Dating is many things. Lately, it has been incredibly exhausting. As I shared in my last article, I had high hopes for a potential match. As we’ve all experienced at some time or another, sometimes grand expectations can quickly transform into grand disappointments. Today’s paramour is tomorrow’s Fader.
In attempting to prevent myself from becoming a bitter dater, I’ve pumped the breaks on online dating…at least for now. I know that when I am obsessively checking OkCupid for new users, I need to put my phone done and take a break. Time on the sidelines is the best remedy to a prevent getting a jaded perspective.
I was pleased when some ladies in my Block (go Block 3!) suggested meeting up for a Ladies Night. It can take a lot of work to think of plans for a diverse group of people. When I found out our plans, I was intrigued. We are lucky that we live in the same city as Hunkomania. What is Hunkomania you ask? Well, let me tell you!
Hunkomania bills itself as “The Ultimate Ladies Night Out” with “The Hottest Strippers in the Nation!” Wow. I would be able to experience Magic Mike in person! Who said dreams don’t come true? Before the night started, the owner called me to offer to upgrade our party to a VIP Table if I would write a Yelp! review. I’m always happy to help a business that is social-media savvy. I was excited (also scared) to see what exactly VIP meant at this type of establishment.
When I arrived, I saw that our table was immediately in front of the center stage. I was pleased to see a bottle of Champagne waiting for us. I would compare it to a bottle of $5 sparkling wine, but free is free, right? Michelle and I tried tequila shots with massive strawberries in them. Nothing says “Ladies Night” like taking a shot with a piece of fruit in it that you nearly choke on. Surprisingly, the shot and the strawberry weren’t disgusting. I was impressed.
HUNKS IN ACTION
The men weren’t disgusting, but you wouldn’t necessarily want them to Channing all over your Tatum. Keep in mind, that $20 is all that separates you from an awkward lap dance. If my description of Hunkomania hasn’t motivated you to do this on your next Ladies Night, have no fear! I have several other suggestions that do not involve nearly-naked men!
A Night of Laughs at a Comedy Show
Stand-Up Comedy is an awesome way to spend an evening with your girls. I have two spots that I have had consistently good experiences at:
The Stand Restaurant & Comedy Club
239 3rd Ave btw 19th & 20th St
Neighborhood: Gramercy
Typical Ticket Prices: $10 - $20, depending on acts and showtimes
Drink Requirement: None! The cocktails are fantastic though, so check them out if you’re thirsty!
Comedy Cellar
117 MacDougal St (right by NYU!)
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
Ticket Prices: $10 - $24, depending on acts and showtimes
Drink Requirement: 2 items off of the menu (you don’t need to order alcoholic beverages and food is included as an item)
A Night of Cheesy Fun to Wine Over
If you want a classy evening, wine and cheese are your best friends. Although I have not been to either of these locations, enough of my friends have Instagrammed pictures and shared rave reviews that I am confident in the recommendations!
Murray’s Cheese Bar
264 Bleecker St
Neighborhood: West Village
http://www.murrayscheesebar.com/
Takes Reservations? Yes!
Happy Hour? Yes! Every Monday – Thursday from 5pm to 7pm: $10 cheese flights and $2 off any draft beer or wine by the glass
Beecher’s Homemade Cheese
900 Broadway
Neighborhood: Flatiron
http://www.beechershandmadecheese.com/
Takes Reservations? Yes!
Happy Hour? Yes!
Painting Fun by the Number
I’m sure you’ve seen some of your Facebook friends share photos of pictures they have painted through services like the ones below – watch out Picasso!
Paint Nite
Various Locations in NYC
List of Current Events: http://paintnite.com/pages/events/index/newyork#date:1
Cost: $65 (seemed like a frequently occurring price)
Difficulty Level: Various!
Drinks: Happy Hour specials typically offered at the venues
Time: 2+ hours
Paint Along
129 E 27th St, 2nd Floor
Neighborhood: Flatiron
Cost: $45 (2 hour) and $55 (3 hour)
Drinks: BYOB!!!
Learn Some Moves at a Burlesque Show
You’ll likely want to repeat some of the moves you see at a sultry burlesque show vs. a hot and sweaty all-male strip show. So, learn from the pros here!
Nurse Bettie
106 Norfolk St
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
http://nursebettie.com/shows-events/
Cost: No cover
Drinks: Happy Hour pricing after the show
Reservations? Yes! If party size is 6 or more
Floating Kabarette
16 Main Street, Brooklyn
Neighborhood: DUMBO
http://www.galapagosartspace.com/floating-kabarette
Cost: $20+ Advance; $25+ at the Door
Drink Minimum: 2!
When: Saturdays, 10:30pm
I hope these suggestions can make Ladies Night less stressful to plan and more easy to enjoy!
Cheers,
Liz