Haven’t dated in NY for a looong time, B”H. But what happened to all of the smart stuff – the museums, planetariums or even the UN (fascinating) – a friend once tried to take a girl to the intrepid. Bad, bad, bad, idea.
But, other then that – lots of diversion & conversation starters if needed, and usually there’s a cafe or sitting area for a wrap up. Why does it have to the dreaded lounge or a restaurant (not dreaded, just a bit intense if it’s too early)?
The Marriott is excellent though, you can catch a minyan for maariv and probably even learn nightseder w/your chavrusa. So even if the date is a bomb, it’s a win win proposition.
I take it LA Bubby has an Einkel in Lakewood…I’m picturing the conversation 🙂