In a city that’s known for its world-class culinary scene, abundant live music, and near-weekly festivals, it’s not exactly difficult to come up with a fun date night or daytime couple’s activity. Austin is home to more than its fair share of awesome date ideas and places. But with so little time and so many choices at your fingertips, it can be tough to actually decide what to do.
Luckily, we’ve narrowed things down for you. Whether you’re on a first date, celebrating an anniversary, or just looking for a way to spice things up mid-week, these are our absolute favorite date ideas to try in Austin. Hire a babysitter or nanny, and get ready for a fun night on the town!
Blue Starlite Austin
Address: 12419 Lowden Lane, Manchaca, TX 78652
Hours: Check out the full schedule here.
Phone: 512-850-6127
When it comes to the perfect date night, what could be better than a drive-in movie? Blue Starlite Austin is a retro, romantic dream with its 25-foot screen playing both the latest flicks and old-school favorites, yummy concessions, and even local wine and beer. You and your date will love the nostalgic vibes and good times at Blue Starlite. Even in a film culture-saturated city like Austin, this theater is a standout gem.
Barton Springs Pool
Address: 2201 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78746
Hours: Monday – Wednesday & Friday – Sunday, 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Thursday, 5 a.m. – 9 a.m. & 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Phone: 512-867-3080
Planning a fun day date? Barton Springs is a fantastic choice! This gorgeous, spring-fed swimming hole in Zilker Park is routinely referred to as the soul of Austin, and it’s also the perfect place to chill out and swim with your sweetie. And we do mean “chill out,” as the water here is a consistent 65-70 degrees. Dare each other to dive in, and then lounge in the sunshine on Barton’s green, grassy slopes. Just don’t forget to pack a picnic! (Note: Barton Springs costs just $3 for Austin residents!)
Clark’s Oyster Bar
Address: 1200 W. Sixth St., Austin, TX 78703
Hours: Sunday – Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. | Thursday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. | Happy Hour daily, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Phone: 512-297-2525
This chic West Austin neighborhood hangout also happens to be one of the best date destinations in the city. Oysters are perfect for sharing, and Clark’s has the best oysters in town. In addition to its wide selection of both East and West Coast varieties, the cocktails here are pure perfection, the vibe is very intimate and bistro-ish, and the rest of the menu is always on point. Come for happy hour and sample a fleet of oysters to go along with your $5 martini.
Easy Tiger
Address: 709 E. Sixth St., Austin, TX 78701
Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Phone: 512-614-4972
Are you and your date total beer nerds? Easy Tiger is the place to be! This is undeniably the best beer garden in town. Easy Tiger’s craft beer selection is nearly unrivaled, and its menu is positively superb. (There’s also a European-style in-house bakery here!) Challenge your fella or gal to a round of ping pong, split the cheese plate and a pretzel or two, and soak up the awesome ambiance. We’d particularly recommend this one for a blind date, since you’re pretty much guaranteed to have fun here, no matter what.
South Congress Hotel
Address: 1603 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704
Hours: Check availability and hours here.
Phone: 512-920-6405
South Congress Hotel has gained iconic status since it opened last year, thanks to its location smack-dab in the middle of all the bustle of South Congress, killer architecture, uber-stylish décor, and excellent restaurants. For the picture-perfect date, dine at either Otoko or the more casual Cafe No Se, enjoy the hotel’s classic downtown views, and then head over to the nearby Continental Club for a nightcap and live music.
Peter Pan Mini Golf
Address: 1207 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704
Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m. – midnight
Phone: 512-472-1033
Peter Pan Mini Golf is another classic Austin spot, and its charms truly can’t be beat. The atmosphere here is super laidback and the course itself is pure retro. (Think: colorful, quirky statues as opposed to well-manicured lawns. Bring along a bottle of wine because Peter Pan’s is BYOB, which is why you’ll typically see way more adults than kiddos at this beloved local joint. And it’s cheap! Playing one of Peter Pan’s two 18-hole courses will set you back just $7.
Mozart’s Coffee
Address: 3825 Lake Austin Blvd., Austin, TX 78703
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – midnight | Saturday & Sunday, 8 a.m. – 1 a.m.
Phone: 512-477-2900
If your idea of the perfect date involves a cup of scrumptious, locally roasted coffee and glorious lake views, Mozart’s Coffee is a great pick. Linger on the spacious deck here overlooking Lake Austin while you share one of Mozart’s famed desserts from their in-house bakery and sip your gourmet coffee together in the sunshine or under the stars. The scenic, relaxed vibes here make Mozart’s one of our favorite casual date locales.
The Hideout Theatre
Address: 617 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
Hours: Click here for a full schedule of shows.
Phone: 512-443-3688
Want to share some good laughs while on your date? Check out the Hideout Theatre, Austin’s most cherished comedy club. The improv is reliably hilarious, and there’s never a shortage of shows here. Grab a beer or coffee from the Coffee House, located inside the Hideout (or a baked good from Easy Tiger!), and then enjoy your beverage while you kick back, relax, and settle in for an evening of seriously funny comedy. Prices for shows typically range from $5 to $20.
Justine’s Brasserie
Address: 4710 E. Fifth St., Austin, TX 78702
Hours: Open daily except Tuesdays, 6 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Phone: 512-385-2900
Justine’s Brasserie is an impressive spot for a romantic night out. And, in true Austin style, the atmosphere here is plenty surreal, dreamlike, and just a tad weird. Justine’s is a French-style brasserie, complete with a disco ball-strewn courtyard, sexy red-and-black décor, and some of the most delectable European-style fare in town. Come for the escargot and stay for just another drink. Justine’s is open until 2 a.m., making this one of Austin’s most popular late-night hangouts.
The Elephant Room
Address: 315 S. Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701
Hours: Monday – Friday, 4 p.m. – 2 a.m. | Saturday & Sunday, 8 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Phone: 512-473-2279
The Elephant Room is possibly one of Austin’s best-kept secrets. This smoky, jazzy underground club is the perfect place for a low-key yet awesome date. Enjoy the sweet sounds of jazz (the bands here are always great) while you and your date sip whiskey and relax in one of the bar’s plush booths. Weekdays are free of charge, but there’s usually a nominal cover charge on weekends.
What are some of your favorite date night locales around Austin? Let us know in the comments below!
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