The team at Outpost is happy to introduce another weekly column for your fancy. Asthon Clancy.
our resident date-night expert, will be reporting on New York’s hottest spots to spark a conversation or, in her words, something a bit more.
From high-end martini joints to unassuming dive bars, here are the best places to take that hot date of yours—through her eyes.
The Portrait Bar
New York City dwellers are highly proficient in the language of swanky cocktail bars and may know the one buzzing on the corner of 28th street and 5th avenue. I stepped out to determine whether it’s “same old, same old” or worth impressing your cute date with.
The Portrait Bar’s aura can instantly set the mood and therefore deserves a close energy read. Masculine oak bookcases line its walls, while delicate mirrors grace its ceilings and offer a subtle feminine contrast. The mirrors reflect all the dolled up people throughout the room in a playful way. Deep red velvet sofas with soft tassels - the kind that invite you to sink further into your martini haze.
The bar’s cozy seating and flattering lighting is par for the course. Beautiful people lean in to kiss their friends as they arrive, while others share a gentle hug to greet their handsome date. Portrait Bar’s guests seem engaged and there is not a single glaring iPhone screen throughout the darkish room - perhaps only mine as I take notes.
The natural joy that comes from a New York City, Thursday fall evening is alive and well in this room. There appears to be a few solo guests of the hotel gracing the bar and looking prime for a good and unusual conversation. The glassware feels intentional and expensive like the sweet and spicy cocktail inside it. The drinks leave a strong aftertaste on your palette - an experience you may or may not hope to share with your date. The funky portraits on the wall are helpful to gesture to when you need to revive the conversation from a long pause. The bartenders are attentive and take pride in their decadent $25 cocktails - a sign of a good bar.
The Portrait Bar is rightfully fancy and festive. The holiday season is a time known for loosening wallets and pants - and this is the place to do both of those things. I’ll lay it on straight - it’s home to very indulgent cocktails, but if you feel like rubbing two dimes together to set the mood, this could be where the magic happens.
