Date Ideas Guaranteed to Swoon in Austin
Words by James Wong
Photo by Hannah Koehler
Austin’s hot for reasons beyond climate: it’s a lover’s paradise. This is the carefree kinda place to let your hair down and canoodle with a special someone, no matter what the skies dictate. Perhaps a romantic spa day by the lake floats your boat? Or how about a game of crazy golf or Electric Shuffle? Of course, there’s always the trusted swanky dinner and an overnight in downtown’s best boutique hotel (can you guess which?). Basically, Austin will turn up the passion for y’all.
Whether you’re coming for a special occasion like an anniversary or Valentine’s Day proposal, or you’ve swiped right and are looking to make a heart flutter, we’ve got just the love potion here in ATX. These tried-and-tested date activities, alongside local resident suggestions, will leave you both with lasting romantic memories.
Make magic in ATX with these romantic activities
Image by Steven Clouse
WINE AND DINE IN THE MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS IN AUSTIN
Though general city attire veers toward flip-flops and shorts, downtown, you’ll find a number of upscale restaurants to provide the perfect setting for a wine and dine. Arlo Grey is ATX’s premier date night destination. The award-winning restaurant by Top Chef winner, Kristen Kish, harnesses the bounty of local ingredients available in Central Texas to create dazzling European plates. It’s situated right next to Lady Bird Lake with dreamy vistas. Other notable romantic restaurants close to The LINE Austin include Downtown’s Hestia for modern American cuisine, and East Austin’s Intero for Italian fine dining (and the best homemade chocolate desserts you’ve ever tasted).
“A great date spot is Wink. The staff are wonderful, longtime Austinites who have decorated the walls with painted portraits of figures you may recognize. We love to admire them from the restaurant’s cozy wine bar before the meal.” – Caren Kelleher, co-owner of Waterloo Records and founder/owner of Gold Rush Vinyl
BAR HOP BETWEEN THE CITY’S SEXIEST BARS
One of the best things about downtown Austin is that it’s one of the few places in all of Texas that’s completely walkable, especially during delightful spring. That means bar hopping, but less Sixth Street dive bars (unless that’s your style of romance – no judgment here!) and more Fifth Street and below’s cocktail bars and lounges. Start at the P6 Rooftop Bar at sunset, where you’ll enjoy Mediterranean plates and refreshing cocktails whilst watching the Texan orange sky melt down to the lake, and then hit up a trio of love: The Roosevelt Room (Fifth Street), housed in a historic 1929 building; Garage (Colorado Street), an intimate speakeasy with cozy couches; and Péché (Fourth Street), Austin’s very first absinthe bar.
“My husband and I often find ourselves at Whisler’s on East 6th. We both love tequila and mezcal, and the intimate upstairs mezcal tasting room is the place to begin (and sometimes end) the night. Lately, we’ve also been drawn to Honeymoon Spirit Lounge. It has this romantic, slightly cinematic feel, and every cocktail feels like it was made just for the moment. On Wednesdays, it’s half price on wine bottles and a great opportunity to try wine we wouldn’t normally order.” – Celine Elgrably-Gomez, Brand Marketing Manager, Electric Shuffle USA/Austin
Image by Steven Clouse
Image by Moyo Oyelola
CHALLENGE YOUR DATE WITH A GAME
For couples who want to try something a little off-piste for a date, how about a game or two? Peter Pan’s Mini Golf, just across the river from The LINE Austin, ain’t just for kids. It’s open till late (10 pm and 11 pm) for adults to try their swing, and you can BYOB in a cooler too. Couples can also get competitive at Electric Shuffle, high-tech shuffleboarding (Red River Street) or work together in The Escape Game (also Red River Street) to puzzle their way out of a number of bonkers themed rooms. Want game vibes without the brainwork? Let loose at the colorful Museum of Illusions at the Domain, or get outrageously merry during Drag Bingo at Oilcan Harry’s (Fourth Street).
“If date night falls on a Wednesday, then head to St Elmo’s Brewery for Louisiana Purchase’s Drag Bingo. She has her own brand of IPA beer that’s really good, and there’s a variety of food trucks on-site. The area also has a bunch of other breweries if you’re both in the mood to try more.” – Arinna Dior Davenport, ATX-based drag artist
DRIVE OUT OF TOWN FOR A ROMANTIC GETAWAY
Austin is more than just its city center: there are acres and acres of natural wonder to explore on the road. West Austin is ideal for a day trip, particularly for lovers checking in for a spa day. The Lake House Spa has a number of day options, including a luxurious Time for Two Day Away package that includes a couple’s massage, facial, lunch and non-alcoholic beverages. Alternatively, get an adrenaline rush out at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures, the longest and fastest zip line in the state. Whatever your endeavor, be sure to grab coffee from Alfred, and authentic Veracruz All-Natural tacos to-go from the counters at The LINE Austin.
“Only 15 minutes away from downtown, The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria is ideal for daytime dates. From the dreamy sculpture park to the historic Texas native grounds right by the lake, bring a picnic or buy from their bodega, and you’re all set.” – Jane Hervey, founder and lead curator at Future Front Texas
Image by Steven Clouse
Image by Weston Carls
HAVE A SPLASH IN AUSTIN’S GREAT OUTDOOR SPACES
If an outdoor date is what you seek, you’re in luck; there’s plenty of fun to be had under the springtime sun. You’ll see many an Austinite in swimwear throughout the year, enjoying the waters that run through the city. The LINE downtown has Lady Bird Lake at its disposal. While swimming in it is prohibited, hotel guests may borrow a stand-up paddleboard from the concierge or head to the Texas Rowing Center to rent a canoe or kayak. You can always swim at Barton Springs pool, or back at the hotel’s gorgeous infinity pool, which overlooks the verdant trail. For an extra swoonsome experience, rent a Viator boat on Lake Austin and soak in the sights with BYOB champagne.
“One of my favorite outdoor date spots would be a classic Barton Springs and P. Terry’s combo for a relaxed evening vibe. Both are soul homes for me, and you can tell a lot about someone by how their company has you feeling in your sanctuaries. Bonus points for bringing poetry and knowing to order extra special sauce.” – Megan Swinford of Jaguar High Priestess
This February, book a stay at the LINE Austin and enjoy date nights at Arlo Grey, Cantero bar, as well as close proximity to ATX’s most romantic hangouts
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