Recycle-a-Date's Top 10 Places for a First Date in NYC

I have been in the city about 2 years now, and the more I date, the more I realize there are some crappy ones that need to be recycled.    Here is a top ten of my best locales salvaged from bad dates!  All the names have been changed to Bobby Smith to protect the not-so-innocent.  Have YOU met Bobby Smith?

1.  Pink Pony - This awesome LES hipster bar on Ludlow between Houston and Stanton is like an Alice-in-Wonderland feast for the eyes.  My date Bobby "Likes to Talk About Dead Philosophers All Night Like I Give a Crap" Smith took me here and the funky groovy vibe mixed with a killer apple pie was definitely the highlight of the trip.  Did I mention the pie?

2.  The Olive Tree Cafe - This little middle-eastern cafe in the village at 117 McDougal is a comedy goldmine.  It shows old Charlie Chaplin movies on the wall at all times, and, because it's above the Comedy Cellar, if you happen to swing by on a Saturday night like I did with Bobby "Comedian Who Likes to Fire Questions Uncomfortably Fast Like I'm Sitting In the Front Row of His Act" Smith, you could see the comedians hanging out who are performing downstairs.  Or if you'd prefer, during off peak hours, this place has checkers you can rent and a $2 minimum.  $2!  Falafel and checkers, anyone?

3.  Shopsin's - Are you in the village?  Do you want family fun brunch with a thousand things to choose from and the promise of candy afterwards?  Then follow where me and Bobby "I Actually Am Technically 'Seeing Someone'" Smith went for a delicious stack of white chocolate chip mint pancakes before I found out the awful news.  It's located at 54 Carmine Street and closes at 2:30, so get your breakup while it's hot!

4.  Fish Market Sushi - This is a brand new gem in Forest Hills on Yellowstone Blvd. near Queens Blvd that is worth the trip to get sushi from a sushi guru.  This tiny shop's Okanawan owner will prepare delicacies like the Marilyn Monroll!  Just don't bring Bobby "Breathes Through His Mouth When He Doesn't Have a Cold" Smith.