Diving right into it today with two places you need to know about: Bar Fortuna, a winner of a sexy, dimly lit date spot, and 1905 Lounge, an art-filled refuge for post-work drinks.
Both are now open, in the West Village and near Herald Square, respectively.
Further breakdowns right here:
Bar Fortuna
Is the spot you’ll find: On the second floor of an old townhouse (that also contains Casa Apicii), up a semi-obscured staircase, behind a red door marked only by a rabbit-shaped knocker.
Which you’ll utilize: For dates. Period. The velvet banquettes, dim lighting and backgammon table in front of the fireplace lend themselves to that sort of thing.
Food-wise, you’re working with: Snacks, mostly. Things like saffron rice balls stuffed with taleggio cheese and veggies for dipping in anchovy-garlic vinaigrette.
Is the spot you’ll find: Tucked inside of the HGU hotel—walls filled with art from the owner’s personal collection, bookshelves from which you might grab something before sinking into a leather armchair, suede couches for posting up with a drink or three. Oh, and a fireplace.
Which you’ll utilize: For an after-work cocktail, or drinks with an attractive someone before dinner elsewhere in the neighborhood.
Drinks-wise, we recommend: The Mia’s pretty unique and autumnal—it’s got whiskey, ancho chili liqueur, vermouth and chocolate bitters. Factoid: their small (but solid) selection of cocktails are all named after famous party girls, many of whom are in frames on the walls around you.
Food-wise, you’re working with: Nothing, for now—but they’re hoping to change that in the near future.