10 Best Dog-Friendly Date Spots in New York City

Dating in New York gets a bad rap: The apps are oversaturated, the drinks are way too expensive, and everyone interesting seems to live two crowded train transfers away. But if there’s one thing the city’s ideal for, it’s variety. Thanks to the sheer number of romantic spots at your fingertips, you can find the ideal locale for pretty much any date-night preference — including bringing your dog along.

Maybe you can’t find a pet sitter or you want a calming presence to help with some first-date jitters. Maybe you need to find out your dog’s opinion of your new person before things go any further. Maybe your Hinge match mostly seemed interested in meeting your pet (don’t take it personally). Whatever reason you have for wanting your pup to wingman, there are plenty of fun venues where they can feel welcome.

Here the top 10 dog-friendly date spots in New York City.

Bar Primi

You don’t have to compromise on top-notch food and cozy ambience when you want your dog to tag along to dinner. Chow down on some fresh pasta at Bar Primi, a casual Italian restaurant with a curated wine selection and delicious cocktails. Your pup’s welcome to join you on the heated, covered outdoor patio.

Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge Park

There’s nothing like watching a romantic sunset with a date — and there’s nowhere better to catch it than along Brooklyn Bridge, where you can see the city skyline at golden hour. Your leashed dog is welcome on the bridge and at Brooklyn Bridge Park, where you can rest and snack before or after your stroll.

The Wilson

Some people want their dog by their side; this place is for when you want them front and center. Located within INNSiDE Hotel in Chelsea, the gorgeous Wilson doesn’t just allow dogs — it welcomes them. Your pup will be greeted with a dog menu, complete with their choice of grilled steak, grilled chicken breast, or a Wilson burger. If they’re craving sweets, they can order a popsicle, mixed berries, sliced apples and cucumbers, or a housemate dog biscuit. This is one spot your pup definitely won’t feel weird about third wheeling.

Pine Box Rock Shop

If you and your S.O. are looking for unlimited entertainment in a chill atmosphere where dogs can chill with you, Pine Box Rock Shop has no shortage of options. The dive-y venue is most famous for its comedy shows, but you can also play a game of trivia, sing your heart out at karaoke, catch a drag show… the list goes on. Check out their event calendar for countless fun ways to spend a date night.

Lucky Dog

For another more casual date spot, check out Lucky Dog in Williamsburg. Get to know your date over a drink in this relaxed, graffiti-covered bar. If conversation stalls, you can always play a game of shuffleboard or pinball. There’s a cute backyard, but your pup’s not relegated to it — they’re welcome to cozy up to you inside, too.

The Hole

This art gallery with locations in the NoHo and Tribeca is famous for platforming exciting emerging artists — like Younguk Yi, whose first solo New York collection is currently on display. And unlike many fancy New York art galleries, dogs are more than welcome to trot alongside their humans.

McNally Jackson

You can learn a lot about someone by browsing a bookstore with them. All McNally Jackson locations are dog friendly, but the Seaport location is especially cozy and encourages lounging for hours. Dogs aren’t allowed in the cafe areas, but you can grab a couple of coffees and relax in the bookstore, where there are plenty of chairs tucked into cozy corners.

Clinton Hall

Clinton Hall has five locations throughout NYC, and pups are welcome at each of them. Dogs are asked to stay in the outdoor areas — but don’t let that deter you from their FiDi location, where on chilly days, their all-weather patio is covered and heated. You and your date can play ping pong, Connect Four, or giant Jenga while you snack on their full menu of elevated bar classics — think fondue burgers and Korean fried chicken.

Central Park

It’s a classic for a reason. Before the temperatures get too bitter, celebrate sweater weather with a day in Central Park. Take a long walk with your pup along the lake and through the Conservatory Garden, then settle down for a picnic with plenty of people-watching in Sheep Meadow. Be sure to keep your pup leashed unless you’re in designated off-leash areas.

The AKC Museum of the Dog

The truly dog-obsessed couple will get a kick out of The AKC Museum of the Dog, which celebrates the human-canine bond through rotating exhibitions (and a massive permanent collection). Right now, you can bring your date and pup along to The New Yorker in Dog Years, an exhibition of 44 dog-themed New Yorker covers throughout the magazine’s 100 year history.