Updated October 2021
Let’s face it first dates are stressful enough as it is, but planning doesn't have to be! We have rounded up some great spots that are sure to have your special someone coming back for more; so don’t be shy, go make the first move!
SIP A COCKTAIL AT A SPEAKEASY
Crowded clubs and noisy bars have their moments, but a first date definitely isn’t one of them. Check out these hidden gems to find that first date spark!
ATWATER ALLEY
ATWATER ALLEY
Nothing says romance like dim lighting and intimate conversations. Located in the alley behind Henry’s Majestic you’ll find this cozy cocktail spot along with its awesome bartenders who craft unique cocktails for everyone who visits.
KNOX-HENDERSON | DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of Atwater Alley
YELLOW ROSA
YELLOW ROSA
Love is definitely in the air at this patio. Head down to Deep Ellum’s charming Mexican cocktaileria to enjoy craft cocktails along with Mexican-inspired plates. Having a great time? Be sure to wish for a second date at Yellow Rosa’s very own Fuente de Los Deseos (Fountain of Desires) located in their open air patio.
DEEP ELLUM I DIRECTIONS
LA VUIDA NEGRA
LA VUIDA NEGRA
It may seem like an unassuming bridal shop on the outside, but don’t be startled we aren’t ringing the wedding bells just yet! Inside you will find a vibrant Latin speakeasy where the cocktail menu is creative and constantly changing. Want to show off your spicy side? Duck into the dress shop, grab your date, and dance the night away!
FITZHUGH I DIRECTIONS
BOURBON & BANTER
BOURBON & BANTER
You should never use your phone while on a date but for this hotspot, we’ll make an exception. Downtown is home to one of the most authentic speakeasies in Dallas but to enter you first will have to find the phone booth and type in a special password. If correct, the door will open for you! The owners promise that inside you and your date will find hundreds of bourbons accompanied by a night of good humor & conversation.
DOWNTOWN I DIRECTIONS
RARE BOOKS BAR
RARE BOOKS BAR
Want to read a bedtime story that won’t put you to sleep? This 1920s-style liquor library is the perfect place for you! With over 400 scotches and whiskeys, a novelty novel-based cocktail menu, delicious bites, and live jazz your date is sure to become a bookworm.
FRISCO I DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of Rare Books Bar
BUY A BREW AT A CASUAL PATIO
Looking to brew up some romance? Check out these Texas patios for the coolest places to crack a cold one.
ART PARK
ART PARK
The best part about both love and art is the ability to make it your very own. This unique beer garden is the perfect place to make unforgettable memories with that special someone. The Art Park at Trinity Grove is the talk of the town thanks to its refreshing beers, frozen drinks, delicious food, and local graffiti art. Rather watch sports than admire art? They got you covered. Cheer on your favorite teams on one of their 30 Outdoor TV Sets, sing along to some live music, or even play a game of bean bag toss!
TRINITY GROVES I DIRECTIONS
TRUCK YARD
TRUCK YARD
At this spot, it’s all about love, luck, and trucks. Known as Dallas’ “come-as-you-are beer garden and adult playground” Truck Yard is a fun, stress-free date spot where your heart and appetite can run wild. Bring your adventure buddy to grab some beers, share food truck favorites, and enjoy local live music.
LOWER GREENVILLE I DIRECTIONS
THE RUSTIC
THE RUSTIC
Fall in love to the beat of the music at this southern spot. Partially owned by musician Pat Green, this Texas- themed restaurant and patio has music in its DNA. Grab one of the 40 draft beers on offer and head out back to the patio where you can have cactus fritters at the picnic tables, snuggle up by the fire pits, or slow dance to your favorite love songs.
WEST VILLAGE I DIRECTIONS
KATY TRAIL ICE HOUSE
KATY TRAIL ICE HOUSE
Don’t let the name trick you, this beer garden will warm your date’s heart. After taking a long, romantic walk down the 3.5 mile Katy Trail, take a seat at the ice house’s award-winning fifty-foot-long bar and treat your boo to brews and finger-licking bbq.
UPTOWN I DIRECTIONS
JAXON BEER GARDEN
JAXON BEER GARDEN
When it comes to first dates, some worry that if they don’t “go big” their date will want to go home. Leave your fears at this 10,000-square-foot beer garden’s massive garage doors. This one of its kind pebbled patio has it all: 40 beers on tap, specialty cocktails, some of the best bites, TVs, and games! Want to be sure you don’t break the bank or your date's heart? Reserve a table online to join Jaxon for $4-$6 happy hour drinks Monday - Friday 4-6 pm and 4-11 pm on Sundays.
DOWNTOWN I DIRECTIONS
COLD BEER CO.
COLD BEER CO.
In case you haven’t heard there’s a cold beer calling you and your crush’s name! Come on down to CBC and savor one of the 24 beers on tap or 40 canned. This local, neighborhood-friendly bar is sure to serve smiles all around with its daily drink deals and homemade bar bites like brisket tacos, burgers, and a fried baloney sandwich.
DEEP ELLUM I DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of Cold Beer Co.
DALLAS ROOFTOPS
Everyone wants their first date to leave them on cloud nine, check out these rooftops to make sure your first date soar to new heights.
SKY BLOSSOM
SKY BLOSSOM
Get ready for your relationship to blossom on this Downtown Dallas rooftop. Soak in the city’s spectacular sights including the famous Eye sculpture as you sip on some romantic cocktails like the ‘passion in paradise’ and ‘B-fly effect’. This swanky Vietnamese spot is full of flavor and opens for brunch, lunch, or dinner - no matter the time your date will definitely be swept off their feet!
DOWNTOWN I DIRECTIONS
SUNDOWN AT GRANADA
SUNDOWN AT GRANADA
Kenny Chesney is right, everything is hotter at sundown. Located next to the historic Granada Theater, this rooftop has a breathtaking sunset-watching spot that blazes with good vibes, great music, and even greater deals. Sundown proudly caters to all different appetites and diets ensuring even the pickiest of dates will be happy here. Couldn’t make it to watch the sun go down, visit for $2 mimosas at brunch, $10 lunch specials, or all-day Happy Hour!
GREENVILLE I DIRECTIONS
QUARTER BAR
QUARTER BAR
Going to the moon and back for someone has never been so easy. Fly to This two-story Uptown Crescent moon-themed bar for a night of sexy night of sipping and stargazing. With nooks and crannies galore this is the perfect first date spot for secret sharing and sweet nothings. Be sure to check their great daily specials, including $1.50 PBRs on Mondays and $3 wells on Thursdays!
UPTOWN I DIRECTIONS
HAPPIEST HOUR
HAPPIEST HOUR
Why limit happiness to an hour? This rooftop lounge serves up city views and happy vibes all week long Sunday - Wednesday from 4 pm - 12 am and on the weekends until 2 am. Here you’ll find the most eccentric spirits such as the tequila-based ‘horny water’, gin-based ‘yas queen’, vodka-based ‘Spill the tea’, bourbon-based ‘jones’ing for an old fashioned’, and many more! This is the perfect place to let loose and just let the magic happen!
HARDWOOD DISTRICT I DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of Happiest Hour
WATERPROOF
WATERPROOF
Need a first date that is foolproof, visit The Waterproof Bar at The Statler Hotel. Known as one of the most unique date destinations in the city, the 19th story pool, and rooftop lounge has a stunning panoramic view of the city but you’ll have to ditch your swimsuit for something special after 8 pm. Regardless of whether you go for a daytime swim or a spunky night out on the town, the cocktails, appetizers, and skyline will have your date smitten!
DOWNTOWN I DIRECTIONS
TE DESEO
TE DESEO
Te Deseo, which is Spanish for ‘I want to be with you, will have your date wishing to be with you too. Adorned with roses this open-aired, Latin-American rooftop reeks of romance. Start off your sensual night with a spicy margarita or specialty cocktail and then head inside for mouth-watering Mexican appetizers. Visit on Salsa Thursday if you want to make sure your date is extra steamy!
HARDWOOD DISTRICT I DIRECTIONS
APPETIZER FORWARD SPOTS
We can’t promise you love at first sight, but be sure to check out these appetizer spots to find love at first bite!
TULUM
TULUM
Take your date on a trip to Tulum! Leave your passport at home and drive down to Oak Lawn for tasty, tropical time. Sit at their stunning jungle bar for some special alone time or for happy hour on weekdays from 4-6 for half-priced cocktails, tacos, enchiladas, and other yummy bites. Want to extend your ‘vacay’? We don’t blame you! Stay for dinner and savor the salmon enchiladas or prawn Mexican risotto in the dreamy dining room.
OAK LAWN I DIRECTIONS
ALICE
ALICE DALLAS
First date nerves can drive anyone a little mad but you’re not alone, grab your date and fall down the rabbit hole to this whimsical date spot. The pan Asian restaurant, Alice, located in East Dallas is an absolute romantic, retro wonderland! With dim lights, neon signs, a glass bar, and 50 seats it’s hard not to feel special here. Similar to the restaurant size the menu has 25 unique small plates for you and your date to try together. Be sure to try the dumplings, Brussel sprouts, Alice roll, and fried rice you won’t want to miss it!
EAST DALLAS I DIRECTIONS
BARCELONA
BARCELONA
Let’s give your date something to tapas bout! It may not be on the Mediterranean but this Knox-Henderson Spanish wine bar is worth all the hype. Sip and sangria and try some tasty, authentic tapas like pan con tomate, steamed mussels, bacon-wrapped dates, patatas bravas, and snapper crudo. But don’t forget to save some room for their famous paella and olive oil cake dessert!
KNOX-HENDERSON I DIRECTIONS
ROYAL 38
ROYAL 38
Want your dream date to feel like royalty? Skip out on the horse and carriage and go straight to this niche neighborhood bar where they have 20 specialty drinks along with all the favorites you know and love. Royal 38 takes the crown for creative cocktails and amazing apps; to get the full experience order the short rib & crispy rice, lobster corn fritters, ahi tuna nachos, and chili sauced ribs!
HARDWOOD DISTRICT I DIRECTIONS
TACO Y VINO
TACO Y VINO
They say the best pairs are when opposites attract… and this date destination is living proof! Home to pinots and pork tacos Bishop Art’s Taco Y Vino incorporates the best of both worlds: class and comfort! Here you’ll find your favorite light bites like ceviche and taco trios along with unique flavors like seafood stuffed jalepeños and avocado tostadas. Need help sealing the deal? Order the taco y vino entrada deal where you and your ‘perfect pair’ can try 6 tacos and a bottle of wine all for $35!
BISHOP ARTS I DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of Taco Y Vino
ADD AN ACTIVITY TO BREAK THE ICE
Break the ice with your bae in the least basic way at these date spots!
BOWL & BARREL
BOWL & BARREL
Is your date a strike because this spot is a perfect 10! This boutique bowling alley is sure to get your game out of the gutter and roll out some romance. At Bowl & Barrel, you and your date can spark up some competition while indulging in your favorite appetizers. Need a bowling break? Be sure to check their "one-of-a-kind beer hall" for a refreshing brew!
THE SHOPS AT PARK LANE I DIRECTIONS
WHISKEY HATCHET
WHISKEY HATCHET
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and channel your inner lumberjack at this date destination. At Whiskey Hatchet you and your date are in for an "all in axe-throwing, beer drinking, wine chugging, and cocktail chasing" date night! This date destination reeks of axecitement and adventure, ensuring that even if you miss the target you'll still score points with your boo.
DEEP ELLUM I DIRECTIONS
ANOTHER ROUND
ANOTHER ROUND
This tee-rific date spot is a hole-in-one! Located in Fort Worth, this indoor mini-golf course prides itself on being one the funkiest golf games in the city. Once you and your partner have gotten into the swing of things on the course be sure to finish the game off at their full-service cocktail bar!
WEST DALLAS I DIRECTIONS
BRING MOTHER NATURE ALONG
More of an outdoorsy type? While we don't recommend making introductions to your actual mother on a first date, enjoying time with mother nature is always a good idea!
The Katy Trail
THE KATY TRAIL
Make your first date a walk in the park on The Katy Trail! What was once an abandoned railroad line is now a perfect Dallas date destination. Put on your walking shoes and share your secrets on this 3.5-mile trail and you'll be sure to hot and steamy moment with your honey!
KNOX-HENDERSON I DIRECTIONS
White Rock
WHITE ROCK LAKE
Rocky times are much better with the right person by your side! Pick up a paddle and let your chemistry flow as you and your adventure buddy paddle down Dallas' beautiful White Rock Lake. Not ready to fight the current together just yet? White Rock Lake is also home to a 9.33-mile hike and bike trail, dog park, and picnic area - ensuring your first date is a nature-loving success!
WHITE ROCK I DIRECTIONS
CEDAR RIDGE PRESERVE
CEDAR RIDGE PRESERVE
Dating is a climb... but when you find a good one the view is great! Head down to Cedar Ridge Preserve where you will find some of the most breathtaking views in the city. Get ready for your connection to pick up its pace as you two tackle some of the coolest hiking trails in town. Tip: When you get to the top of the mountain, tell your date that they are still the best view.
CEDAR HILL I DIRECTIONS
