It sounds like a simple task but it can be hard to find an Upper East Side bar that has substantial food, good ambiance, and doesn’t feel like a frat house. If you live in the area or are looking for a spot after going to the Museum of the City of New York or a loop around Central Park, check out the ultra-cozy Earl’s Beer and Cheese. As the name suggests, there are plenty of brews on tap, and without a doubt the neighborhood’s best grilled cheese.

Okay, yes: this brightly-lit, seafood-perfumed Astoria restaurant has virtually no sex appeal. But hear us out: You get creativity points for suggesting an interactive spot that involves picking out a fresh catch-of-the-day and then choosing how you want it prepared. Plus, Astoria Seafood is BYOB — so you can have a taste test, trying each others’ bevvies.

A date-night that involves an indoor mini-golf court might just be a hole in one. Swingers, a chain hailing from London, opened recently in Nomad with a bar and a food court with bites from Miznon, Sauced, and Mah-Ze-Dahr. Note: At this new Nomad spot tickets are $26, so if planning in advance isn’t your thing, this might not be the move.

If a date that feels almost like a millennial parody — clinking cocktails over everything bagel deviled eggs — are the notes you’re looking to hit, then Bandits is a sure-fire hot contender. The interiors here are going for a sort of ‘70s feel, with lively tunes to match. Even if you’re seated outside, Bandits’s decked out outdoor set-up still feels like a vibe-and-a-half to get the night going.

Call us crazy but there’s something sexy about the potential for paranormal activity on a date. While we’ve never personally seen ghosts at Ear Inn, this West Village tavern is one of the oldest bars in NYC, open since 1817, and self-proclaims to be haunted. Either way, this taste of New York history is a fun but casual restaurant to have beers and a solid burger. More importantly, they have paper table cloths for drawing each other with crayons.

Perhaps the most swoon-worthy option on this list, Deux Chats is a new bar from hitmaker Jon Neidich, of other date-night bars like Le Dive and the Nines. This Williamsburg newcomer is slightly less sceney than its siblings, and is an ideal spot for a date that feels a bit more special and mature. Sharing seafood towers and “kinky martinis,” their cheap-trick-named, but delicious version served with a kick of chile liqueur.

Honey’s a great date spot for the drinks — natural wines, cocktails, and mead all round out the list — but the bar is also known for having some of the most exciting pop-ups in the city, which means there’s something new to take a date to, even if they’ve been to the bar a bunch. It’s a good spot on its own, or as a pregame for a show at nearby Elsewhere.

A wine bar that doesn’t feel stuffy used to be harder to come by in the five boroughs. But, thankfully, spots like Bushwick’s Cherry on Top are changing that. While the weather still holds up, definitely go on a date on its outdoor rooftop bar, which also has some great people-watching. Inside, the yes, cherry red interiors, are a nice choice for a more intimate feeling and there is always a roving selection of small plates to nosh on. Afterwards, head nearby for a show at the Sultan Room.

Beans may not be sexy food to you for obvious reasons — but let Oddly Enough change your mind. This dimly-lit Bed-Stuy cocktail bar is a queer space for all, that also happens to be home to some of our favorite bar food. Stop by for their “spa” gin-cucumber frozen cocktail, best paired with a hearty, warming bowl of beans with celery root stock, garlic, and creme fraiche.

Dating when you’re vegan and/or sober can be hard — some spots have non-alch options, but no veggie-friendly bites, others might be the reverse. Public Records has both a meatless menu (with dishes like mushroom larb or jackfruit tacos), as well as select booze-free beverages. The gorgeous, verdant space doubles as a “listening room,” which means there’s also always great music to set the tone.

It’s been a few years since Maison Yaki first opened in Prospect Heights, which means it’s likely easier to get into for a date. One can rack up a bill at this small plates spot fusing Japanese and French cooking from Olmsted’s Greg Baxtrom, so choose just a few to share over some drinks.

If there is a wait, in the back, the restaurant has the French game of petanque — similar to bocce — to help pass the time. On the weekend, stroll through Vanderbilt Avenue’s, open streets where events are held near weekly.