41 Spring St (btwn Mott St & Mulberry St), North side of street; 212.274.8883
Hours: Sun-Thu: Noon-11:30pm, Fri-Sat: Noon-12:30am
Notes: Doesn’t really need a description, trendy frozen yogurt chain featuring original and seasonal flavors (pomegranate, coconut, passionfruit) with fruit and dry toppings, smoothies and fruit parfait available as well, modern décor and ample seating, expect a small line occasionally.

Supper (Alphabet City)
Restaurant, Italian
156 E 2nd St (btwn Ave A & Ave B), North side of street; 212.477.7600
Prices: Apps: Less than $10 – Mid $10’s; Pastas: Low-Mid $10’s; Entrees: Mid $10’s – Low $20’s
No Reservations Accepted, Cash Only
Notes: No Dim-lit spot from the same owners of Frank and Lil’ Frankies, open kitchen serving homemade Italian, communal wooden tables and bar seating in the front with smaller tables in the back (try to sit here), adjacent wine bar, solid food with ample specials, great ambiance, extensive wine list.

Drinks Before/After
Il Posto Accanto
Wine Bar, Italian
190 E 2nd St (btwn Ave A & Ave B), North side of street; 212.228.3562
Notes: Sister wine bar to Il Bagatto (next door), Italian wine selection and menu of apps, a little expensive for the locale, good for grabbing a glass of wine while waiting for a table nearby.

Death & Co.
Bar / Lounge, Specialty Cocktails
433 E 6th St (btwn Ave A and 1st Ave), North side of street; 212.388.0882
Notes: One of the best and most popular specialty drinks spots in the city, small lounge with bar and table seating (try not to get seated at the stools with the ledge), always popular, cool vibe, great to impress a date, good small plates, look for a wood-paneled façade to find it, expect a potential wait for a table but give the doorman your name and number and come back when you are notified that space is available.

Elsa
Bar / Speakeasy / Tailor (Specialty Shop), Specialty Cocktails
217 E 3rd St (btwn Ave B & Ave C), North side of street; 917.882.7395
Notes: This small bar doubles as a tailor during the day, focuses on specialty drinks (The Jaszek and Loisaida Punch are popular) with friendly service, if you want really quiet and no crowd with cool concept and good drinks, go here during the week, sometimes gets a bit busy on the weekends.

Dessert
Clinton St Baking Co.
Restaurant / Bakery
4 Clinton St (btwn Stanton St & Houston St), East side of street; 646.602.6263
Hours: Mon-Fri: 8am-4pm & 6pm-11pm, Sat: 9am-4pm & 6pm-11pm, Sun: 9am-4pm
Notes: Extremely popular brunch spot, expect intensely long wait times on weekend mornings and early afternoons, dinner is calmer with less crowds, dimmer lighting and a comfort food menu with the ability to get brunch items as well (e.g. the pancakes), great desserts include pies, cakes, puddings, sundaes and milkshakes, the ice cream is from Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory and cups, cones and pints are available to-go.

Stuffed Artisan Cannolis
Dessert, Cannolis
176 Stanton St (btwn Attorney St & Clinton St), North side of street; 212.995.2266
Hours: Tue-Thu: 1-10pm, Fri: 1pm-1am, Sat: 10am-1am, Sun: 10am-6pm
Notes: Projected opening Oct 1st.

Cocoa Bar
Café / Coffeehouse / Dessert & Wine Bar, Coffee / Chocolate / Wine
21 Clinton St (btwn Stanton St & Houston St), West side of street; 212.677.7417
Hours: Sun-Wed: 8am-Midnight, Thu-Sat: 8am-2am
Notes: Small coffeehouse and café (free wi-fi) during the day, turns into a dessert and wine bar at night, casual table service begins at 7:30pm, selection of chocolates and chocolate-based desserts, wine and coffee with some unique offerings, hit or miss in terms of any people being in there at night so be aware of that, only good for an after-dinner dessert.

Image Source: dirge

FM:What are your favorite cheap-er date spots?

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 at 5:43 pm and is filed under FreshSpots and tagged with casual, cheap, dinner, downtown. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.