One if by Land, Two if by Sea

"NEW YORK CITY One If By Land, Two If By Sea opened in 1973, but the building is much, much older than that—it was Aaron Burr’s carriage house. Some have speculated there are as many as 20 ghosts on the premises, including Burr and his daughter Theodosia (yes, her). She’s said to swipe earrings off women who sit at the bar and appear walking on the stairs. The former general manager herself is a believer and has seen flying objects and flickering lights. Just know that there’s a steep price to dine with the 18th century spirits: $185 for the seven-course tasting or $155 for the three-course prix fixe. " - anne cruz

"Spooky score: ???????????? Dim lighting, mirrors everywhere, crisp white tablecloths that would suit a sheet ghost: There’s strong overlap between romantic and spooky at this famously atmospheric West Village landmark. With an average of two proposals a week under One If By Land’s chandeliers, New Yorkers more readily associate this place with Valentine’s Day than Halloween. But some have speculated that Aaron Burr’s former carriage house (which became a restaurant in the ’70s) has as many as 20 ghosts on the premises, including Burr and his daughter Theodosia (yes, her), who is said to swipe earrings off women sitting at the bar. Despite descriptions of flying objects and flickering lights, our meal was paranormally uneventful—except for the moment our beef Wellington arrived, and our EMF meter surged. We later sat at the bar for a moment, just to see what it felt like. Upon returning home, we were shocked to discover we’d lost an earring. It turned up later in a bag—but still." - molly fitzpatrick

"One If By Land, Two If By Sea hosts an average of two proposals a week, and many more than that around Valentine’s Day. Whether or not you anticipate a diamond ring hidden under a cloche to arrive at your table, it’s worth visiting this historic West Village restaurant at least once for a special occasion, to bask in its gorgeous, 18th-century charm. Dining here feels a little like you’ve crashed someone else’s wedding dinner, but they’re being awfully nice about it. In a 1767 building that was once Aaron Burr’s carriage house, the restaurant has a reputation as one of New York City’s most romantic for good reason. It’s beautiful, with brick walls and high ceilings, arched windows with garden views, pink roses on every white-clothed table, and massive chandeliers. That's despite a few self-consciously lovey-dovey modern touches—like the wall dripping with fake flowers, or the soundtrack of piano covers like “Fields of Gold” and “Walking in Memphis,” which detract somewhat from the natural atmosphere. photo credit: Alex Staniloff video credit: Molly Fitzpatrick photo credit: Alex Staniloff The food neither detracts, nor distracts. It's a little dated, attractively plated, occasionally good, and generally forgettable. Factor in that it’s pretty steep: $185 for the seven-course tasting or $155 for a three-course prix fixe (that's what we'd pick). But the knowledge that someone at a nearby table might get down on one knee at any moment makes for a fun guessing game on the off chance that you’re just here for an anniversary or a parent’s birthday yourself: Who walked into the restaurant already clutching a bouquet? Who’s making meaningful eye contact with the host? Which couple just ordered champagne? Food Rundown photo credit: Molly Fitzpatrick Pan-Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras This thick puck of foie on a circle of toasted brioche isn’t exceptional, but it is nice, with a crisp, deep brown sear as promised. Order it to make your prix fixe feel more cost-effective. photo credit: Molly Fitzpatrick Duck Ragu Pappardelle The duck is tender, the noodles are silky, and there’s a subtle smoke to the sauce that adds complexity. photo credit: Molly Fitzpatrick Beef Wellington The medium-rare beef wellington you ordered may prove to be nearly purple in the center, but it’s otherwise well executed, with great flavor to the duxelles and perfectly crisp pastry. The mashed potatoes are buttery, but the flabby green beans taste a little like they were microwaved from frozen. photo credit: Molly Fitzpatrick Roasted Cornish Game Hen We appreciate that the skin is crisp and herby, but the meat is dry. photo credit: Molly Fitzpatrick Chocolate Soufflé This soufflé has a fairly dark and robust chocolate flavor (especially delicious when paired with vanilla bean-flecked crème anglaise), but the center is runnier than most. It’s almost like a lava cake—not that we’re necessarily complaining." - Molly Fitzpatrick

"The owners of this legendary Greenwich Village establishment claim that it occupies a former carriage house once owned by Aaron Burr — yes, the same Aaron Burr who infamously shot Alexander Hamilton — and that his ghost still haunts the place. In reality, the two-story brick structure was built as a private residence in 1834 (while the disgraced ex-VP was hiding across the Hudson from his creditors). Still, One if by Land is consistently ranked among New York's most romantic restaurants. Given Burr’s well-documented penchant for living the high life, it’s only natural he’d frequent the gorgeous candlelit dining room here in the afterlife." - Travel + Leisure Editors