Whether you’re trying to impress a new beau or you want to take your long-term girlfriend to a nice restaurant to celebrate your millionth year together, it’s handy to know the best date night restaurants in your area. The Austin culinary arts scene is hot and their aim is to make your date night hot too. No matter what kind of situation your love life is in, Austin has plenty of romantic restaurants to suit your needs.
If you’re taking someone you hardly know for a first date…
Spider House Cafe
2908 Fruth St., Austin
This quirky bar is the perfect place to get to know someone. There’s enough commotion so you won’t be completely uncomfortable if the conversation isn’t flowing, but there’s also the opportunity to sit on the romantically lit patio if you two are hitting it off. With an extensive drink menu of beers, wines and cocktails, there’s plenty of cushion if you’re feeling terribly awkward.
If you’re taking someone you actually really like out…
Vino Vino
4119 Guadalupe St., Austin
With entrees ranging between $20 and $30, it’s pretty clear you like someone if you’re taking them to Vino Vino. If you want to be really adorable you can order multiple small plates to split. With a long wine list, it’s the perfect place to have a romantic drink, a long conversation and stare lovingly into each others’ eyes. It was even voted “Best Place to Sip Wine” by Austin 360 two years in a row. You’ll probably solidify plans for another date after you take them here.
If you messed up and are trying to win someone back…
La Traviata
314 Congress Ave., Austin
Taking a significant other to an Italian restaurant is always a foolproof method: Exotic enough to be romantic, especially paired with wine, but not too intimidating. A quaint little Italian joint that takes pride in its pasta, La Traviata also offers delectable desserts that are perfect to split. How can they continue to be mad at you when you’re splitting an order of tiramisu? Unless you eat it all.
If you’re celebrating a milestone anniversary…
Truluck’s
10225 Research Blvd., Ste 4000, Austin
If you and your partner are used to spending Friday nights on the couch in sweatpants, this seafood/steakhouse is the perfect place to go if you’re willing to splurge a little for a special occasion. All of the meat and seafood is completely hormone- and antibiotic-free, and Truluck’s never serves seafood that isn’t in season. Don’t expect to get anything that isn’t completely fresh and delicious.
If you’re about to pop the question…
Congress
200 Congress Ave., Austin
You may have just spent six months’ worth of rent on a ring, but if you’re planning on proposing one night, there’s no restaurant too nice to start your date off. Congress is just the place for that. You can get individual entrees, or get a chef’s special seven-course tasting with wine or beer pairings. The French-inspired menu is one of a kind, and a meal there isn’t something you or your partner are soon to forget.