If the barrage of heart pendants and prix-fixe menus for Valentine’s Day repulse you as a singleton, good news: You may be unattached, but you’re not alone. According to a recent survey commissioned by Outback Steakhouse, “33% of Americans who responded have celebrated an ‘anti’ Valentine’s Day.” (In fact, the backlash blooms to 52% among millennials.) To wit, this Friday venues all around the city are hosting events and specials for the stag set. Here are five:
Single in the Slope
Single Brooklynites who don’t want to cross the bridge can bust a move, too. Pork Slope will be hosting its second annual Valentine’s Day Party for Singles from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., with DJ Matty on the decks. The bar is eschewing themed dishes and cocktails, but ladies do receive their first drink on the house and tasty tater tots ($5) are always on the menu.
Pork Slope, 247 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn, 718-768-7675
An upscale affair
If the idea of shaking a tail feather with a plate of taters doesn’t entice, try Whitman & Bloom’s Anti-Valentine’s Day Bash and nibble on tuna tartare with fresh cranberries and middle eastern spices ($14) or grilled sunchokes ($8). The party starts at 10 p.m. on the restaurant’s lower level, and there’s a signature cocktail to kick things off.
Whitman & Bloom’s, 384 Third Avenue, 212-725-4110
Meat cute
Never ones to shy away from a double-entendre, the Meatball Shop is inviting singles to “meat their match” at the Single Jingle Mingle, a party being held at 9 p.m. at Underballs, the bar located beneath their Chelsea outpost. Get loose with “Be Mine” vodka shots ($2) and “Meat Lovers” cocktails ($5). Get down with beats curated by MC Tasty Balls, a k a chef and co-owner Daniel Holzman.
The Meatball Shop, 200 Ninth Avenue, 212-257-4363
Misery loves company
“Hang the DJ” altogether and head to the Bell House for its third annual Unloveable: A Smiths & Morrissey Valentine’s Day party with cover band the Sons & Heirs performing the mopiest of antisocial song collections. The party starts at 8 p.m.
The Bell House, 149 Seventh St., Brooklyn, 718-643-6510; thebellhouseny.com. Tickets are $12 in advance/$15 at the door
Sleep it off
Commiserate all weekend with girlfriends with the “I do . . . but now I don’t” package at Kimpton’s the Muse Hotel. The package includes breakup cocktails upon arrival, an ex-boyfriend voodoo doll and a NOOK loaded with salacious reads, such as “50 Shades of Grey” — really. Also, there’s a “cupcake turndown” service.
The Muse, 130 W. 46th St., 877-692-6873. Package available through the end of February, with rates starting at $499/night.