The Bronx has been vastly underrated for their venues, establishments, and events. Unlike some of the other boroughs, you can actually afford to go out in your area. Not only is rent cheaper for working-class New Yorkers that were forced out of other boroughs, there’s also an endless amount of options for date places. The Bronx has theaters, museums, cricket pitches, an equestrian center, baseball, and green markets. It’s a really dynamic place that would be fun to discover with your date.
Walking in Bronx Parklands
Like other boroughs, there are many neighborhood pubs and restaurants. What the Bronx has that other areas in New York don’t is parkland. With over 7,000 acres of parkland in the Bronx, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy a date outside. There’s even a beach here.
At Wave Hill, a small botanical garden in Riverdale, there are Free Saturday Mornings. You can take in the breathtaking view of the Hudson River here. Once a private estate, you can take a hike through the woods within the park, or sit down on the lawn and have a lunch. Here, you’re not far from the legit Little Italy, a perfect place to dine after a walk in the park.
The New York Botanical Garden has plenty of flora to take in. It’s really peaceful at the NYBG’s Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, a perfect place for getting to know one another. The outside gardens are on 250 acres so you’ll have no problem finding a quiet nook to be alone together.
Bronx Museum of Arts
This museum was founded in the 1970’s by community activists. They showcase African-Hispanic and Asian-American artists. They also create a meeting point for the multicultural community. Admission is free here. Worth going to if you’re a Bronx local.
Bowling at Van Nest Lanes
Bowling is a great way to have fun on a date. The Van Nest Lanes are special. They have old wood lanes with no automatic scorer. It has a very homey feeling to it. There is a laid-back attitude here with some bowling leagues using the lanes. It’s a cute date idea to break the ice.
City Island for Seafood
City Island was once a hub for maritime production. You get a sense of a nautical past all over this neighborhood. It is a 1.5-mile long enclave in the Bronx but you’ll feel like you’re in a whole other world. Walking around here, you’ll notice many of the stores pay homage to the past with old nautical themed décor. For a great seafood dinner, go to the Sea Shore Restaurant and Marina.
Where to Drink
For a rooftop experience in the Bronx, the Pine Bar and Grill is the place to go. The fare here is Italian meets American grill. The ambiance is a Manhattan style. It’s sophisticated and hip. Also, rooftops are always romantic.
For a more chilled out spot that is famous among locals, the An Beal Bocht Café is the go-to place. It’s an Irish Pub where there is always something going on. Live music, quiz nights, comedy shows or book readings are just some of the events going on here. If you don’t want to participate in the night’s events, you can always find a cozy corner to yourselves.
If you both love craft beer, check out the Gun Hill Brewery. They have plenty of their draft beers on tap for tastings. You can do a tour of the brewery too. The Bronx Alehouse is another popular place, deemed the craft beer headquarters. Try 100 different beers from their list and you’ll meet the honorary status of Gold Member. Okay, this probably can’t be done on one date but maybe its incentive to go out on a second date.
Horseback Riding at the Bronx Equestrian Center
Bronx Equestrian Center might be an odd date idea but it could be a fun experience too. This equestrian facility is in Pelham Bay Park where you can choose to ride Western or English. All levels or riders are welcome and you can take a lesson together. If it’s not your jam to ride a horse, you can take in a hay wagon ride.
Canoe Ride on Bronx River
The Bronx River is unique in that it’s the only freshwater river in NYC. It’s easy to paddle here and beginners are welcome. It’s very peaceful going down the river and you can take a tour or go it alone. This really is Notebook romance at its best. Also, learning to canoe in unison together is great team building exercise.
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