Things to Do on Valentine's Day in NYC When You're Single
So you’re single on February 14… lucky you! Seriously.
Whether you despise Valentine’s Day or could care less about some dumb, fake holiday, there’s plenty to do alone tonight to make it the best evening in February. Menus created for one, singles parties, and creative ways to scorn your exes are all strewn throughout the city for solo V-Day celebrations that will have all your coupled friends jealous of your dedicated you-time. Plus, you don’t have to pay the date night tax or Valentine’s Day premium we’ve come to expect from restaurants on this annual forced night of romance.
Take yourself on a date in New York City at one of these special February 14 events:
Bushwick
If just the thought of looking at another blissful couple out on February 14 makes your stomach churn, head to a solo slurping booth at Ichiran, where you won’t have to even look at anyone else -- including your server obscured behind a screen -- as you indulge in a steamy bowl of traditional Japanese ramen. Bonus: No one will judge if you order a second, or third, bowl.
Lower East Side
Dirt Candy's Solo Diners Week, an annual celebration in honor of Valentine's Day, returns from February 12-16 with a seven-course menu designed for people enjoying a meal alone. Dishes will include chef Amanda Cohen’s veggie-centric favorites like Korean fried broccoli, carrot sliders on carrot steamed buns and portobello mousse on truffle toast. $80
Flatiron
In honor of her new cookbook, Solo: A Modern Cookbook for a Party of One, and as an ode to the February 14 dinners she used to host at her (now closed) Michelin-starred restaurant, Anissa, chef Anita Lo will host a chef’s table dinner designed for unaccompanied diners at The Breslin. $150 per person. events@thebreslin.com for ticket purchase
Carroll Gardens
Celebrate being single at Books Are Magic, where writer Molly Rosen Guy will host a dramatic reading series for the broken hearted. Jessica Ciencin Henriquez, Brooke Williams, Emily Rapp Black and Rachel Fleit will also read. Wine will be provided by Winc and Lost Poet, and Pair Piercing will offer on-site ear piercing so you can express your angst with bling. $10 suggested donation to Planned Parenthood of NYC, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Greenpoint
Nerd out at this bookstore’s free “Teach Me Sweetheart” trivia night. Attend with a team of up to four people, or meet your team in the cafe, where beer, risotto balls and cookies will all be available for purchase and for winning if you know more about, well, many topics, than anyone else. 8 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Williamsburg
Treat yourself to a staycation in Williamsburg, where Brooklyn-based sex product company Maude has teamed up with the trendy hotel for a self-love special. Rooms will be 30% off, and Maude will provide a “specially curated intimacy kit that promises good vibes,” i.e., candles, a vibrator, lube, and some special tips, whatever those are. Queen rooms with a balconies start at $229/night
West Village
Married Jewish-Palestinian lesbian comedic duo the El-Salomons will host a Valentine’s Day comedy show along with a great lineup of guest comics at the Duplex’s cabaret theater. Laugh away your past relationship woes -- if these two can make it, so can you! $10 in advance, $15 at the door, two drink minimum
Ridgewood
Ready to toast goodbye to your last bad relationship? Bring a picture (or a hate doodle) of your ex to this cafe and bar and let the bartender shred it in exchange for a cocktail. "Thank U, Next," indeed. Unclear if you can shred more than one ex, but you knows who else’s ex you may meet tonight.
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Crown Heights
Get your clique together or go stag -- Franklin Park is recreating a classic school dance to help you relive your teenage years. DJ Heavy Flow will spin 45s and the punch bowl will be spiked. Cute teachers may be in attendance, which is great, since you’re an adult now… 8pm - 1am
Bushwick
House of Yes is saying no to corny chocolates and balloons on Valentine’s day and yes to, well, whatever you want to say yes to, as long as it’s consensual. A kissing booth, relationship therapists, champagne, divorce attorney, non-binary babes, and more are promised at this “sexy crazy dance party.” 10pm - 4am, Free before 11pm, $15 after, eventbrite.com
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