If you’re looking for some sexy NYC bars to get your groove on during Valentine’s Day, Travel Noire has got the scoop.
Valentine’s Day is geared towards couples, but self-love is always a vibe. You don’t need to be in a relationship to enjoy what this vibrant city has to offer as far as alcohol is concerned. From elegant wine bars to Irish pubs, cocktail lounges, and grungy dive bars, NYC bars are well-endowed and swinging.
There are new nightlife spots springing up constantly, almost as fast as the high rises are. Not long ago, COVID gutted the bar and restaurant scene. But, now it’s back and more in-your-face than ever before.
Wine and dine your boo, or yourself, at one of these sexy NYC bars.
The Tippler
Step inside this sensual cocktail lounge next to Chelsea Market. The lighting is deliberately low, and there are several little nooks tucked away if you and your partner are feeling extra affectionate (but don’t go overboard). At night, you’ll have to show your ID, before you head downstairs to this classy establishment, where library and speakeasy collide. You can sit at the bar or at one of the many tables spread out across the place.
The Tippler takes pride in serving specialty cocktails, like New York State of Mind, Socialite and Green With Envy (a slightly healthier spin on the Moscow Mule). According to the website, they offer a vast selection of artisanal spirits, beers, and wines, as well as the standard cocktails like margaritas and martinis.
Peckish? There are little nibbles available, like chips and salsa and the delicious soft pretzel with Dijon mustard. Not enough? Feel free to order food for delivery from Chelsea Market.
Madame X
Madame X doesn’t just call itself a sexy bar, but the sexiest bar in New York City. You can decide for yourself.
Located on West Houston Street, it has an elegant goth vibe, especially in the lounge area at the rear. Small wonder that The Court of Lazarus, a vampire society, holds gatherings there.
The sexy vibe extends to the names of the cocktails, including Pussy Galore, Cheeky Tiki and Sultry Hot. Madame X is a lot larger than it seems on its face. In addition to the main bar and lounge, there’s the atrium and an outdoor area. Take your pick!
The A, B, C, D and several other train lines are in proximity.
Porchlight
Located on 28th Street and 11th avenue, Porchlight is a New York establishment with a Southern twist. The menu is divided into snacks, small bites, main courses and desserts. You and your boo can start your night with a bowl of tasty sugar and spice popcorn, while sipping a cocktail. Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, but if you go the day before, you can enjoy live music. It’s definitely worth it to make reservations, because it’s packed just about every night.
Keys & Heels
This speakeasy is lodged behind a fake locksmith and shoe repair business on the Upper East Side. It’s a nod to the Prohibition era, when businesses needed to be discreet about alcohol distribution. The Instagram page is meant to deceive with its pictures of shoe polish and such. But, it’s all an act.
Time Out writes, “its pretty interior has patches of exposed brick, cinematic lighting and warm earth tones approaching burnt sienna, leafy green and sunset hues. Tufted upholstery banquettes and little lamp-topped bistro tables fill the cozy space. It is very photogenic.”
According to Guest of a Guest, “follow the neon signs, and you’ll be transported to an intimate lounge dotted with two-top tables and greenery – an unexpected sanctuary for a mood-setting date night.”
Lounge bites include salmon tartare cones, mini tacos with a variety of fillings and more. As for drinks, there’s the refreshing Keys Spritz Bomb, High Heeled Ambition (which is gin based) and the ultimate summer cocktail: Barefoot and Topless.