As Restaurant Week settles in on the city, we take a closer look at some of our favorite spots in Brooklyn and Manhattan, all easily bikeable and perfect for a date night (or day). They also happen to be a good way to avoid the inevitable long-waits and crowds from official Restaurant Week participants. Take a look:
1. Dimes:
Located in Chinatown, this cozy eatery features decor Brancusi and Alexander Calder would likely lust after and some of the best food and cocktails in the city. The menu consists of delicious acai bowls in the morning and healthy, delicious options for dinner. Make sure to keep an eye out for the local color: Dimes is perfect for people watching.
2. Jack's Wife Freda
Lovingly given the moniker "South African Israeli Jewish Grandmother Cuisine" by New York Mag, this cozy spot in Soho is perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner (they have cocktails too!). A good spot if you're on a bit of a budget and don't want to break the bank for a great date.
3. Roberta's
An East Williamsburg/Bushwick staple, Roberta's has all of your pizza needs covered. While we won't try to claim Roberta's has the best pizza in the city (that's a losing game), we will say that the ever-busy eatery isn't just all talk, the pizzas are amazing!
4. Champs Diner
A place that'll have you asking, "Wait, was that really vegan??" Champs Diner has mastered delicious vegan diner-style cuisine. Great for a low-key date on a weekend.
5. Bar Velo
A bicycle-themed bar in East Williamsburg/Bushwick, step back in time to the 1930s, when cycling was the primary mode of transit and cycling was still chic instead of predominantly sporty. A small menu of cozy food and delicious cocktails, it's the perfect date spot if you're looking to be away from the crowds.
6. Lilia
If you're on the lookout to spend a little more but have an incredibly romantic experience, Lilia is it. Tucked into a redone auto-body shop, the cozy eatery offers some of the best pasta in the country, and comes recommended by Obama.
Other suggestions for drinks, small bites, and killer coffee:
Guero's
The Fried Avocado Taco is a must!
Angel's Share
A speakeasy behind a Japanese restaurant.
Cafe Integral
Nicaraguan coffee roasted in Brooklyn.
Baz Bagel
Hand-rolled bagels and amazing lox and whitefish.
We would love to hear your suggestions! Comment below or tag us on social media using @brooklynbikeco and #BrooklynBicycle. And if you need a way to get to all of these restaurants by bike, take a look at our Brooklyn Bicycle Co. collections page.
Images courtesy of Nathan Perkel / Dimes Restaurant, Jack's Wife Freda, Roberta's Pizza, Bar Velo, and Lilia Ristorante.
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