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First dates. They can be seriously nerve-wracking. With so many different factors to worry about, here’s one thing you won’t be worried about: where to take your date. We’ve compiled some of our absolute favorite first date bar spots all around Austin, with everything from fun and quirky bars, to classy cocktail bars. We’ve got you covered.
8 Track
2805 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
8 Track is laid back, fun, and perfect for a first date. Offering drinks from craft beers to cocktails and many games, perfect for two players. Their patio space has lots of seating – and giant fans! You’ll also find tetherball, ping pong, and even good old-fashioned hula hoops. Inside is the bar area, but you and your date can also play more ping pong or an intense round of air hockey.
Spider House
2908 Fruth St, Austin, TX 78705
Very much an Austin favorite, Spider House is an excellent place to bring a date. The ballroom side always has music events and comedy shows. The cafe/bar side has lots of food trucks, intimate seating, and of course – excellent drinks. And in winter you and your date can get cozy by the fire!
The Butterfly Bar @ The Vortex
2307 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78722
The Butterfly Bar is attached to the Vortex theater and often holds events of all sorts. On any given day you and your date might find trivia night going on, a music show, or an outdoor movie. Sometimes local markets are set up where you can find lots of interesting goods and trinkets.
Halcyon
1905 Aldrich St. Suite 110, Austin, TX 78723
Start or end your date with a lovely stroll through Mueller Lake Park on your way to Halcyon. Maybe you wanted to get coffee, or perhaps drinks, they have both – even in the same beverage. The outdoor areas are beautiful, and the vibe inside is comfortable, yet chic.
Valhalla Esports Lounge
710 B W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Take your date on a trip down memory lane at Valhalla, and maybe get a little competitive. While there are many bars that offer games, this is the only one in town where you can play Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. Alongside a wide variety of console and PC games to choose from, they offer tons of delicious craft cocktails and beers.
Punch Bowl Social
11310 Domain Dr, Austin, TX 78758
Punch Bowl Social has activities galore and doesn’t have your typical offerings. They have classic arcade games, karaoke, life-size scrabble boards, bowling, and even mini golf! With so much to do, craft drinks, and awesome food – this place is always a blast.
Upstairs at Caroline
621 Congress Ave STE 201, Austin, TX 78701
Upstairs at Caroline is a great place to bring a date, especially if you’re feeling a little nervous. The whole place has a very relaxed feel, but with high-quality drinks. And with games like giant Jenga, Foosball, and Shuffleboard available – you and your date will be having fun getting to know each other in no time!
Garage Cocktail Bar
503 W Colorado St, Austin, Tx 78701
Somewhat dark and moody, Garage is another one of Austin’s hidden bars. It has a slightly mysterious, but intimate atmosphere perfect for getting to know someone. The bar can be found in a parking garage and we’re not going to lie – that may seem a little creepy. But it truly is one of the best places for a first-date adventure.
The Roosevelt Room
307 W 5th St, Austin, TX 78701
Hitting up the Roosevelt Room is sure to impress. One of many cocktail bars in Austin, they offer house-crafted cocktails, classic house creations, and then overall classics with recipes going as far back as the 1600s. The vibe here is definitely more high-end, complete with a gorgeous lounge area. But if you and your date are cocktail enthusiasts, it’s an excellent place to get to know one another.
Péché
208 W 4th St, Austin, TX 78701
Péché has what we can only describe as a cool, slick atmosphere, with drinks that almost seem dangerous. They offer an exceptional array of classic craft cocktails and even a few adult milkshakes, but the star of the show is something not too common on this side of the pond – Absinthe. Absinthe cocktails are bold, and certainly not for everyone, but giving a few a try is sure to be an unforgettable first date.
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Prohibition Creamery
1407 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702
Prohibition Creamery, while not necessarily a bar, offers some fantastic boozy treats. Finally, you and your date won’t have to decide between getting ice cream or grabbing some drinks – you can have both! Their flavor combinations are amazing, completed by cozy, quiet surroundings, making it a great place to talk about everything and nothing.
Featured Image Credit: Valhalla Instagram Page
