15 Uptown Spots That Feel Like Downtown Spots - New York - The Infatuation

"On your first date with this person, you went to a French wine bar, ate some charcuterie, and talked about your childhood golden retriever and the importance of REM sleep. For your second (or any early-in-the-game) date, go to Flex Mussels. This UES seafood spot has a long bar and plenty of tables, and the food is all light, shareable, and more interesting than another charcuterie plate. Come during Happy Hour and get discounted wine and $1 oysters, or for a low-commitment dinner when you can share small plates and any of the over 20 dishes that include mussels." - bryan kim, matt tervooren