If You Can't Find Love on V-Day, Treat Yourself to the Ultimate Anti-Valentine's Night Out in NYC
For those who can't stand the romantic chaos that Valentine's Day brings, Paul Beck has a better idea. The mastermind behind the popular Instagram account "Martinis with Fries" recommends ditching the dating scene and indulging in what he calls the "New York Happy Meal": a chilled martini paired with an order of French fries.
Beck's top picks for a solo evening out can be found in some of NYC's best bars, each offering its own unique take on this guilty pleasure. For a classic New York City vibe, head to Cecchi's in the West Village, where wide leather booths and murals on the wall provide the perfect backdrop for a martini and fries night out. The bartenders are friendly, and the $25 special from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. is a steal.
For something more elegant, try Bar Rêve in Cobble Hill. This upscale bar boasts a "Belle Époque Paris" aesthetic, complete with velvet lounge nooks and high-class hospitality. Paul recommends their French fries with togarashi aioli for $12 – a small price to pay for the luxurious experience.
On the Lower East Side, Le Dive is Beck's go-to spot for a no-frills martini and fries night out. The natural wine bar may not seem like an obvious choice, but its lively atmosphere makes it the perfect place to meet new people – even on Valentine's Day. Cocktails are priced at $16, while French fries will set you back $11.
Last but not least, there's Holiday Cocktail Lounge in the East Village, a legendary spot that allegedly inspired Madonna's hit "Holiday." This funky and eclectic bar is home to super knowledgeable bartenders who can whip up a classic gin martini for $18. And with hand-cut French fries at $9, it's an affordable night out.
So if you're looking for a way to escape the romance and indulge in some solo fun on Valentine's Day, look no further than these NYC bars that serve up the ultimate "New York Happy Meal."
For those who can't stand the romantic chaos that Valentine's Day brings, Paul Beck has a better idea. The mastermind behind the popular Instagram account "Martinis with Fries" recommends ditching the dating scene and indulging in what he calls the "New York Happy Meal": a chilled martini paired with an order of French fries.
Beck's top picks for a solo evening out can be found in some of NYC's best bars, each offering its own unique take on this guilty pleasure. For a classic New York City vibe, head to Cecchi's in the West Village, where wide leather booths and murals on the wall provide the perfect backdrop for a martini and fries night out. The bartenders are friendly, and the $25 special from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. is a steal.
For something more elegant, try Bar Rêve in Cobble Hill. This upscale bar boasts a "Belle Époque Paris" aesthetic, complete with velvet lounge nooks and high-class hospitality. Paul recommends their French fries with togarashi aioli for $12 – a small price to pay for the luxurious experience.
On the Lower East Side, Le Dive is Beck's go-to spot for a no-frills martini and fries night out. The natural wine bar may not seem like an obvious choice, but its lively atmosphere makes it the perfect place to meet new people – even on Valentine's Day. Cocktails are priced at $16, while French fries will set you back $11.
Last but not least, there's Holiday Cocktail Lounge in the East Village, a legendary spot that allegedly inspired Madonna's hit "Holiday." This funky and eclectic bar is home to super knowledgeable bartenders who can whip up a classic gin martini for $18. And with hand-cut French fries at $9, it's an affordable night out.
So if you're looking for a way to escape the romance and indulge in some solo fun on Valentine's Day, look no further than these NYC bars that serve up the ultimate "New York Happy Meal."
i've been stalking paul beck's instagram and those nyc bars sound like my kind of scene 
cecchi's in the west village is calling my name, gotta try their $25 special ASAP 
bar rêve sounds like a fancy night out tho 
le dive is so lowkey cute too, never thought i'd say that about a natural wine bar 
but seriously, holiday cocktail lounge is giving me major 90s vibes 
i'm totally doing this on v day instead of trying to find love 
Like, what if it's just not meant to be and we're all just stuck with ourselves anyway? 
I'd rather spend my Valentine's Day sipping on a fancy martini and eating some crispy fries at one of these NYC bars. It's the perfect way to treat myself to a night out without any awkward dates or overpriced flowers. Plus, who says we can't have fun alone? 
I'm so down for this idea! 
. NYC has some amazing spots to treat yourself like a queen 
, and these recommendations are perfect for a chill night out 
. French fries with togarashi aioli? 
Yes, please! And who says you need a partner to have fun? Le Dive sounds like the place to be, all that natural wine and vibes 
. Plus, it's affordable so I can indulge without breaking the bank 
. I mean, who needs all that mushy love stuff anyway? If you're not feeling it, why not treat yourself to a night out instead? Paul Beck's got some awesome recs for the ultimate anti-Valentine's night out in NYC. I'm loving the idea of a chilled martini paired with some crispy French fries - sounds like my kind of evening! 
Cecchi's in the West Village is definitely on my list, their $25 special from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. is a total steal! And Bar Rêve in Cobble Hill? Luxe vibes for days 
. Le Dive might seem like an odd choice, but those natural wines and lively atmosphere could be just the thing to meet new people...or not 
. And Holiday Cocktail Lounge? Iconic spot for a reason 
NYC has so many awesome bars that are just perfect for a solo evening of indulgence. 
Cecchi's in the West Village sounds like my kinda spot – those wide leather booths sound super comfy! 
Bar Rêve, on the other hand, looks like the ultimate fancy night out. Who wouldn't want to sip on some classy cocktails and munch on fancy fries? 
And Holiday Cocktail Lounge sounds like a total blast from the past (and present?) – super cool decor and knowledgeable bartenders? Yes, please! 
).
I mean, who says you need a significant other to have fun? 
Cecchi's in the West Village is calling my name already - who needs a date when you can have a delicious martini and fries? 
). But honestly, Le Dive is where it's at - no pretenses, just great drinks and awesome vibes. Holiday Cocktail Lounge is also a total winner, especially if you're feeling fancy 
also holiday cocktail lounge in the east village has that madonna vibe going on lol what's ur go-to valentines day escape? 
, but we can't just take someone's word for it. What makes Paul Beck's "New York Happy Meal" so special? Has he done any research or reviews of these bars before shilling them out to his followers?
, especially if you're just looking for a casual night out. Have they considered the value proposition here? I'd want to see some data on why this is the best way to spend V-Day.