The Ultimate Guide to Date Nights in Austin

Date night can be challenging. It can be hard to decide what to do and can look a lot like "what should we do?" "I don't know, what do you wanna do?" "Do you have any ideas?" Or you want to surprise your partner but aren't sure what that looks like. This can be a lot of pressure and we know pressure and uncertainty don’t scream sexiness! My hope is that this list eliminates some of that for you, and that you and your partner are able to find something that excites y'all and then spend some time connecting and fostering your feelings of closeness and togetherness. It is important to prioritize y'all and experience things together. I hope you enjoy this list. These are some of my favorite spots and things to do with my partner to connect.

Affordable Date Nights

Bowling at Westgate Lanes:

Nothing beats the classic charm of bowling for a playful date night. Westgate Lanes offers an incredible deal: just $14 per person on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday nights from 9pm to midnight, which includes shoe rental and unlimited bowling. I even recommend giving each other cute or funny nicknames as your bowling names.

Sunset viewing on the Lamar Bridge:

For a romantic (and free!) experience, head to the Lamar Bridge for sunset viewing. Find parking on Riverside near the Zach Theater, then take a quick leisurely walk to the pedestrian bridge. You'll be treated to stunning sunset views, incredible people watching, and often live music from local street performers. I suggest getting ice cream after. Amy's is nearby, or make the short drive to Zed's for New Zealand style ice cream (my personal favorite ice cream in Austin). You won't be disappointed. 

Dive into Romance at Barton Springs:

Take a leap of faith into feeling a renewed sense of connection in the refreshing waters of Barton Springs Pool. At just $5 per person for Austin residents, it's an affordable way to reconnect with your partner while enjoying one of the city's most iconic natural attractions. They even offer night swim for a romantic dip under the stars. If you go when there's a full moon, people howl, it's one of those magical Austin moments you have to experience.

Pins Mechanical:

Get touch with yalls competitive spirit with bowling, classic arcade games, and even a room dedicated to playing Nintendo Sega Genesis games. The best part? All the arcade games and video games are totally free, so you can play to your heart's content without worrying about quarters. 

Raid A Thrift Store: 

Have a fun and playful date raiding Goodwill together. Pick out outfits for each other, then wear your finds somewhere special, like to dinner or have an impromptu photo shoot at home. It's guaranteed to create hilarious memories and is cost effective. This was one of my partners and I’s most fun and memorable dates we’ve ever had. 

Playlist Making: 

Create personalized playlists for each other that capture your relationship, your personalities, how you feel about one another, or how you see your partner. Then enjoy a listening party at home or take a drive enjoying eachothers creations. 

Home Chef Experience:

Sometimes the most romantic dates happen at home. Create a special menu together, get creative with your dinner and drink options, and enjoy cooking with or for each other. You can even make your menu have different courses. It's intimate, personal, and allows you to focus entirely on each other, plus you can control the budget completely.

Cozy spots with entertainment

Greek Charm at OPA:

Discover this hidden gem housed in a cute Greek bungalow, where you and your partner can enjoy cozy vibes and great entertainment. OPA offers something special every night: open mic Wednesdays, jazz Thursdays, live music Friday and Saturday, and bingo Sundays. They serve all kinds of fun drinks including sangria, don't miss out on their delicious creek food as well. My favorite is the meatball gyro and their greek lemon potatoes. 

Dance the Night Away:

If you're ready to get your boogie on and step into the Austin honky tonk scene full of charm, Sam's Town Point offers beginner two-step lessons every Thursday at 6pm for just $10, which supports the instructors and live music. White Horse provides donation-based two-step lessons Thursday through Saturday at 7pm. Even if dancing isn't y'all's thing, it's still a great time to watch the skilled dancers and listen to some talented local Austin musicians playing country tunes.

Dive Bar Charm at Donn's Depot:

Experience Austin's history at Donn's Depot, one of the city's oldest bars in town. With its unmatched character, amazing people watching (the regulars include an older gentleman who wears a shirt that says chick magnet on the back and an older woman who brings her little dog), live music, and dancing, it's worth the typical $10 cover charge. Don (the owner in his 80s) occasionally plays the keys, and fun fact, they host weekday Jeopardy showings for trivia loving couples. Dua Lipa also made a visit to Donn's after she headlined ACL last year in 2024. Donn's is decorated in Christmas lights all year round so it feels so special and you feel fully transported to such a fun and charming space. 

Chill coffee shop vibes: 

Radio Coffee offers various drinks, lots of food trucks options,  and free events every night of the week including live music, trivia, storytelling, talent shows,  and poetry readings across multiple locations. Who doesn't love free entertainment? Sit back, relax and enjoy being entertained. 

Downtown Lounge at Halcyon: 

A casual lounge vibe in the heart of downtown, complete with tableside s'mores plates because nothing says romance like sharing warm, gooey treats. On Saturdays they host a drag brunch. 

Parker's Jazz Club & Monks: 

For a more intimate musical experience, these venues offer live performances in cozy, romantic settings. 

Equipment Room: 

A swanky, elevated listening experience for music lovers who appreciate quality sound and sophisticated atmosphere. Make sure you make reservations in advance. 

Casual Dining Favorites

Home Slice (North Loop): 

Delicious pizza in a cozy Italian joint with hip, modern touches. They even have a little playground area if you're dining with kids. Don't miss out on their subs. The Italian is my favorite sandwich in Austin. 

Bouldin Creek Cafe: 

A true Austin staple serving incredible vegan and vegetarian options that even meat-lovers will enjoy. Perfect for a cute and relaxed lunch date.

Toasty Badger: 

Start your day right with a mimosa or a fresh squeezed juice or good ole cup of jo and elevated diner vibes. Nothing says romance like a delicious brunch date in their intimate, updated diner atmosphere. I would recommend making a reservation on  Opentable before you go. Sometimes the wait can get a little long, especially on the weekends. 

Elizabeth Street Cafe: 

For delicious fresh spring rolls and banh mi’s hit up Elizabeth Street Cafe. Enjoy their charming atmosphere and make sure to order the beignets for dessert. 

Taqueria De Diez (D/10):

Tucked away in an alley downtown, you can find my favorite taco spot. The traditional taqueria counter service vibes can't be beat, and the tacos are really what makes this place so great. Enjoy your meal with a mexican coke. 

888:

This spot serves up amazing Asian cuisine with a menu so vast you'll have trouble deciding what to order. The portions are huge, so you and your partner can definitely share and still have plenty to take home. It's perfect for when you want to try a little bit of everything. My go order here is the tofu stir fry egg noodle. The yellow curry is also delicious. 

Day Trip Adventure

Johnson City Excursion:

Take your date on a mini adventure to the Exotic Zoo Resort in Johnson City for a fun drive-through zoo experience. This is one of my favorite things to do, it's so fun, hilarious, and just like pee your pants belly laughter. Before you know it, a camel's head is all the way in your window trying to get food! Afterward, explore the charming town, grab barbecue at Salt Lick (my favorite bbq), or enjoy craft beer at nearby Jester King Brewery. 

Elevated Dining Experiences

When you're ready to splurge on a special occasion, here are some of my favorite most memorable dining experiences. 

Canji: 

A fun, vibrant Caribbean restaurant that brings exciting flavors and energy to your date night. The jerk chicken is a must! 

Lin Asian: 

Elevated Asian cuisine in the perfect setting for special celebrations. You can't pass up on the soup dumplings. 

Lenoir: 

Creative french cuisine that meets Austin's charm. Enjoy your delicious culinary experience in their adorable wine garden. 

El Raval: 

Transport yourselves to Spain with delicious tapas and Spanish cuisine, paired with live flamenco performances every Sunday night.

Soto & Uchi:

If you're in the mood for sushi my favorites are Soto and Uchi. They both offer happy hour deals and Uchi offers a happy hour omakase. They are right across the street from each other. You won't be disappointed with either. Their high quality sushi and service set the tone for a special and romantic date.   

Planning date nights together is a simple yet powerful way to nurture your connection and keep your relationship vibrant. Whether you're sharing laughs over thrifted outfits or cozying up at a jazz club, these moments of shared joy help build emotional intimacy. If you’re finding it hard to connect, stuck in a rut, or feeling like you’re speaking different love languages, couples therapy can offer support. It’s not just for relationships in crisis—it’s a space to grow, learn about each other more deeply, and strengthen the foundation you already have. At Enhancing Intimacy, we’re here to support you as you build the relationship you want together.

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Carly Miller-Mandel is a Counseling Intern at Enhancing Intimacy Counseling in Austin, TX, where she helps partners deepen connection, improve communication, and navigate challenges with compassion and clarity. She believes that playful, intentional time together—like a good date night—is an essential part of a thriving relationship. Carly is currently accepting new clients. Learn more at enhancingintimacyaustin.com/carly-miller-mandel.