We get it. Coming up with new date night ideas can be hard work. But don’t make it more difficult — or boring — than it has to be by resorting to the same old dinner and a movie. Whether you’re on your first date with a new flame or your 100th with your ride or die, up your dating game with these fun and unique ideas guaranteed to create a night to remember.
Downtown Phoenix
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Palma
Retreat to the palms and release your inner worries and daily stresses at Palma. Engulfed in a nursery of palm trees, you’ll find an urban botanical sanctuary of a reimagined watering hole. Asian cuisine, killer energy, and the constant beat of great music, Palma is your own private gathering in the heart of the Roosevelt District.
Châm Pang Lanes
At Châm Pang Lanes, guests can escape the chaos of the world to a dreamy utopian escape filled with champagne, curiosities, fried chicken, and a game or two of duckpin bowling. Featuring 6 bowling lanes, 2 pool tables, and 4 pinball machines, the hotspot’s bar is accentuated by a cloud of disco balls and wrap-around neon lettering.
Ghost Donkey
Ghost Donkey first opened its doors in New York City in late 2016 and has gained a cult following for everything from its craft cocktails to its extensive mezcal program (65 mezcal options and a 25+ tequila list), haute nachos and elevated Mexican street food (designed by Michelin-starred chef Brad Farmarie) as well as its reputation for Mexican hospitality, celebrating heritage, tradition and inclusivity through high-energy service in an immersive, interactive space.
The Compass
The Compass, located a-top the Hyatt Regency Phoenix, has long made waves for its 360-degree rotating floor, along with its stellar cuisine and service. The restaurant's origins as a sophisticated cocktail lounge attracted celebrities like Clint Eastwood and Liza Minnelli. The space features a slowly rotating floor with floor-to-ceiling windows all around—the only one of its kind in Phoenix. The sunset fades and downtown comes to life as you dine in the skyline.
The Churchill
The Churchill is a community-driven gathering place located in the heart of the Roosevelt Row Arts District. The open-air shipping container design is the first of its kind in Phoenix and is a unique attraction for locals and tourists alike. Ten small businesses with local roots encompass a communal courtyard intended for dining, drinking, socializing, shopping and learning. The space is regularly activated with artist workshops, fitness programming, sport’s viewing parties, pop up galleries, live music and DJs as well as weekend artisan markets. Spots to eat at The Churchill include The Brill Line, Infruition, So Far So Good, Loco Style Grindz, Freak Brothers, Scookie Bar, and Stoop Kid, along with a few retail spots such as State Forty Eight, Cayla Gray, and Neighbor Market.
Wren & Wolf
Downtown Phoenix’s Wren & Wolf offers a round-the-clock menu serving chef-driven meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Located right next to two major venues, Wren & Wolf is the perfect place to meet up before or after a show or sporting event. The menu features specialty cocktails, inventive small plates, cast-iron meats, steaks, and eclectic entrees.
Cloth and Flame
There’s dining under the stars, then there’s Cloth and Flame. For a singular dining experience, treat your date to a dinner hosted by this unique event company. Dinners are held at some of the most stunning and picturesque settings in Arizona—from remote locations in the sweeping Sonoran desert to tree-filled forests of the north country—and prepared by local chefs dedicated to using Arizona-grown and ingredients. Enjoy a multi-course, gourmet meal served with wine or beer, then move in close as you drink in all of Arizona’s beauty. Word to the wise: these popular dinners tend to sell out quickly, so grab tickets while you can.
First Fridays Art Walk
If you're strapped for cash, you can still impress your date with a trip to First Fridays. On the first Friday of each month, Downtown Phoenix's Roosevelt Row, along with other spots throughout the downtown area, are transformed into an evening of art, food, and music. Peruse the area's art galleries, or watch a street musician perform while you grab a snack from a food truck. You can even head into some of the surrounding art museums like Heard or Phoenix Art for free during these nights.
Go On a Picnic
What's more romantic than a picnic? The city has several beautiful parks where you can spread out a blanket and whip out some charcuterie. Go on a paddle boat at Encanto Park, fish at Steel Indian School Park, or take a train ride at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. To get more ideas of the best spots for a picnic, check out our blog post.
Melrose District
Back to Top of ListThe Royale
Located in Phoenix’s Melrose District, The Royale is a community-centric complex of local independent businesses. The owners envisioned the space as a collective of businesses that enhance the Melrose District offerings and creates a safe place for daily social activities, community get-togethers, live performances and more. The Royale's design takes inspiration from fellow gems near the Melrose Mile but offers something new and exciting, too – a so-called thoughtful mix of Mid Century Phoenix, Miami Beach lounge, and iconic Vegas glitz from the 60's & 70's. At The Royale, Yumbar offers a unique menu of casual mediterranean dishes.
The Newton
There are some things that just go better together: milk and cookies, peanut butter and jelly, books and beer. At the Newton in midtown Phoenix, cuddle up with your sig-o and a good book among the stacks at Changing Hands Bookstore, which offers everything from the latest bestsellers to the classic must-reads and everything in between. Then say cheers to the moment with a frosty beer at First Draft Book Bar. And if it’s Arizona brews you’re into, the in-store, wrap-around bar offers a variety of local beers and wines, as well as coffee and nibbles made with ingredients from local purveyors. To finish it all off, grab some dinner at Southern Rail for some refined Southern comfort.
Tempe
Back to Top of ListTempe Town Lake
Tempe Town Lake, an over 2-mile-long man-made lake near Arizona State University’s main campus, was created in 1999 for geography and flood control needs. To this day, the lake continues to convey rainwater and snow run-off. An oasis in the desert, Tempe Town Lake provides both locals and visitors with exciting activities year-round. Our top two lake activities are boat rentals and sunset watching. Boat Rentals of America – Tempe Town Lake offers kayaks, pedal boats, electric boats, stand-up paddleboards and more. If picnicking is more your style – bring a blanket and brace yourself for a glimpse of a famous, fiery, Phoenix sunset.
Arcadia
Back to Top of ListGlai Baan
Glai Baan is Phoenix’s “Very Thai” kitchen, serving street food of northern Thailand. The majority of the dishes are spicy, MSG-free, and best shared. While there isn’t an extensive list on the menu, what Glai Baan lacks in size, it makes up for in flavor. With a rotating drink menu, delicious Isan region delicacies and northeastern charm, Glai Baan is the perfect spot for a date night in Phoenix.
The Global Ambassador
A new 141-room luxurious resort is open in the heart of Phoenix’s Arcadia neighborhood. The Global Ambassador is spearheaded by local restauranter Sam Fox, who has teamed up with local celebrities Larry Fitzgerald, Devin Booker, and Dierks Bentley for inspiration and design. The hotel features many luxe amenities such as a wellness center, world-class spa, and a member only club with exclusive access. Dining is at the forefront of The Global Ambassador as Fox’s five on-site dining options include a signature lobby bar, a Parisian bistro and brasserie, a Mexican and Peruvian poolside eatery, a Parisian steakhouse, and a Mediterranean rooftop restaurant. Théa is home to an 18,000 square foot Mediterranean focused restaurant on the rooftop offering stunning city and mountain views.
Century Grand
At Century Grand, you can travel back in time to the 1920s, and have a virtual train ride. This immersive experience from the minds behind UnderTow place you in an Art Deco train car at the start of Prohibition. Choose some world-class cocktails to sip on as audio visual elements - like "windows" that show the train moving across the country and the sound of the chugging train - make you feel as though you've been transported to a different world. Pro-tip: make reservations as early as you can - this experience fills up quickly on weekends.
Chelsea's Kitchen
Chelsea’s Kitchen is an Arizona roadhouse constructed of Adobe brick that pays tribute to the majesty of the Arizona desert with two large fireplaces and an iconic patio where mesquite trees create a warm organic canopy. Flavors are big with the famous steak, fish, and vegetarian taco platters served with made-to-order tortillas. Don't miss the famous gluten-free jalapeño cheddar cheese cornbread. With no hidden ingredients you can count on tasting quality in every bite. An exciting lineup of tequila and mezcal along with a prickly pear margarita perfectly compliment this lineup of locally focused southwestern cuisine.
Scottsdale
Back to Top of ListTaliesin West
Immerse yourself at Scottsdale’s only National Historic Landmark as you experience one of the world’s most extraordinary architectural sites, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West. Guests can immerse themselves into the world of the Desert Laboratory, where Frank Lloyd Wright and his apprentices lived and advanced architecture. Sip in style at Taliesin West’s most popular program, Sunsets & Sips, with views of the city below. Enjoy the serene outdoor pathways of Taliesin West and visit 1-2 indoor spaces that vary each time you visit.
North Phoenix
Back to Top of ListDifferent Pointe of View
Sure, dinner is always the first idea when it comes to planning a date - but this is no ordinary dinner spot. The restaurant is perched on a mountaintop 1,800 feet above the city, giving you breathtaking views of Greater Phoenix. Your first pick for where to eat should be the patio, but not to worry - the indoor dining room has floor to ceiling windows so you can still enjoy the scenery. To make it the best experience, go for the chef's tasting menu, which pairs some of the restaurant's top Mediterranean influenced dishes with fine wines.
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