Romance is “a feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love,” according to the Oxford Dictionary, but I think it’s safe to say that we all define romance differently in our real lives. When it comes to the holiday where we celebrate our romantic love, there are so many different ways to show you care about someone. Let’s get the ideas for a perfect Valentine’s Day date going with a few of our own.
A Romantic Dinner Date
The quickest way to the heart is through the stomach. If you love a steakhouse to feel fancy on a dinner date, you have a lot of options in Downtown Austin. Try Perry’s, Fogo de Chão, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, Vince Young, Bob’s, III Forks, Roaring Fork, Dean’s, J Carver’s, Lonesome Dove or Eddie V’s for a great steak night experience. If oysters equate to a romantic dinner for you and your love, head to Bill’s Oyster, Café Blue, Truluck’s or Devil May Care. For those looking for something less traditional but just as moody and delicious, try Swift’s Attic, Uchibā or Gina’s on Congress. A few spots we’ve seen with special Valentine’s Day menus include This Too Shall Pass, Crú Food and Wine Bar and Taverna.
Drinks at the Hottest Spots
Get dressed to impress and have fun sipping drinks while whispering sweet nothings in your date’s ear. Some hot places to grab elevated drinks include Estelle’s, In Plain Sight, Tipsy Alchemist, P6, Marlow or Roosevelt Room. Looking for somewhere dark with a good vibe? Try Garage Bar, DuMont’s Down Low, Firehouse Lounge or Kinfolk for a fun night.
Gifts and Candy
If giving or receiving gifts is either your or your partner’s love language, you are so in luck in Downtown Austin. There is an abundance of wonderful places to buy gifts here. Head to the 2nd Street District for a fashionable gift to make sure your partner stays the best-dressed around. For a heartfelt gift, find them a nice sweater and say it feels like their warm embrace. For the music lover in your life, Big Henry’s Vinyl and Gifts and Wild About Music are great spots to start your search. Check out BookPeople for the bookworm that you love. And stop by Yummi Joy for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for the sweetest sweet tooth you know.
Dazzle and Entertain
Austin has no shortage of comedy clubs and live music. Parker Jazz Club, Geraldine’s, Antone’s and the Elephant Room regularly have sultry musicians performing for date night perfection. If you and your love share a sense of humor, try out Vulcan Gas Company, Hideout Theatre, Fallout Theater, Sunset Strip, Velveeta Room or Ester’s Follies for a fun comedy club night out.
There are also a few movie theaters downtown for the folks who love a traditional dinner and a movie date. The Paramount is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Notting Hill on Valentine’s Day as part of their summer classic film series. The Violet Crown Cinema has plenty of films to keep you and your cutie entertained in the lushest seats with tasty drinks. Time travel back to when drive-in movies were the place to be for date night with Blue Starlight Downtown Drive-In and enjoy movies overlooking the city.
Massage for Two
Nothing will wow an acts-of-service type of lover like a trip to the spa. The services you think they will enjoy the most are up to you, but in our experience, you can’t go wrong with an AustinDeep massage or anything from milk + honey. Several downtown hotels also have spa services where you can book appointments.
Try Something New
For those seeking novelty, try a new experience together! Escape Rooms force you to team up and work together to solve a mystery and get the heck out of there; try The Escape Game. Upstairs Circus is a great place to try a new activity together for handy (not handsy) couples. Bonus points – you can make your craft for your partner and give it to them at the end. If team activities aren’t your thing, switch up your normal routine and book a hotel room for the night overlooking the city lights.
Make the Mood Playful
Downtown is the perfect place to play. Bring your date to the Texas Toy Museum to check out vintage toys and enjoy playing arcade games. You and your date can go bowling at Punch Bowl Social, Scholtz Garden, Bull and Bowl or Speakeasy. You can serenade each other in a private karaoke room at Bull and Bowl or Punch Bowl Social. Competitive couples can relish defeating their partner on the ping-pong tables at Smash. For more fun games to play downtown, check out our Fun and Games Downtown blog.
Now, who said romance is dead? Get out there, MAKE A RESERVATION and dazzle someone really special. Happy Valentine’s Day!
