Photograph: Courtesy of Grey Dog's Coffee

Breakfast is to morning as protection is to sex: You wouldn’t dare get going without it, would you? Jump-start an early date with brunch in the West Village at the cozy Grey Dog’s Coffee. Carbo-load to your heart’s content with the bagel-and-lox platter ($10.95) or the challah French toast served with fresh fruit ($9.75). Avoid slipping into a food coma by walking to the Downtown Boathouse at Pier 40 and becoming one with the Hudson—and your date—in a kayak. The aqua-loving staff offers free paddling tutorials (complete with paddles and boat). If you’re lucky, you can convince them to hum the Love Boat theme as you and your date drift away.