10 Spots to Take Your Next Date in Austin

Chloe Roman | April 14, 2021

Austin is full of unique and next level spaces to take your next date. Vaccinations are on the climb and the light is at the end of the COVID tunnel. To celebrate early, we decided to put together a list of our top 10 favorite date spots in Austin, Texas.

Upstairs at Caroline

Located on the corner of 7th and Lavaca, Upstairs at Caroline provides an outdoor bar experience with plenty of entertainment. With TVs to watch the game or show your competitive side with cornhole, foosball, giant Jenga, and more. Bring your dog along on Sundays for their “Yappy Hour” for 25% off all day.

P6

Located at The Line Hotel, P6 is a rooftop garden lounge offering drinks and dining with fabulous views of Town Lake and the Austin skyline. Open evenings and on weekends for brunch, P6 provides a perfect date spot for post dinner drinks or a whole meal. Be sure to make a reservation beforehand as they are highly recommended.

Garden at Ellera

The Garden at Ellera provides a more casual, yet romantic outdoor setting with games on the lawn and Italian cuisine. In Bee Cave, The Garden at Ellera is an extension of their namesake Ellera and considers itself a place to cultivate community inspired by the Boston Public Gardens.

The Ultimate Drive-In

For a more typical date experience, load up the car and head to East Austin to visit The Ultimate Drive-In offering showings every weekend with various themes. Double features begin at 8 p.m. with the second film starting at 10:30. Pets are allowed and there is a concession stand on-site. Follow their Instagram for updates on the weekend’s theme and upcoming showings.

Broken Spoke

For those trying to lose their two left feet, the Broken Spoke, a true Texas dancehall, offers two-step lessons Friday and Saturday nights from 8-9 p.m. Show up early as spots fill fast and learn the traditional two-step and western swing for $20. The Broken Spoke offers a full menu and if you can’t dance enjoy dinner and a show from Tuesday to Saturday from 6-8 p.m.

Lamberts

For a fine dining experience with a show, Lamberts Downtown BBQ offers live concerts on Wednesday and Saturday evenings from various local Austin artists. The restaurant offers a socially distanced evening with tables of two, four, or six for purchase before seating begins at 8 p.m. 

Zilker Park

Zilker Park offers a variety of free and paid activities from lounging in the fields to hiking the Violet Crown Trail. Cool off after a walk or hike in Barton Creek or paddle boarding in Lady Bird Lake. For a more casual stroll, visit the botanical gardens at Zilker. When you’re there, you can view various themed gardens with native and cultivated plants.

Capital Cruises

Offered year-round, Capital Cruises offers an evening sunset cruise and prime viewing of the infamous Congress Bridge bats. Capital Cruises also offers private BYOB dinner cruises. Various menu options are provided by the Hyatt Regency Hotel including fajitas, seared red snapper, and pasta.

Laguna Gloria

Situated on Lake Austin, The Contemporary’s Laguna Gloria complements the nearby Downtown museum. The lake offers a sculpture park and garden with self-guided tours. Spread & Co. offers cheese boards, salads, sandwiches, and coffee on-site. After your visit, stop by Mayfield Park and view the peacocks who freely roam the site.

Reimers Observatory

Get clear views of the night sky just 30 minutes from Downtown! While star parties are currently on hold due to COVID-19, Reimers Observatory offers public viewings through their two telescopes for the public. The two-hour long program within Reimers Ranch Park holds viewings for $10 per adult.

We hope that this list helps you pick out your next date spots in Austin. Whether you want to take a walk in the park or stargaze with your partner, Austin has plenty of options. That’s part of why the city is so great – you never know what places are hidden just around the corner!