Date Night Ideas at NYC Black-Owned Businesses
If you’ve found yourself recycling the same NYC date nights, the new year is a great time to switch things up. And since it’s Black History Month, what better time to try out some date nights at NYC Black-owned businesses?
We’ve rounded up some options throughout NYC perfect for all sorts of interests.
For the music lover
Explore the Universal Hip Hop Museum
Since its May 2021 groundbreaking ceremony, the Universal Hip Hop Museum has been gearing up to establish a place where New Yorkers and tourists alike can celebrate hip-hop history while feeling inspired and leaving with a better understanding of the culture.
Though the museum won’t be open until 2024, you can currently check out the interactive [R]Evolution of Hip Hop journey online and IRL at Bronx Terminal Market.
Bronx Terminal Market
610 Exterior St
Bronx, NY 10451
For the fitness fiend
Exercise at Core Rhythm Fitness
Core Rhythm Fitness is committed to complete mind, body and spirit wellness with a focus on prioritizing your nutrition and fitness in a manner that works with your schedule and lifestyle. Take your date to this Black-owned studio for an inclusive workout experience where all are welcome, regardless of race, age, ethnicity, gender, sexual preference or religion.
Core Rhythm Fitness
25 West 14th St
New York, NY 10011
Photo courtesy of Akwaaba Mansion
For the history/architecture enthusiast
Staycation at Akwaaba Mansion
Treat yourself to a staycation at Akwaaba Mansion, an 1860s landmark Italianate villa in historic Stuyvesant Heights boasting 14-ft ceilings, cozy fireplaces and elegant Afrocentric décor. While there, you can unwind with in-room spa services, enjoy leisurely library or game room time, and indulge in a hearty Southern breakfast or afternoon tea.
Akwaaba Mansion
347 MacDonough St
Brooklyn, NY 11233
For the bookworm & wine lover
Read & Imbibe at The Lit. Bar
A Black-owned bookstore and wine bar, The Lit. Bar is the brainchild of Bronx native Noëlle Santos, who started her business in 2019 to encourage curious readers and welcome literary and community gatherings. Sip on wine while you and your partner discuss books or each read your own.
The Lit. Bar
131 Alexander Ave
Bronx, NY 10454
For the vegan & soul food fan
Eat at TRI Lounge & Café
Hop aboard the Staten Island Ferry for a relaxing sail to Staten Island and head to TRI Lounge & Café, a vegan comfort food restaurant with live entertainment. Delicious vegan soul food options include cornbread, collard greens, fried “chicken” and mac & cheese—and you can also select from a large menu of breakfast foods, bowls, burgers, sandwiches, pizza and more.
Before or after your meal, head to nearby South Beach and stroll the Franklin D Roosevelt Boardwalk.
TRI Lounge & Café
1938 Clove Rd
Staten Island, NY 10304
For the Brooklyn history buff
Screen The Sun Rises in the East
Husband and wife team Tayo Giwa and Cynthia Gordy Giwa, who run Black-Owned Brooklyn, made a documentary called The Sun Rises in the East, which tells the story of The East—a pan-African cultural organization built by young people in 1970s Bed-Stuy, creating dozens of self-sufficient businesses and a center for jazz, art and politics.
Catch the documentary screening Feb. 24, 2022, at Brooklyn Academy of Music.
Location details TBD.
For those who want to be pampered
Rejuvenate at Ommmango Wellness
Originally from Haiti, Ommmango Wellness founder Gina Pierre was raised here in Brooklyn. Her previous careers included teaching and modern and West African dance, before pursuing acupuncture and massage therapy.
Her Fort Greene practice offers couples massages, cupping, essential oil and Reiki treatments, among others services.
Ommmango Wellness
759 Fulton St
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Photo courtesy of Bill’s Place
For the jazz lover
Catch a Jazz Show at Bill’s Place
Bill’s Place provides an intimate speakeasy experience in a dimly lit Harlem brownstone on Friday and Saturday nights. The BYOB jazz parlor was founded in 2006 by Bill Saxton—a saxophonist who grew up in Harlem and spent four decades traveling the world while jamming with fellow jazz legends—and his wife, Theda Palmer Saxton, a writer. Since then the club has grown by word of mouth and five-star reviews across Yelp and TripAdvisor.
Read more about the history of Bill’s Place here.
Bill’s Place
148 West 133rd St
New York, NY 10030
For the theatre fan
See a Play at Black Spectrum Theatre
Founded as a traveling theatrical troupe in 1970, Black Spectrum Theatre Company has grown to produce and present more than 150 plays, 30 films, and music, dance and performance art.
Check out the Black Spectrum Theatre website for events.
Black Spectrum Theatre
177-01 Baisley Blvd
Queens, NY 11434
For more ways to celebrate and support NYC Black-owned businesses on your next date night, peruse these NYC & Company Black-owned neighborhood guides, Black Owned Long Island and Black-Owned Brooklyn.
