The In-and-Out Date

If you are a serial JDater looking for quick meet and greet spots this summer, try some of our favorite, contract-free date spots and tell us how it goes.

Café Lalo at 201 W 83rd Street

Famous for its You’ve Got Mail debut, Café Lalo has brought in kosher and non-kosher folk alike. Though not strictly kosher, it’s a great spot to meet (with a red rose and a book) your mysterious date for a quick milkshake or cappuccino. Their dessert list is not half bad either with hundreds of items to choose from. Just make sure to check for the K next to the item. Visit www.CafeLalo.com for more info.

Byrant Park at 42nd St. and 6th Ave

Bryant Park’s Southwest Porch is one of my personal fav spots for a first date because it’s great for grabbing a drink outdoors, with the option to sit out by the lawn if you still have something to talk about after downing a Mojito (or beer). It’s packed after work hours, but is a great place to spend as much or as little time as you’d like any day of the week. Just make sure to choose a day with good weather. More info at www.bryantpark.org/things-to-do/southwest_porch.html.

The “Let’s Get to Know One Another” Date

If you think you might have spotted someone who will not spend the entire date talking about how much her grandmother wants her to get married, you might want to try a few spots that will allow for easy, and longer, conversation.

The Cellar 600 Columbus Ave at 89th St.

Housed by the famous Darna restaurant (another great date spot), The Cellar opened up just recently featuring the finest kosher wines, exotic beers, cocktails and Moroccan treats. It has the atmosphere of a great lounge, but the drink and food options of a great Kosher restaurant. It’s a great place to sit with your date for a few hours and get to know one another. The Cellar will also host performances and wine tasting events, in the case you’d like to plan for an extra special eve. More info at www.wix.com/GavrielShaya/The-Cellar.

Blossom with Several Locations

This vegan-friendly, organic and Kosher spot has items on their website that make me want to find a date just so I have a reason to go there. Not only do they have mouth-watering items, but they even have a chocolate and wine bar in their 21st street location! Need we say more! And in case you run out of things to talk about, ask the waiter about all they do for animal rights, and order some vegan chocolate to go. For more about this fancy and friendly date spot, visit www.blossomnyc.com.

Noidue Café at 143 West 69th Street

As said by my kosher friend, this place has rockin’ dairy Italian food, quote “amazing, amazing, amazing” with good wine selection and desserts so divine. Guys, if I were you, I’d pay attention. With good atmosphere and good food, you can’t go wrong. To make your reservation, visit Noidue Café at noiduecafe.com or call 212.712.2222.

The “I Just Wanna Have Some Fun” Date

If you’re ready to test your date’s limits and try some spots more unconventional, find out how your date rough-houses by trying some of these interesting, and maybe quirky, date spots.

Coney Island at 1208 Surf Ave. Brooklyn

Word on the street is Coney Island has gotten its groove back, bringing in a big crowd (and a wild ride) once again. If you and your date would like to experience the ups and downs of rollercoasters and Ferris wheels, crash into one another with toy cars, and be in the company of wild and crazy circus performers, this might be your place. Not to mention, there are some great kosher restaurants in the area for when you two get hungry. For more info on what to do at Coney Island, including catching fireworks, go to www.coneyislandfunguide.com.

Carnival at 110 University Place

This indoor, adult-like carnival housed in the bowling party house Bowlmor, recently opened to give you and your date an experience like no other. Too humid? Raining? Bring the party inside with alcohol-topped snow cones, indoor carnival games to win your date a prize, and fun mirrors and stilt-walkers making the experience as real as it can get. Although there’s nothing really kosher about this place, we had to make mention of it on our list. Paris Hilton approves. Find out more at carnivalnyc.com".

The “Let’s Get Serious-to-Real Serious” Date

Prime Grill at 60 East 49th St

This choice sounded too obvious to even list here, but so many people suggested it, we couldn’t ignore. So we’re giving the people what they want! This gorgeous kosher steakhouse on the Eastside is promised to have great food, great ambiance and great service. And as one friend mentioned, it’s a great spot to take a pre or after-dinner stroll if you want to be spotted together. This is the place to be seen if you want the city to know you’re together, she says. If you and your woman or man are ready to seal the deal, Prime Grill might be the place to do it. Although their website can be confusing www.theprimegrill.com, hopefully the answer to your relationship proposal won’t be. Call 212.692.9292 to make reservations.

Central Park

Well, I hate to be cliché, but as a woman, there’s nothing more romantic than a date in Central Park! It’s got the perks of everything listed above in one - so why not make a day of it? Picnic, sightseeing, walk under the stars… the possibilities are endless. Plus, there are only so many days of summer, so use your date opportunities wisely. For some ideas on how to plan a day in Central Park for you and your love, go to www.centralparknyc.org.

Home

No, not Home as in the club, but home as in your apartment - your personal spot. If you’re serious about someone, there is nothing sexier and more romantic than planning the night in the convenience of your place. And if you have a rooftop, or terrace, a bonus 10 points for you! Plan the eve with some nice Kosher wine, show off your Kosher cooking (recipes can be found at www.recipezaar.com/recipes/kosher,romantic) and don’t forget some candles and roses. I can almost guarantee your date will be yours, unless of course this is your first. That might be a bit much.

We hope you have enjoyed our list (and we apologize for leaving out some of your suggestions). We’ll be sure to stay on the lookout for great spots for your next date, and would love to hear if you go on any of our Top 10. Stay tuned, for love is in the air…