New York Dearest
The guide, $35
A place · Restaurant · Upper West Side · on 2 of my lists

Tessa.

Worth it, says Antonina. Offering a romantic ambiance with string lights, dimly-lit brick walls and cozy leather booths, Tessa is one of the most romantic bars on the Upper West Side.

Antonina Pattiz
Antonina PattizI went myself · from my Best bars on the Upper West Side
Where Tessa appears on New York Dearest

It's on 2 of my lists. Each entry below is what I wrote about it there, with my verdict on that list, the fullest first.

Worth it
  • Address349 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

Offering a romantic ambiance with string lights, dimly-lit brick walls and cozy leather booths, Tessa is one of the most romantic bars on the Upper West Side. The friendly bartenders make it a great spot for casual date nights in the neighborhood.

The restaurant seems to hit peak mass around happy hour (Tuesday-Friday from 11am-6pm) when signature cocktails are half priced. I’m partial to the French Blonde (Lillet, Ford’s Gin, elderflower, grapefruit, lemon), but whatever you do, don’t sleep on the truffle fries.

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
Worth it

Offering a romantic ambiance with string lights, dimly-lit brick walls and cozy leather booths, Tessa is one of the most romantic bars on the Upper West Side. The friendly bartenders make it a great spot for casual date nights in the neighborhood.

The restaurant seems to hit peak mass around happy hour (Tuesday-Friday from 11am-6pm) when signature cocktails are half priced. I’m partial to the French Blonde (Lillet, Ford’s Gin, elderflower, grapefruit, lemon), whatever you do, don’t sleep on the truffle fries.

Tessa
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Tessa

Upper West Side