Best date spots: West Village

Oenophiles can perch at the butcher-block bar and test their palates with blind-tasting flights, or kick back with a glass of vino on the wingback chairs in front. If you and your object of affection are aspiring connoisseurs, sign up for a class—on subjects like Wine 101 and takeout pairings ranging from pizza to pad thai—held in the back rooms.

Your evening can go in two directions at this casual pub: lowbrow (PBR by the can) or high-falutin’ (a large selection of single-malt Scotches). Get there early to claim a snug corner leather booth, and curb late-night hunger pangs with a top-notch burger.

The city’s leading movie house is programmed by a fest-scouring staff that takes its duties as seriously as a Kurosawa samurai. Many of FF’s revival screenings are presented in spiffy new prints; some films are even introduced by their stars in person; the lineup of new international indies is top-notch too. A word to the wise: The fare on offer often errs toward intense topics, so prep intelligent conversation points—or jokes to lighten the postmovie mood.

Cultivate romance—and an appreciation for jazz—at this hallowed hall. Open since 1935, this basement club’s diminutive stage still hosts the crème de la crème of mainstream talent. Even if you and your other half can’t catch a heavy hitter, the 16-piece Vanguard Jazz Orchestra gets crowds snapping along every Monday night.