
proving the best date spots in williamsburg don’t have to try so hard

it’s Friday night in Williamsburg. The L train just dropped you off at Lorimer off Metropolitan Ave, and you’re walking down Withers Street, low-key hoping this first date won’t flop.
Your plan? Keep it casual but interesting—a spot where the vibe’s good, the lighting’s dim, and the food isn’t going to break the bank or leave you chewing in awkward silence.
Welcome to BABA, one of the best date spots in williamsburg for all your small plates, sexy dates, and cozy wine bar needs
We're not the only one saying it...
TimeOut New York called baba on withers “one of the coziest wine bars to wow your date.”
10 cozy date ideas in NYC for lovers and couples

they nailed the vibe: natural wines, marseille-inspired bites, and a heated backyard that feels like a warm hug.
add in our twice-daily happy hours and you’ve the best buzzy date spot in brooklyn.
First Dates Done Right
First dates are tricky.
Too fancy? Feels stuffy.
Too casual? Risks screaming “I don’t care.”
That’s why BABA on Withers is the best date spot in Williamsburg for your first dates - even if they become your last
We’re a wine bar that knows exactly what Williamsburg wants: a space that’s vibey but not pretentious, intimate without being too much, and packed with plates and pours perfect for sharing—or not.
Start with a seat at our dimly lit bar (you’ll look better under soft lighting, trust us).
If the weather’s decent, head to our heated and covered backyard—ideal for cozying up with a glass of natural wine under string lights that feel like they belong in a rom-com.
Whether it’s your first time here or your fiftieth, BABA delivers the kind of effortlessly cool vibe that makes you feel like you’ve just pulled off a genius date night plan.
Small Plates = Big Wins
First dates are all about pacing.
You don’t want to dive straight into a three-course meal; that’s a lot of commitment for someone you just swiped right on. Instead, start light with small plates designed for sharing—or hoarding, depending on how the date’s going.
RESY Agrees...
RESY featured baba on withers “Stellar Late-Night Dining & Drinks”
The Resy Guide to Late-Night Dining in New York

Here’s what you'll find on our Night Menu:
Whipped Ricotta: Creamy, dreamy, with fennel seed, bee pollen, honey, and toast. It’s basically an edible icebreaker
Little Neck Clams: Fresh, local, and swimming in green garlic butter—bread-dipping mandatory
Bouillabaisse Toast: Marseille-inspired perfection with rock shrimp, fennel confit, and rouille
Panisse: Chickpea fritters that are crispy outside, soft inside, and served with a tangy lemon espelette remoulade
Brussels Sprouts: Roasted in tahini w/ black sesame powder. Even if you don’t like sprouts, these will convert u
Tagine Romanesco: A veggie-forward masterpiece with quinoa, pickled pepper, and preserved lemon yogurt
Red Endive Salad: Sweet thomcord grapes, creamy blue cheese, hazelnuts, & tangy vinaigrette—it’s salad, but sexy
Not feeling the whole “sharing is caring” thing? No problem!
We’ve got mains that make it easy to keep your plate to yourself:
Duck Leg Confit: Rich, tender duck with Asian pear mostarda and roasted fairytale eggplant
Bar Salmon: Perfectly seared with a sauce grenobloise, cauliflower purée, and nasturtium
Cassoulet: hearty dish w/ ur choice of merguez or maitake mushrooms, served w/ white beans, haricots verts, & chermoula
Crispy Chicken Sando: A brioche bun stacked w/ pickled fennel, dijonnaise, & the crunchiest chicken ever

Let’s Talk Drinks & Wine Lists
First dates and good drinks are inseparable.
baba's wine bar is stocked with natural wines and cocktails that don’t mess around.
Not sure what to order?
Here’s your cheat sheet:
Natural Wines
Flora Prosecco: Light, bubbly, and easy—just like your conversation should be
Naked Orange: A bold, funky chardonnay blend from Austria
Las Jaras Glou Glou: Chillable red perfection—easygoing and approachable, like you’re trying to be
Le Coriancon: A French Côtes du Rhône that’s smooth, balanced, and begging to be sipped
Cocktails
Neuro Spicy: A jalapeño-pineapple tequila situation with just enough kick to get the night started
Doom Scroll: Hornitos Blanco tequila, chai, green apple, and ginger—a little dark, a lot delicious
Tall Glass of Water: Mezcal, Italicus, and cocchi bianco for those who want to keep it fresh
Low Key Romantic: Exactly what it sounds like—vodka, rose, lime, and soda for that understated vibe
And if you’re feeling less boozy, we’ve got cute mocktails and beers that hold their own:
Curious Elixirs No. 4: Blood orange, ginseng, rhubarb root—refreshing and intriguing, just like you
Sloop Juice Bomb IPA: A hazy IPA for beer lovers who want to keep it casual

Yesterday’s Wine, Today’s Plans: Happy Hour @BABA
If you’re rolling in early for date night, our Yesterday’s Wine happy hour is the perfect warm-up.
From Sunday through Thursday, 5–7 PM, sip on $9 glasses of natural wine paired with discounted bites like:
BABA Fries: Manchego, scallions, cayenne mayo—these will have you fighting over the last fry
Pain Aux Tomates: Toast topped with heirloom tomatoes, sherry, and sea salt
Panisse: Chickpea fritters that are almost too good to share
Brussels Sprouts: Yep, they’re back—happy hour style
It’s the perfect prelude to dinner.
Late-Night Moves: Late-Night Happy Hour @BABA!
Let’s say the date’s going well (because it will).
Stick around for our Last Call happy hour, Williamsburg’s only late-night deal, running 10 PM to close every night.
--> $11 margaritas, espresso martinis, and some of your favorite bites from earlier in the evening make it easy to keep the vibe alive.
Pro tip: Order another round of BABA Fries or Pain Aux Tomates to soak up the drinks.
You’re welcome.
Why BABA Is Williamsburg’s First Date MVP
Here’s the thing about BABA—it’s built for connection.
Need to break the ice?
Order a bold bottle of natural wine and let our servers guide you through its story.
Want to keep it light?
Share small plates and keep the conversation flowing.
Ready to turn up the energy?
Transition seamlessly from dinner to drinks with a cocktail list that’s as playful as it is punchy.

Weekend Brunch Bonus
Not every date happens at night, which is why we’ve got you covered with a weekend brunch that’s just as inviting.
Starting at 10 AM on Saturdays and Sundays, our menu features dishes that are perfect for lingering over coffee or a brunch cocktail.
Try the Pain Aux Tomates for a light bite, or go big with a Crispy Chicken Sando that hits every comfort food note. Pair it with a mimosa or a glass of Flora Prosecco and let the conversation unfold.
The Final Word
First dates, anniversaries, spontaneous late-night meetups—whatever the occasion, BABA on Withers is where Williamsburg comes alive.
if you’re searching for the best date spots in williamsburg, baba should top your list. from natural wines to small plates to a vibe that feels effortlessly cool, it’s everything you need for a perfect night out.
So grab your date, your friends, or even just yourself, and let’s make it a night to remember.

Dine, drink, and dance your night away at baba's wine bar & backyard - the best date spot in Williamsburg
Reserve your spot now at BABA on Withers.
see you soon.
-
your date spot wingmen,
the baba team
check out our upcoming events and see why BABA on Withers is home to Williamsburg’s underground food scene
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find us:
🚇 steps from the Lorimer L-stop & Metropolitan Ave
🍷 come by, drink too much, and stay late
