Black Thursday approaches, and naturally a large portion of the city's restaurants will be overwhelmed by two-tops and candlelight as couples get all sappy and give one another gifts of cheap chocolate and ugly jewelry. Whether you're still reeling from a recent breakup or are embracing single life in the city, there's no reason to hibernate on Cupid's day of reckoning — here's a map of some of the best places to go solo on Valentine's Day.
A big juicy burger and some live country music (starting at 9 p.m.) sound like an excellent way to pass Black Thursday. Be sure to leave your mark in Sharpie on the wall -- "M.E. WUZ HERE V-DAY 2013", or maybe just a simple "F--- CUPID".
Gabe will make you feel special by remembering your drink, even if it's only your second time in, and there's a TV to stare at to avoid awkwardness. Pro tip: The coffee bourbon goes down dangerously smooth.
Order a "Stripper Sweat" (cranberry, vanilla vodka, St. Germain, and Fernet) and you can almost imagine your favorite scantily clad lady sitting right there next to you. See, you're not alone after all!
An Italian Stallion (the sandwich, silly) and a glass of red wine are just what the doctor ordered. Grab a seat at one of the small tables or go home to Netflix the night away with your cat.
Remember how your ex-girlfriend always used to lecture you about your diet? Forget her. Grab a seat at the bar and load up on meat, meat, and more meat while taking in whatever sporting event happens to be on the TV.
Craft beer, cocktails, or coffee: pick your poison. There will definitely be a bearded barista who will more than likely be happy to regale you with a lesson in artisan coffeemaking.
If you enjoy the sounds of Depeche Mode or The Smiths, Strangeways is an excellent low-key spot to drink the night away. Hunker down at the bar and start working your way through their obscure beer list.
Whole Foods has a bar with plenty of craft beer, and since it's inside a grocery store, people probably won't be cruising for dates -- which could be a good or a bad thing. Also, you can pick up some tofu ice cream sandwiches and Toms shoes on the way out, so how's that for one-stop shopping?
An obvious choice for solo drinking, the Windmill's bar is a perfect place to settle down with an Old Fashioned or four -- at least until someone plays Avril Lavigne on the jukebox.
Nothing like a quart of fro-yo to drown your sorrows -- or celebrate being able to spoil your dinner without anyone's disapproval. We humbly suggest the red velvet flavor with every candy topping available. Free wi-fi, so bring your laptop to cruise Match.com -- or not.
Grab a seat at the sushi bar and watch the sushi masters in action. Warm sake is a welcome companion, and feel free to treat yourself to the most expensive shit on the menu.
A big juicy burger and some live country music (starting at 9 p.m.) sound like an excellent way to pass Black Thursday. Be sure to leave your mark in Sharpie on the wall -- "M.E. WUZ HERE V-DAY 2013", or maybe just a simple "F--- CUPID".
Gabe will make you feel special by remembering your drink, even if it's only your second time in, and there's a TV to stare at to avoid awkwardness. Pro tip: The coffee bourbon goes down dangerously smooth.
Order a "Stripper Sweat" (cranberry, vanilla vodka, St. Germain, and Fernet) and you can almost imagine your favorite scantily clad lady sitting right there next to you. See, you're not alone after all!
An Italian Stallion (the sandwich, silly) and a glass of red wine are just what the doctor ordered. Grab a seat at one of the small tables or go home to Netflix the night away with your cat.
Remember how your ex-girlfriend always used to lecture you about your diet? Forget her. Grab a seat at the bar and load up on meat, meat, and more meat while taking in whatever sporting event happens to be on the TV.
Craft beer, cocktails, or coffee: pick your poison. There will definitely be a bearded barista who will more than likely be happy to regale you with a lesson in artisan coffeemaking.
If you enjoy the sounds of Depeche Mode or The Smiths, Strangeways is an excellent low-key spot to drink the night away. Hunker down at the bar and start working your way through their obscure beer list.
Whole Foods has a bar with plenty of craft beer, and since it's inside a grocery store, people probably won't be cruising for dates -- which could be a good or a bad thing. Also, you can pick up some tofu ice cream sandwiches and Toms shoes on the way out, so how's that for one-stop shopping?
An obvious choice for solo drinking, the Windmill's bar is a perfect place to settle down with an Old Fashioned or four -- at least until someone plays Avril Lavigne on the jukebox.
Nothing like a quart of fro-yo to drown your sorrows -- or celebrate being able to spoil your dinner without anyone's disapproval. We humbly suggest the red velvet flavor with every candy topping available. Free wi-fi, so bring your laptop to cruise Match.com -- or not.
Grab a seat at the sushi bar and watch the sushi masters in action. Warm sake is a welcome companion, and feel free to treat yourself to the most expensive shit on the menu.
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