Best of: Valentine's Day for Singles

Trattoria Dell'Arte
Trattoria Dell’Arte, a bustling Italian restaurant, is meant to provide a sit-down meal before a show at City Center. With this incentive in mind, the restaurant’s designers created a place that is open, lively, and comfortable. In other words, its atmosphere is not sedate, sleek, or charming—it’s anything but a date spot. That means singles can have a sublime Italian dinner without the self-pity induced by the proximity of smooching couples. A platter of antipasto can include marvels like the scalloped potato gratin and the octopus salad. The artfully, and truthfully, named “one hundred and one layer lasagna” ($27) is large enough for two friends. Dressed in an addictive red sauce and cemented by expertly seasoned meat and a rich blanket of cheese, this lasagna will make an Italian grandmother doubt her own cooking. To top off a dateless but delicious V-day, the table should split a plate of chocolate mousse and whipped cream.

Laugh Lounge
Laugh away those singles blues at the aptly named Laugh Lounge (151 Essex St., between Stanton and Rivington streets) located in the trendy LES neighborhood. On Feb. 14, the venue will present the special holiday program “Happy Valentine’s Day Comedy.” Doors open at 9 p.m. and tickets are $15. According to its description, the show is great for those on a date but will be equally enjoyable for a group of fun-loving singles. When the show lets out, cap off the laughter with a tropical cocktail at Macondo (157 East Houston St., between Allen and Eldridge), a Pan-Latin restaurant located a few blocks west. With a vibrant bar scene and drinks like “Banana & Cachaca”—a mix of banana liqueur, coconut water, lychee, pineapple juice, and lime juice—it will be as if students ended their evening with a trip to the Spanish Caribbean.

Landmark's Sunshine Cinema
Though going to the movies is often viewed as a “couples” activity, seeing a movie at Landmark’s Sunshine Cinema (143 East Houston St., between First and Second avenues) will be more fun for groups. First of all, the seating is described as “stadium-style.” Stadiums are known for being huge and impersonal—not the best space for romancing one’s date. Second, the theater has a rather unique concession stand with offerings like caramel popcorn, with one of 10 different seasonings, Swiss chocolate, vegan cookies, and more. The larger the group, the more snacks one will be able to sample. On Feb. 14, at various times, the theater will show the film “W.E.” Directed by Madonna, it stars Abbie Cornish as an unhappily married woman inspired by the epic love story of a famous British couple. After the show, discuss Madonna’s abilities as a director over pesto meatball sandwiches at The Meatball Shop (84 Stanton St., between Allen and Orchard). If it’s post-dinner time, head to Rayuela (165 Allen St., between Rivington and Stanton), a Nuevo Latino restaurant, and have the discussion over a “Coming Up Roses” cocktail, a floral mix of rose petals, rose water, limes, Champagne, and Bacardi liqueur. Singles deserve roses too.

Moulin Rouge Valentine's Day
If a Valentine’s Day spent with “stylin’ and profilin’ revelers” sounds appealing, enjoy a sinful performance in a saintly setting at Riverside Church (490 Riverside Drive, at 121st Street), located mere blocks away from campus. This Paris-themed performance features both the Dances of Vice performers and backing band This Ambitious Orchestra in the church’s beautiful and dramatic setting. Celebrate singledom by socializing with fellow audience members at this racy event.