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!

Updated December 2022

HIGHLIGHTING JIGSAW DATING

If you're still looking for the perfect person to take on a first date, Jigsaw can help you find your missing piece! This new dating app is designed to prioritize your personality and reveal what's real! They do this by placing a jigsaw puzzle over faces in the app! When you match and exchange messages with someone you like, pieces gradually fall away. Over 100,000 people have joined Jigsaw, a healthier and kinder way to date.

Download the personality-based dating app to see what the hype is about and put on the brakes on high-speed swiping! Save this article for when you find that special someone and are planning your epic first date.

FIRST DATE IDEAS IN DALLAS

HANG OUT AT COCKTAIL LOUNGE

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! Plus, how cool to show someone new a secret spot in Dallas?!

BAR CHARLES

The Charles reminds us of an upscale, tropical oasis with exotic plant prints adorning the walls giving us major Miami vibes. They have a few dining rooms each offering a different vibe, but we especially love the bar for a romantic evening of cocktails and conversation!

Design District | Directions

BOURBON & BANTER (pictured)

It's best to avoid using your phone while on a date, but for this spot, we’ll make an exception. The Statler is home to one of the most authentic speakeasies in Dallas! To enter, you'll have to find the phone booth and type in the secret password. If correct, the door will open for you! Inside, you and your date will find hundreds of bourbons accompanied by a night of great drinks and intimate vibes.

Downtown | Directions

BOWEN HOUSE 

Bowen House’s vintage house feels, dreamy cocktails and glam bar area feel like stepping into a different era and features a warm, crackling fire as a retreat on cold days! Warm up with spirit cocktails like a classic old fashioned. And with the romantic style atmosphere, it's a perfect dinner date with a $27 steak special!

Uptown | Directions

CLIFTON CLUB

Priding themsleves in speciality cocktails and shareable bites, Clifton Club needs to be on your radar for first date spots! The bar is beautiful, with a hip and modern vibe. Drinks on the menu include espresso martinis, aperol spritzs and much more.

Uptown | Directions

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'll find a vibrant Latin speakeasy where the cocktail menu is creative and constantly changing. Plus if you're feeling hungry after, head over to the neighboring sister spot, El Come Taco.

Fitzhugh | Directions

RARE BOOKS BAR

Want a date spot that's a conversation starter? This 1920s-style liquor library is the perfect place! With over 400 scotches and whiskeys, a novel-based cocktail menu, delicious bites, and live jazz, you and your date are sure to get a great reading on one another.

Frisco | Directions

The Branca Room

If you're looking for a place that's unique and intimate, walk to the back of Chimichurri and through the wine cellar to find The Branca Room! Here, you and your date can enjoy craft cocktails under a beautiful chandelier. This space is truly memorable and is sure to be a first date that'll leave your crush hoping for a second date! Plus, afterwards you can explore the Bishop Arts neighborhood to continue the fun!

Bishop Arts | Directions

If you love speakeasies, discover more of our favorite speakeasies in Dallas

GRAB A DRINK ON A CASUAL PATIO

Looking to brew up some romance? Check out these DFW patios for the best places to crack a cold one.

CHELSEA CORNER

This beloved spot truly feels like a garden oasis with brick pathways, lush greenery, white table accents, picnic tables. Not only is it a super cute date spot, it and also has a fabulous menu to go along with it. Take in the garden vibes with a Pear Goddess martini and Harvest Bowl to go with it!

Knox | Directions

COLD BEER CO.

There’s a cold beer calling you and your date's name! Head to CBC and savor one of the 24 beers on tap or 40 canned, or if beer isn't your drink of choice, enjoy drinks from the full-service bar. This local, neighborhood-friendly bar is the perfect no frills spot to get to know each other while enjoying great drinks and homemade dishes like brisket tacos and burgers. 

Deep Ellum | Directions

ISLA & CO

This Australian inspired spot is one of our favorite spots any time of day! IIsla & Co prides itself on a fresh, seasonal and high-quality menu with options for brunch, casual lunch, or dinner. They serve coffee in the mornings and cocktails in the afternoon and evenings, and a great happy hour! Whether you're wanting a coffee and brunch date or evening hangout on the patio, this spot will whisk you away!

Bishop Arts | Directions

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. But no fears here, this ​​10,000-square-foot beer garden is sure to impress. The one of a kind pebbled patio has it all: 40 beers on tap, specialty cocktails, some of the best bites, TVs, and games so you'll never be bored! Reserve a table Monday through Friday from 4-6pm for $4-$6 happy hour drinks, and 4-11 pm on Sundays!

Downtown Directions

KATY TRAIL ICE HOUSE

Don’t let the name trick you, this beer garden will warm your date’s heart. After taking a stroll down the Katy Trail, take a seat at the Ice House’s award-winning fifty-foot-long bar and treat your date to brews and BBQ. This iconic patio is perfect for all seasons with fans and heaters throughout, plus they are very dog-friendly so you can bring your fur babies too!

Uptown | Directions

LORO

This Asian Smokehouse is filled with casual vibes and small plates! Grab a seat inside their expansive space or outside on their patio, order your plates at the bar, and enjoy the Texas dancehall vibes while you wait for your food!

East Dallas | Directions

SMOKY ROSE

This spot across from the Arboretum has an expansive patio that makes you feel like you found your way to a winery in Napa! The menu features chef driven Texas BBQ, and the patio is dog friendly with frequent live music. We also love the new gazebo addition!

White Rock | Directions

THE RUSTIC (Pictured)

Fall in love to the beat of the music at this iconic southern patio. Partially owned by musician Pat Green, this Texas-themed restaurant and patio has music in its DNA. Grab one of the 40 draft beers or a cocktail and head outside to enjoy a home-style meal on picnic tables or by the fire pits while listening to performances by local and national artists. 

West Village | Directions

TRUCK YARD

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 date to grab some beers, share food truck favorites, and enjoy local live music! Plus you can walk around and explore Lower Greenville neighborhood after!

Lower Greenville | Directions

Discover more of our favorite Dallas patios

HAVE A DATE WITH A VIEW

Everyone wants their first date to leave them on cloud nine! Luckily, Dallas has tons of great rooftops to take in great views that are guaranteed to impress.

HG SPLY CO

The atmosphere, unbelievably good nachos and the spot-on Moscow Mules (try them frozen) - HG Sply Co has one of the best rooftops in Dallas, hands down. Take in skyline views, share some of their delicious menu items, and sip on a cocktail for a great time with your date! Plus, they even have heaters in the winter and misters in the summer!

Lower Greenville | Directions

QUARTER BAR

This French Quarter vibe neighborhood bar is the perfect first date spot with it's busy yet intimate vibe. Grab your New Orleans themed drink and head upstairs to enjoy under the string lights of the rooftop. Be sure to check their great daily specials, including $1.50 PBRs on Mondays and $3 wells on Thursdays, plus weekly trivia each Wednesday!

Uptown | Directions

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 is open for brunch, lunch, or dinner - no matter the time, your date will definitely be swept off their feet!

Downtown | Directions

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 | Directions

TE DESEO

Te Deseo is Spanish for ‘I want to be with you', and this open-aried, Latin-American rooftop adorned with roses is perfect for budding romance. Start off your night with a spicy margarita and then head inside for mouth watering Mexican appetizers. Visit on Salsa Thursday if you want to add in a first dance with your date! 

Harwood District | Directions

THE HENRY

Located right on the border of Uptown and Downtown near Victory Park, The Henry not only has an adorable dog-friendly patio, but also an awesome rooftop bar where you can enjoy yummy cocktails (try the fig mule), delicious appetizers and small plates, and views of downtown and the Perot Museum. The rooftop offers comfortable seating in large, cute booths and high-top bar tables and if the weather isn’t great, there’s also intimate indoor seating!

Uptown | Directions

WATERPROOF

Need a foolproof first date plan? Visit The Waterproof Bar at The Statler Hotel! Known as one of the most unique date destinations in the city, this 19th story pool and rooftop lounge has ​​a stunning panoramic view of the city. After 8pm, you’ll have to ditch your swimsuit for something on the fancier side. Whether you go for a daytime swim or an upscale night on the town, the cocktails, appetizers, and skyline views will have your date smitten!

Downtown | Directions

Discover more of our favorite rooftops

SPOTS FOR SMALL BITES

Sometimes a full sit down dinner is a lot of pressure for a first date! This is where spots known for their small bites come in. We can’t promise you love at first sight, but be sure to check out these appetizer spots to find love at first bite!

BARCELONA WINE BAR

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 on sangria and try some tasty, authentic tapas like pan con tomate, steamed mussels, bacon-wrapped dates, patatas bravas, and snapper crudo. Don’t forget to save some room for their olive oil cake dessert!

Knox-Henderson | Directions

CRU Food & Wine Bar

Tucked away in a corner of the West Village, this spot is great for a wine flight and small bites! The menu features two different cheese flights, a charcuterie board, and 10+ sharables that you and your date can choose from. The atmosphere is perfect for getting to know someone, and feels upscale but still relaxed!

West Village | Directions

Postino

Postino is a super popular & funky wine spot with a beloved bottles & boards happy hour, brunch and all-around eclectic atmosphere! They offer a great menu of wines and sharables every day of the week, and we especially love their Bottle and Board special for dates! The deal includes a bottle of wine and a bruschetta board for $25 on Mondays and Tuesdays after 8:00pm! Best enjoyed on their vibrant patio.

Deep Ellum | Directions

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! Royal 38 takes the crown for creative cocktails and amazing apps. To get the full experience, we recommend the short rib with crispy rice, lobster corn fritters, and portobello fries!

Harwood District | Directions

Si Tapas

If your date loves travel and adventure, take them out to tapas! This quaint spot is both relaxed and romantic, and will transport you across the globe. Check out their extensive wine menu and order a few authentic apps to share. If you're feeling more hungry their paella serves two and is delicious! This hidden gem also has an amazing happy hour, which we love to enjoy on the patio!

State Thomas | Directions

TACO Y VINO

They say that opposites attract and this date destination is 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 jalapeños and avocado tostadas. Want to really impress your date? Order the Taco Y Vino entrada deal, so you and your 'perfect pair' can try 6 tacos and a bottle of wine for only $35!

Bishop Arts | Directions

TULUM (pictured)

Take your date on a trip to Tulum! Leave your passport at home and drive down to Oak Lawn for a tasty, tropical dining experience. Sit at their stunning jungle bar for happy hour on weekdays from 4-6pm for half-priced cocktails, tacos, enchiladas, and other delish 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 | Directions

ACTIVITIES TO BREAK THE ICE

Adding an activity is a great way to take some of the pressure off on a first date! And, who doesn't love some friendly competition? Break the ice in the least basic way at these date spots! 

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 | Directions

BOWL & BARREL (Pictured) 

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! 

Park Lane | Directions

TWO-BIT CIRCUS

There's an amusement park right inside The Shops at Park Lane! You and your date can try your hand at an escape room, arcade games, and so much more! They also have carnival inspired snacks and drinks, making it a great spot for food, fun, and first dates!

Park Lane | Directions

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 date. 

Deep Ellum | Directions

Learn more about our favorite spots for indoor activities in DFW.

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!

CEDAR RIDGE PRESERVE

Dating is a climb... but when you find a good one the view is great! Head down to Cedar Ridge Preserve to get out of the city and where you'll find some of the most breathtaking views. Get ready for your connection to pick up its pace as you two tackle some of the coolest hiking trails in town. 

Cedar Hill | Directions

THE KATY TRAIL (pictured)

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, grab a coffee at the neighboring Knox District and stroll the tree-lined 3.5-mile trail.

Knox-Henderson | Directions

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-mile hike and bike trail, dog park, and picnic area - ensuring your first date is a nature-loving success! 

White Rock | Directions

Learn more about some of our favorite hiking spots around DFW.

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