Date Night Austin
January 16, 2024
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We love a good date night at the Heywood Hotel. Whether it’s for a special occasion or simply to spend quality time with the one you love, there are plenty of Austin restaurants, bars and destinations that set the tone for a romantic, intimate or fun evening with that special someone. Here are our top recommendations for a date night in Austin, lovingly presented by the expert concierge team at the Heywood Hotel.
Book A Romantic Hotel
Heywood Hotel
Of course, the most romantic hotel in Austin is the Heywood Hotel. Our entire team is dedicated to providing the perfect night for you and your sweetheart. From ridiculously comfy beds to “tea for two” tubs with complimentary bubble bath, we’ve written the book on romance. Plus, the Heywood Hotel’s location can’t be beat. Park your car for free in our off-street lot, and safely walk or rideshare to Austin’s top date night locations. Our stellar concierges will help you plan everything, including the flowers, wine and chocolates!
Dinner Dates
Uchi and Uchiko
If there’s ever a time to splurge on dinner, it’s on date night. Austin is home to some of the country’s best restaurants, including Uchi and Uchiko. Sushi and Japanese-fusion cuisine await at the original location on South Lamar as well as the second location, Uchiko, which is more centrally-located. Reservations are strongly recommended at each location, though there is sometimes seating available at the bar for walk-ins, and that’s one of our favorite ways to cozy up with our sweetheart.
Emmer & Rye
Emmer & Rye has been nominated for multiple James Beard awards and co-head chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph was named a “Best New Chef” by Food & Wine magazine. Emmer & Rye focuses on whole-animal butchery and house-milled grains, highlighting new techniques and beautifully composed flavors. Their intimate indoor and patio dining spaces and signature attention to detail are sure to make any date night a great one.
Intero
Few meals say “date night” like a lovingly prepared plate of Italian food and a nice glass of wine. Nearby Intero offers plenty of both with their thoughtful menu of contemporary Italian dishes served in an intimate environment. Enjoy $2 off pizzas, small plates, craft cocktails and wine by the glass Tuesday – Thursday from 5:00pm – 6:30pm. After dinner, transition to dessert by ordering decadent, handcrafted chocolate bites from the in-house chocolate bar.
Justine’s
Tucked away on East 5th Street, just a couple miles from the Heywood Hotel, Justine’s is a French-style brasserie that’s every bit as hip and stylish as it is romantic. The indoor seating area is dimly-lit, adding an element of mystery to your romantic evening. And with dishes like steak tartare and moules frites, the cuisine lives up to the alluring atmosphere. Perfect for date night, Austin style!
Bufalina
One of our favorite local spots to recommend, Bufalina should be at the top of your list for an intimate pizza night. The East Austin neighborhood spot not only serves delicious Neapolitan-style pizza, but they offer an extensive wine list. A limited number of reservations are available nightly, and this local gem books up fast, so plan ahead. It’s one of our favorite date night spots.
Juniper
Located just down the street from the Heywood Hotel, Juniper serves up fresh, seasonal Northern Italian fare in a striking yet elegant space. Their small plates are meant to be shared, creating a intimate dining experience. The inventive cocktails and 10-course tasting menu are sure to impress your date! Enjoy a cozy table for two or make reservations to dine at the kitchen counter to enjoy a first-class show of service and technique.
Activities
Two Stepping at The White Horse
The White Horse is Austin’s beloved “hipster honky-tonk” that promises a one-of-a-kind experience. The bar offers live music seven nights a week, and the dance floor is welcoming to two-steppers at all levels. Plus the whiskey on tap is there to build confidence and improve technique (at least that’s what we tell ourselves). Bring your partner to The White Horse Thursday through Saturday nights and take free two-step lessons together. It’s the perfect activity for a date night in Austin!
Go on a Winery Tour
Make a whole day out of your date by visiting one of the best wine regions in the country. With more than 50 wineries spanning the Hill Country region, there are countless opportunities to sample the best wines that Texas has to offer, whether you travel to Driftwood or a little further to Fredericksburg.
For $60 a person, the tour will take you by shuttle to two wineries in the Hill Country and provide the opportunity to try some of the best barbecue along the way. The team at Heywood will happily make arrangements for guests who want to partake in the tour.
Catch a Movie
Opt for a classic date with dinner and a movie at Violet Crown Cinema. Located downtown in the 2nd Street District, the indie movie theater is perched above the rest of the shops in the area and offers a unique view of the city. Arrive early to grab a drink and snack on small plates like pork tapas or an Antonelli’s cheese plate, before heading into the auditorium. It’s encouraged to arrive at least 45 minutes before show time if you plan on placing a food order.
Or, catch a film with your sweetie in the safety and comfort of your own car at one of Blue Starlite’s Drive-in locations. Choose from their open-air rooftop cinema downtown or watch a flick at their Central Austin location and see why Conde Nasté named them “One of the coolest movie theaters in the world.” Snacks and beverages are available from their concession stand and can be purchased in advance, and you can even order full meals from some of Austin’s top restaurants like Salt & Time, Wu Chow and Swift’s Attic! You’ll find new releases alongside classics like Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jaws, The Goonies and many more!
Dessert Ideas
Photo courtesy of Dolce Neve Gelato
Dolce Neve Gelato
After dinner (or before!), indulge in made from scratch gelato at Dolce Neve Gelato. They use only the best ingredients found not only locally, but around the world. Since they’ve opened, they have created more than 300 unique flavors. They normally have between 12 and 18 flavors on hand: staples (always available), rotating (available every few weeks, all year round), and seasonal (fruit based flavors and holiday flavors).
Omg Squee
Austin’s first and only gluten-free Asian American dessert shop! Take your cutie to OMG Squee, the shop that serves the best Asian inspired deserts, including pastries, butter mochi donuts, taiyaki soft serve, macarons, bubble tea and more – all made in house, from scratch.