By: The Editors By: The Editors | August 20, 2021 | Food & Drink, Lifestyle,
Whether it's your first time meeting or your 10-year anniversary, date night should be fun. It should never be a headache.
To make your next date night a breeze, we asked our editors to name their favorite date spots in their market. From art walks to live music, delectable drinks and romantic restaurants, these are the must-go date night spots across the United States.
See also: 20 of the Best Coffee Shops Across America
3027 Bolling Way NE / Website
Some things–like you and your date–are just meant to be together; brunch and French cuisine are certainly two of those things. Le Bilboquet delivers all the brunch necessities: An extensive wine list, great food, delicious cocktails, dessert and beautiful outdoor seating. Satisfy your morning sweet tooth with the Le Pain Perdu–brioche French toast–or take the savory route with a classic Les Oeufs Florentine–eggs Florentine. Looking for something more adventurous? Try the botanical gardens, candle making or any one of the other seven spots on Atlanta's full list.
330 E. Main St. / Website
From elegant ceiling molding to hand-stitched leather chairs, Prospect immerses guests in the historic yesteryear of rustic Aspen. This American bistro is bringing elevated, yet approachable dishes to the table, showcasing the best of Roaring Fork Valley’s in-season ingredients. With spacious courtyard dining, this dinner out will be romantic and delicious. Not ready for romantic dinner? Aspen's full list includes picnics in the park, music and film festivals, and more.
14 Tyler St., Somerville / Website
Break the barrier between the dining room and kitchen at this multi-sensory dining experience utilizing ingredients sourced in New England. Located just outside of the city, the modern space functions as both a kitchen and dining room as guests watch as their meal is cooked, plated and freshly served to them course by course during a two-hour seating. The 9-course tasting menu is paired with inspired selections of beverages and never revealed in advance, adding a fun element of surprise to the meal. Want something a bit more upfront? Try one of the eight other romantic restaurants on Boston's full list.
162 E. Superior St. / Website
Need an icebreaker? This might be just the spot for you—located in the city’s iconic Mag Mile, The Comedy Bar has been touted as one of the best comedy clubs in Chicago, offering both a main performance stage and rooftop patio. Don’t miss out on the full bar and dinner menu from Gino’s East featuring favorites like the Meaty Legend deep dish with pepperoni, Italian sausage, bacon and Canadian bacon, charred brussel sprouts with pancetta, garlic and panko and the deep dish brownie baked until gooey and topped with vanilla ice cream. From architecture boat tours to dinner and more, try Chicago's full list for a great second, third, fourth date—and so on.
412 N. Bishop Ave. / Website
For late-night festivities, this Bishop Arts watering hold is the closest you’ll get to a New Orleans jazz joint in Dallas. Check out the acclaimed house band every Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 5pm, or one of the countless other performances across a wide variety of genres—the venue features live music seven nights a week. Sip an Old-Fashioned or a French 75 while you enjoy the vibrant show. Check Dallas' full list of date night spots for something more lowkey, or to keep the party going.
195 Main St, Amagansett / Website
This elevated casual spot is the perfect place to hang for the evening. Exchange life stories over Rosie's hibiscus margarita or the espresso martini, and you're sure to secure a second date. From there, you can do for dinner, hit the beach or grab some ice cream with the picks on the Hampton's full list.
Kihei Coast, Maui / Website
All aboard, love birds! It’s time to set sail on the beautiful waters of the Kihei coastline. Kihei offers 6 long miles of beaches offering spectacular views of Kahoolawe, Molokini, Lanai and West Maui. There’s no better place to bask in a gorgeous Hawaiian sunset than on the water with your partner by your side. Or, get comfy on the shoreside and sit in the sand to watch the sun slowly migrate through the sky as you conclude your romantic evening. Hawai'i offers even more great date-night ideas, from museums to music and active adventures, all on its full list.
122 W. Gray St. / Website
Nestled in the heart of Midtown, Cafe Poêtes evokes classic Parisian glamour through artisanal cooking, French hospitality and charming scenery. Savor decadent French fare on the bistro’s cobblestone patio, or opt for Le Goûter, France’s version of British high tea. More French fare, Mediterranean and Southeast Asian cuisine await on Houston's full list.
W Resorts World Dr. / Website
Located 66 floors above the bright lights of the Strip at Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World, Starlight on 66 offers signature cocktails like the gin-tinged Stardust and vodka-spiked Lady Luck. Book bottle service to impress your other half while you enjoy small bites like Kumiai oysters on the half shell or Golden Russian Osetra caviar on blinis. From dinner to more drinks and even some foreplay, check all the Sin City fun on Vegas' full list.
555-3 Mateo St. / Website
Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard’s award-winning restaurant brings the bold flavors of its Chicago flagship to the Arts District—while crafting new dishes inspired by the Golden State’s local produce. Treat your date to a pork belly salad (with green mango, pickled fresnos, shrimp rice and coconut crunch), pan-roasted scallops with chili relish and peanut-pepita crunch or goat curry (with masa chips, radish and pickled veggies) at this vibrant, bustling DTLA resto, currently one of the city’s toughest reservations to snag. If you can't get a table in time, try one of the eight other amazing dinner date spots in L.A. on our full list.
921 Washington Ave. / Website
To take a date into a hidden speakeasy is a bold and unique statement, but to incorporate a mezcal tasting into the art of a lounge experience is an undeniably sexy move. Nothing screams cultured, trendy and sophisticated like a date night filled with an array of distinctive mezcal-based cocktails in an intimately dimmed space. From a mezcal twist on an old-fashioned to a mezcal-based punch, all specialty cocktails are generously crafted by award-winning mixologist Christian Rubio. With each exotic drink carrying a unique edge, a new and exciting conversation sparks with each round. Explore even more romantic wonder on Miami's full list.
20 7th Ave S., West Village / Website
Little Branch basically invented the speakeasy. Described as an “underground den of mixology,” Little Branch is the coolest spot to be. The best part about this underground gem is that the bartender will make you whatever drink you want. You can order your go-to gin and tonic, but we highly encourage you to experiment! For dinner, drinks and other adventures around the boroughs, check NYC's full list curated by Dating Connoisseur Lindsey Metselaar of We Met at Acme.
2801 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach / Website
Enjoy views of the Newport Bay at this Italian steakhouse, where head chef Daniele Cambria is dishing up classic cuisine. Twirl your fork into cheesy cacio e pepe or share a 32-ounce bone-in tomahawk, doused in roasted garlic and rosemary glassato. Looking for a lighter dish? Try a charcuterie board complete with 12-month-aged parmesan reggiano “gelato” and smoked albacore tuna. Still, we highly recommend nine other fabulous and romantic restaurants on Orange County's full list.
87 Via Mizner, Palm Beach / Website
No need to jet to Europe for your next romantic dining excursion. Enjoy a taste of Italy at Renato’s, where the soft lighting and elegant atmosphere set the mood for a candlelit dinner. If the weather is nice, don’t miss your chance to snack on some Italian favorites on Renato’s stunning patio. Sip on a glass of Renato’s sweet Dolce Late Harvest Napa dessert wine while tucking into a rich, layered tiramisu as you and your partner celebrate love with only the finest of vino and dolci. Soak up more of the sun and the tropical romance on Palm Beach's full list.
237 S. 18th St. / Website
Staged as a sleek European library, this classic Rittenhouse staple is the prime spot to dress to the nines and dine in cool, dim splendor. You could start off with tuna tartare for just $20 then move onto a hearty entree of butter poached lobster for $85. No matter what you order, you’ll be sure to leave satiated and satisfied. Looking to keep the relationship going? Try the other eateries on Philly's full list.
1540 Camino Del Mar / Website
Dramatic ocean views teamed with an elevated approach to coastal dining makes Adelaide the perfect date night spot. This decadent restaurant celebrates the vastness of the Pacific, from Baja to the North Salish Sea, and works with local farmers, fishermen and foragers—all of whom provide sustainably sourced ingredients. Choose from raw offerings, like Baja oysters and beef tartare, or order from the fish and meat menu featuring Alaskan halibut, scallops and grilled 45-day aged rib eye. Follow that with something else from San Diego's full list.
1722 Sacramento St. / Website
Italian food is a date night favorite for a reason, and Acquerello’s double-Michelin-starred cuisine is no exception. Savor a four-course meal at home with its prix fixe takeout menu, selection of cheeses and trio of desserts, or bring home one of its DIY pasta kits for a more hands-on activity with your date. Acquerello has also partnered with The Caviar Co. to offer caviar service for an elevated at-home dinner that you won’t forget. Come dressed to impress at these six other date-night-approved restaurants on SF's full list.
East Main St. / Website
Take a stroll at the Scottsdale’s Art Walk, held every Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. The tour will lead you at your own pace through the downtown Scottsdale Art District for festive viewings of its galleries to the sounds of live music. For dinner, dessert and more, check Scottsdale's full list.
14831 Pierce Rd., Sarat / Website
Since 2004, this vineyard has used 3.5 acres of Pinot Noir and 2.5 acres of Chardonnay. Every weekend from noon to 5 p.m., wine tasting opportunities by the glass and bottle are on offer, perfect for an afternoon date. Plus, you and your partner can stroll the historic estate while sipping a glass of red wine through an exclusive property tour. If you want to make your date night extra special, attend the vineyard’s famous dinner and a show, with planned performances from Billy Idol, Chicago, The Beach Boys and many more, as a part of their Concert Series. Dining, spas, strolls and staycations abound on Silicon Valley's full list.
Photography by: Hitesh Dewasi / Unsplash