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Austin is home to some of the most unique bars and restaurants in the state and offers a plethora of activities, from casual spots for fun day dates to upscale restaurants for special occasions!
To help you plan your special date, we’re sharing our personal favorite local go-tos around the Greater Austin area.
Must-Try Drink Spots in the Austin Area
As your first stop, try a new artisan cocktail, locally crafted beer, or specialty coffee drink at one of the many bars, breweries, or coffee shops throughout Austin.
Lou’s on Barton Springs
This fun spot boasts tacos, sandwiches, and a great patio with TVs and ping pong to enjoy some sunshine in the evenings!
To give you some firsthand experience, we asked one of our local resident experts and Internet Sales Managers, Lauren Hauge:
“Visiting Lou’s has become part of my weekly routine actually. The wine margarita is my favorite drink on the menu and is so refreshing. The old school vibes this place has are unmatched, and the walk-up-and-order type of service just makes it even better. You have to try the street corn, too!”
Zanzibar
Perfect for a staycation or long weekend, this rooftop tiki bar has delicious appetizers, tropical cocktails, and a relaxing atmosphere with lots of plants and comfortable seating.
Alta’s Café
This chill, outdoor coffee shop allows you to enjoy coffee and other drinks right on the lake. From their sustainable sourcing to their stunning views, Alta’s is a local favorite for good reason.
Lauren also has high praise for Alta’s:
“I recommend this place to everyone I meet! If you’re looking for a quiet spot with great views, Alta’s is your spot. They have beer, wine, some other local offerings, along with coffee and snacks. In my opinion, this is the best spot to watch the bats fly out from under the Congress Bridge during bat season.”
Dumont’s Down Low
Try this romantic basement bar with craft cocktails and fun, spooky vibes in Austin’s Warehouse District for something a little different on your next date night!
Culinary Dropout
This one is a fantastic option for Happy Hour or dinner. From the relaxing patio to their activity calendar and their renowned craft cocktails, this is another one of Lauren’s all-time favorites.
“If you find yourself around The Domain area, Culinary Dropout is a must! The patio is huge and has all kinds of activities and tons of seating. Their drink and appetizer menus are awesome. My personal favorite are the pretzel bites with the warm, fondue-style cheese.”
Codependent
For a celebratory date like an anniversary, you’ll love the luxurious atmosphere of Codependent, a coffee shop by day and cocktail bar by night. They might just have the best espresso martini in town!
Kitty Cohens
The award-winning eastside cocktail bar has an outdoor kitchen and patio and even an exclusive club to enjoy members-only events!
Cidercade
If you love playing games together you’ll adore this arcade on the lake downtown with cider, pizza, and over 150 games—both new and familiar.
The Brewtorium
With everything from house-brewed beer to mead on draft, this brewery has something for everyone. Grab some small bites to share, come out for one of their many events, and enjoy their beer garden on a slow-paced Saturday.
The Best Date Night Restaurants Around Austin
Onto to the main event, we scoped out some of the most special and unique eats around town to impress your significant other. Branch out and support local at these truly delightful restaurants in Austin.
Red Ash
Get all dolled up and make a reservation in advance to get the best experience at Red Ash, a fantastic Italian restaurant with a wood-burning grill and an incredible wine menu. Said to have some of the best food in Austin, you won’t be disappointed at this yummy place.
Eberly
This swanky speakeasy with a famous bar transported in from New York City has a special history and has been featured in many local magazines and articles. You just have to experience it in person!
Aba
This Mediterranean joint has one of the coolest patios around and fuses mouthwatering combinations into dishes you can’t find anywhere else. They also have an extensive gluten-free menu.
Geraldine’s
Experience a communal dining atmosphere at this rooftop restaurant with great food, fun cocktails, and stunning views of the city and lake. You may just make new friends for life here!
Siena Ristorante Toscana
For another wonderful Italian option, try this authentic and award-winning gem in west Austin. You can’t ask for a more romantic atmosphere in this custom-built building, and their menu is simply unmatched.
Bar Chi
Second Street District boasts this scrumptious sushi restaurant in the heart of downtown. This one’s a stellar choice for Happy Hour and has plenty of cocktail and sushi options for any taste.
Delucca
The preset dinner menu and endless pizza here are made with simple, yet high-quality ingredients for a delectable dinner option for your next date night. Reservations are recommended, so plan ahead!
Plank
Indulge in creative seafood dishes, an oyster bar, and unforgettable cocktails at this sustainable seafood eatery. Make sure to take plenty of pictures in their colorful and bright space!
ATX Cocina
For an elevated, modern Tex-Mex adventure, you simply must try ATX. Their location downtown makes them a perfect choice if you are treating yourselves to a full night out, and their hand-made tortillas and innovative menu will be a big hit.
Fun Activities to Try After Dinner
Keep the fun going with a memorable date night adventure after dinner! From group dates to intimate experiences for just the two of you, there’s plenty of new things to try out! Here are our top 5:
- Rent a retro boat on Lady Bird Lake
- Visit the 360 Overlook
- Walk the Roy and Ann Butler Hike and Bike Trail
- Try your hand at Go-Karting at K1 Speed
- Attend an Austin FC game
If you’re looking for more recommendations when the weather is nice, check out our summertime favorites around the area.
With a city as popular and trendy as Austin, we could list hundreds of amazing date spots! Enjoy exploring your hometown and making new memories together, and find holiday attractions in Austin to check out next.
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