The Ten Bells

Lower East Side, New York –

Legend has it that oysters are an aphrodisiac, so a cushy spot with an oyster bar seems made for amorous encounters – and that’s just what The Ten Bells delivers.

Although the venue’s simple chalkboard sign in front of a black tenement door is less than promising, this candlelit and affably chic wine cellar turns out to be just right for couples in the mood for an unforgettable date.

With smooth jazz as a backdrop, guests are seated at the bar where the friendly chefs and wait staff invite them to sip cabernet and sample some oysters, or settle in at one of the high-top tables for conversation and a bite to eat.

Pressed tin ceilings, potted plants, and a scattering of black-and-white photographs make up most of the simple yet warm décor, though the focus of the crowd of dating couples and local foodies is clearly on the row of chalkboards, where they’ll find an ever-changing menu and an extensive wine list featuring labels from around the globe.

Larger groups can squeeze into the communal table tucked into a dark corner, which provides even more privacy in this already well-secluded nightspot where Lower East Siders and young professionals gather to relax over a carafe or two.

Despite its usually bustling crowds, Ten Bells remains a subdued haven for laid-back conversation – and with the low lights and love potions aplenty, the place definitely sets the perfect flirtatious mood.