Wine bars are one of the most reliable genres of first date spots in New York. They’re sexy, sophisticated, and easy-going. And that’s exactly how we’d describe Layla, the Williamsburg spot that brings together everything we love about our favorite wine bars: The cute little seasonal plates, the funk and R&B soundtrack, the big outdoor space. Except Layla is a cocktail bar.
Those cocktails, by the way, are excellent. Especially the Layla’s Juice—a sweet and sour drink that’ll make you daydream about a place where it’s acceptable to not wear shoes all the time. You’ll snap out of it with a bite of grilled snap peas, or a swipe of creamy stracciatella, but hey, it was nice to daydream for a little while.
It’s not super easy to have a full meal here without spending quite a bit of money, so use this place for all of your date needs, where just a cocktail and a couple of snacks are required.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Samuel Lynch
Cocktails
All of the house cocktails are worth ordering, but Layla’s Juice is the one you should seek out. The sweet and sour mixture of tequila, aperol, ginger, pineapple, and yuzu is especially delicious if you drink it outside when the sun is shining on their back patio.
photo credit: Samuel Lynch
Chicken Liver Mousse
Airy, sweet, and smooth, this is a great thing to snack on, but be careful—we did end up with a dollop of chicken liver on our table.
photo credit: Samuel Lynch
Grilled Snap Peas
A char darkens the sweet snap peas, the mint in the dish brightens them back up, and a nice swipe of aioli rounds out the bite. If you’re just in the market for a snack, this seasonal dish is a great option, but only if you’re there during spring.
photo credit: Samuel Lynch
Endive Salad
A bitter salad never hurt nobody, and it certainly doesn’t here. Get one if you’re ordering food.
photo credit: Samuel Lynch
Burger
We were hoping for more from the burger. Ours was a bit dry—go for one of the pastas instead.
photo credit: Samuel Lynch
