One if by Land, Two if by Sea
New York City, NY
A West Village hot spot for weddings and engagements, One if by Land, Two if by Sea is known for romantic dining by flickering candlelight. The restaurant is set in a restored 18th-century carriage house with cozy brick fireplaces and grand windows looking out over a private garden. Come early for a cocktail by the piano bar, and hungry for luxurious American classics.
The basics
One if by Land, Two if by Sea is popular for private events, so it’s best to make a reservation online or by phone ahead of time. While dinner is the main event here, it’s wise to make a whole evening out of your meal; hang out at the bar for a drink with piano tunes, either before or after dinner, or take advantage of the restaurant’s choice location for a digestive stroll. The West Village is known and loved for its historic townhouses, hip shops, and comedy and jazz clubs.
Things to know before you go
- One if by Land, Two if by Sea offers prix-fixe menus only, with options for three à la carte dishes or a 7–course tasting menu chosen by the chef.
- The dress code calls for business attire.
- While the restaurant is closed to the public on Mondays, it’s still available for private events.
- One if by Land, Two if by Sea is accessible to both wheelchairs and strollers.
How to get there
The restaurant is on the lovely Barrow Street, which means walking is a treat if you’re coming from the West Village, SoHo, or Greenwich Village. Otherwise, take the subway: either the 1 train to Christopher Street-Stonewall or the A, B, C, D, E, or F lines to West Fourth Street-Washington Square. Both stations are a 5-minute walk away.
When to get there
One if by Land, Two if by Sea is open from Tuesday to Sunday for dinner only, though the restaurant often does Sunday brunch, too. The menu changes with the seasons, so aim to go when your favorite ingredients are at their peak. If you’re in New York during the holidays, there are special menus for Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve.
The story behind the name
The 1767 carriage house, now home to One if By Land, Two if by Sea, once belonged to founding father Aaron Burr, notorious for killing Revolutionary War hero Alexander Hamilton. The building’s former ownership explains the name of the restaurant, which comes from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, Paul Revere’s Ride: Early on in the Revolutionary War, Officer Revere asked his compatriots to signal with lanterns how the British troops were approaching—”one if by land, and two if by sea”.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!