Dating can be a daunting task, from selecting the right attire to the right place to go. Although your clothing choice is entirely up to you, this guide can help lessen the burden of deciding what to do depending on your interests and personalities.
The Classic
For this couple, the old standby of dinner and a movie is a recipe for a great time.
Dinner date
At Cafe Malta, diners will find a locally owned restaurant with white tablecloths, candlelight and a cultivated seasonal menu with a heavy Texas influence. Diners can try the Brisket ravioli ($14)—house pasta filled with cabernet-braised brisket and sauced in parsley-pecan pesto and parmesan cheese.
3421 W. William Cannon Drive, Ste. 127
512-853-9584 • www.cafemaltaaustin.com
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Slaughter Lane[/caption]Catch a flick
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema’s movie screenings ($8.75-$14.75) along with waitstaff serving items such as alcoholic milkshakes and warm chocolate chip cookies are a fun way to end the date.
5701 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin
512-861-7060 • www.drafthouse.com/austin
Worth the trip
Bring your car to the Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-in, an old-fashioned drive-in in the Mueller district showing classic and art-house movies. 1901 E. 51st St. • www.bluestarlitedrivein.com
The Smarties
Nerds unite at these places meant to stimulate the brain. These options give you the chance to impress your partner with your knowledge.
Bug night out[/caption]Biology lesson
On Oct. 7, museumgoers can visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center for a one-night-only bug-sightseeing tour in the gardens. The center’s mercury light stations turn on to attract night insects. 6-9 p.m. Free (members, age 4 and younger), $4 (ages 5-17), $8 (age 65 and older, students with student ID), $10 (general admission)
4801 La Crosse Ave.
512-232-0100 • www.wildflower.org
The Writing Barn[/caption]Get creative
The Writing Barn offers writing classes taught by in-house staff and guest authors. The Writing Barn offers full- and half-day workshops.
10202 Wommack Road
512-665-0886 • www.thewritingbarn.com
Geeky pursuits
Moontower Saloon[/caption]During Geeks Who Drink trivia every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., the Moontower Saloon pits teams against each other to see who knows more about everything.
10212 Manchaca Road
512-712-5661 • www.moontowersaloon.com
The Offbeat
These date ideas do not fall into any conventional category, so these options are perfect for offbeat couples who want to experiment with new and unique settings.
Creative Side Metal Works[/caption]Carry a torch
Check out a blacksmithing class as part of the Metal Works series at Creative Side Metal Works. Basic Blacksmithing participants can make a bottle opener Oct. 15 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for $135 per person. Reservations are required.
2311 Thornton Road, Ste. Q
512-799-0731 • www.creativeside.org
Unexpected eats
Try Hawaiian cuisine poke at Poke-Poke, which opened in July across from St. Edward’s University in the former Amy’s Ice Creams space. Poke is a raw tuna or salmon dish flash-marinated in sauces and spices and mixed with toppings, including onions, sesame seeds, kale and carrots.
3100 S. Congress Ave. • 512-814-1032 • www.poke-poke.com
Ben White Bingo[/caption]Name of the game
Play your cards right at Ben White Bingo, where games start every day at 5:30 p.m. There are separated areas for smokers and nonsmokers, and on Fridays players can partake in free beer and wine.
2101 W. Ben White Blvd., Ste. 101
512-440-7475 • www.benwhitebingo.com
Lox, Box & Barrel[/caption]The Daytrippers
For daters who would rather get out of town—or close enough, a day trip to the Hill Country awaits with gourmet food and craft wine.
Picnic lunch pickup
Lox, Box & Barrel offers to-go options, such as sandwiches and salads, on the way to Hill Country breweries and wineries.
9521 W. Hwy. 290, Ste. 100
Bell Springs Winery[/caption]512-400-0681 • www.loxboxandbarrel.com
Day at the vineyard
Bell Springs Winery in Dripping Springs is open daily from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Various meat, cheese and olive plates are available for sale at the winery, and guests are welcome to pack a lunch for a midday picnic on the grounds and visit Sidecar, the tasting room.
3700 Bell Springs Road, Dripping Springs
512-643-7398 • www.bellspringswinery.com
Geocaching[/caption]The Adventurers
Treasure hunting, the need for speed and spicy foods are no match for this couple.
Like Pokemon Go, but without the pokemon
Geocaching is an outdoor activity in which players can use a mobile app to hunt for hidden containers around the world. Players can learn more and research potential caches to find in Austin by visiting www.geocaching.com.
Circuit of The Americas[/caption]Racing hearts
Racing events at Circuit of The Americas in South Austin include the world’s premier motorsport series, the U.S. Formula One Grand Prix, which takes place Oct. 21-23. Attendees can cap their nights with accompanying concerts as well: Taylor Swift performs Oct. 22, and The Weeknd performs Oct. 23. Ticket prices and availability may vary.
9201 Circuit of The Americas Blvd.
512-301-6600 • www.circuitoftheamericas.com
District Austin[/caption]Spicy treat
For a hot option, try the Blistered Shishito Peppers with chili lime aioli for $5 during happy hour at District Austin. Cocktail options include the Soft Glow ($5.50), made with strawberries and lemon.
5900 W. Slaughter Lane
512-351-8436 • www.districtaustin.com
The Blind Date
If you are meeting your online or arranged date for the first time, then Parkside Village in Circle C Ranch is your choice for a stress-free and convenient evening, as businesses are in close proximity to one another.
Pie hopes
Start off the evening with North By Northwest Restaurant and Brewery’s Heart of Circle C Pizza ($10.95), a 10-inch pizza topped with basil pesto, artichoke hearts, roasted red bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. The restaurant also brews several craft beer varieties in-house.
5701 W. Slaughter Lane, Bldg. D
512-301-6969 • www.nxnwbrew.com
400 Rabbits[/caption]After-dinner drink
400 Rabbits’ Paris, Texas cocktail ($9), made with ruby red grapefruit vodka, elderflower liqueur, lime juice and sparkling wine, can start a conversation.
5701 W. Slaughter Lane
512-861-7070 • 400rabbitsbar.com
