Date Ideas Austin
Recently I found myself wrapped up in one of those fleeting moments of self-empowerment, tickled by a craving for adventure. Interested in re-entering the dating pool, but also daunted by how exhausting the process can be, I decided the only way to start dating was to cannonball in. So I created a challenge for myself: I would go on 25 dates during my 25th year.
This was invigorating, but when you tell yourself you’re going to go on a date, you have to have some destinations in your arsenal. The problem is that I’m a chronic searcher. I don’t have one favorite place to eat, drink or be merry in Austin.
Add a date to the mix and the decision becomes more complicated. Friends can be forgiving of the loud crowd or a dinner that was too experimental, but dates are often people you don’t know well. With these concerns in mind, I decided the best thing would be to compile a list of fail-safe date destinations in Austin. Because when sexual tension and awkward expectations are in the air, you want everything else to be simple.
If you find yourself searching for ‘fun date ideas Austin’ or ‘date ideas near me’ or ‘places to go on a date near me’ I have you covered! Check out my curated list of the Best Date Night or Day Ideas in Austin!
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.
Also, remember to check out our articles on Romantic Restaurants in Austin, Best Italian Restaurants in Austin, and Best Austin Restaurants with a View!
Date Ideas Austin – Date Night at Not Your Average Dive Bar
A first date over drinks is a time-honored tradition. There’s no big commitment. If after one drink you decide you aren’t right for each other, you simply take a last sip, payout, and say your amicable goodbyes. If you are connecting, you can hit up the inevitable restaurant close by. Either way, with these cocktail lounge ideas, you’ll have a good place to start a date and perhaps find a new favorite bar!
Whisler’s
Image Credit: Whisler’s FB Page
Craft cocktails and a hidden mezcal bar.
Where: 1816 East 6th Street, Austin, TX 78702
drink.well
Constantly changing exotic cocktail menu and tapas-style snacks
Where: 207 E 53rd St, Austin, TX 78751
Midnight Cowboy
Reservation-only speakeasy cocktail lounge
Where: 313 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Lala’s Little Nugget
Image Credit: Lala’s FB Page
Christmas all year round, the only Christmas Bar in ATX!
Where: 2207 Justin Ln, Austin, TX 78757
House Wine
Extensive wine selection, charcuterie, and s’mores
Where: 408 Josephine St, Austin, TX 78704
Juliet Italian Kitchen
Excellent happy hour, lovely wine and cocktail list, and great outdoor patio
Where: 10000 Research Blvd Building C, Austin, TX 78759
Date Ideas Austin – Something is brewing at these coffee date spots
When you grab a coffee in Austin, it isn’t just about the drink, but it’s about the whole experience. Our local cafes often offer more than just something to sip on.
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
Image Credit: Mozart’s Coffee Roasters FB Page
Going to Mozart’s is like having a lake party without the cost of a yacht. Grab a coffee and enjoy the views of Lake Austin. If it’s Christmas time, take in the famous light show. It will definitely add a spark to your romantic evening.
Where: 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
Mañana Coffee & Juice
The newest addition to the South Congress Hotel compound is Mañana. The simple but elegant menu, including delectable pastries, makes for a great place to grab a bite and sip when you are testing the water on a first date.
Don’t forget there are half-price pastries daily from 5-7 p.m!
Where: 1603 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Easy Tiger
Image Credit: Easy Tiger FB page
This Sixth Street bakery and beer garden is easily one of the top first-date spots in the city, so it certainly warrants a mention. Easy Tiger can serve as the background for a date at any time of day. Meet for coffee and pastries in the morning, pretzels and ping pong in the afternoon, or a beer to start off a night on the town. After your treatment, you can hit up some of the other bars around or just go for a walk down Sixth Street.
Where: 6406 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd Suite 1100, Austin, TX 78752
Date Ideas Austin – Best dinner options to cook up some romance
Patrizi’s
Image Credit: Patrizi’s FB page
I’m a sucker for any place that has outdoor seating, twinkling lights, and food trucks. Throw in incredible handmade pasta, live theatre, trivia nights, and classy cocktails, and you’ve got the perfect date destination. This Manor Road complex makes it easy to customize your date. If you don’t know the person well, stick with drinks under the moonlight. Want to impress them, but not dent your wallet too badly? Throw in dinner from Patrizi’s. Ready to explore the avant-garde?
Where: 2307 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
Lenoir’s Back Garden Patio
Paramount Theatre
Image Credit: Paramount Theatre FB Page
If you need a break from Alamo Drafthouse, then head to Paramount Theatre to take in a classic movie on the big screen. The summer movie series boasts classics like “Casa Blanca” and “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” Who doesn’t want to do a little time travel on a date?
Where: 713 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
Radio Coffee & Beer
Cafe Monet
Image Credit: Cafe Monet Art Studio FB Page
Paintings are nice, but sometimes you want your art to be a little more utilitarian. At Cafe Monet, you and your date can each decorate something that will last. If the date goes well, you can trade creations. If it doesn’t last, at least you got a cool mug out of the deal!
Where: 4477 S Lamar Blvd #560, Austin, TX 78745
CRAFT
Hamilton Pool Preserve
Image Credit: Kelsey Benson for Hamilton Pool Preserve FB Page
Mount Bonnell
Pub Crawling in Austin
Image Credit: PubCrawler of Austin FB Page
Motown Mondays at The Highball
Browsing at BookPeople
You can learn a lot about a person based on their favorite genres and authors. And if the date goes well, maybe you can get lost in the stacks.
Where: 603 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
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Travel on your mind? Check out Date Ideas Houston and Date Ideas San Antonio
