The 50 Best Date Spots in the USA for 2026

No matter how deep you are into a relationship, be it date number one or a decade into marriage, the pressure to find the perfect date-night spot remains. Maybe that’s because, amid life’s many demands—work obligations, home upkeep, those taxes you still haven’t filed—there’s an unspoken expectation that the few hours you carve out to be fully present with the person you love (or that new Hinge match you really, really like) have to be absolutely perfect. With all that our daily lives ask of us, who has time for a subpar date night?

Everyone is chasing the ideal, memorable, picturesque outing these days. Yelp tells Cosmopolitan that searches for “date night restaurant” are up 158 percent year over year. The problem is that finding a spot that’s a guaranteed good time can send you on a long, meandering journey…a headfirst dive into Google reviews and TikTok testimonials that could leave you feeling overwhelmed and just a tad more confused than when you started. Of course, there’s no shortage of dimly lit, seductive establishments promising romance, but the intimidating wealth of choice risks stopping a few couples from pulling the trigger on any reservation at all—opting instead for the “chill night at home.”

But before you fire up your Netflix queue, we want to intervene. We’ve done a bulk of the date-night-planning legwork for you—venturing to highly lauded restaurants, wading through the depths of review subreddits, and conducting more than a few Yelp deep dives—to identify the 50 best date-night spots across the country, one in each state. We’ve selected some of the year’s buzziest newly opened establishments and most beloved local classics all across the country. And we’re equal opportunity planners, no matter whether you’re a movie theater date devotee or a coffee date truther. Find out where you and your boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife/partner/undefined situationship will be going ahead.

Noccalula Falls Park

This scenic waterfall park is the perfect setting for a daytime picnic date. Show up with a bottle, a blanket, and a grocery store haul, and you’ve secured the ideal low-cost afternoon. Its hiking trails and gardens are also wonderful for any couple that’s open to wandering through a nature-filled dreamscape.

1500 Noccalula Road, Gadsden, AL 35904
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Latitude 65 at Borealis Basecamp

This scenic spot in Fairbanks specializes in craft cocktails and elevated Alaskan fare. Their dining room (located inside a literal yurt) boasts expansive Alaskan views, and the culinary team curates a seasonal menu daily using locally sourced ingredients. Even the cocktails are one of a kind.

2000 Lathrop Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701
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Tratto

Don’t count out the Town & Country Shopping Center! It’s where you and your date can indulge in Tratto’s highly lauded Italian fare. According to this restaurant’s devotees, the frozen chocolate mousse is the dish to split with your lover. Book a sunset reservation for the peak experience.

4743 North 20th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85016
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Whitaker Point (Hawksbill Crag)

This is one of the best overlooks Arkansas has to offer, making it the perfect locale for a walk-and-talk date. It features a scenic (and not-too-challenging) three-mile hiking trail. It also happens to be a popular proposal spot if you’re planning an extra-significant outing. Afterward, you and your date can grab a well-deserved drink/bite and celebrate your hard work.

Co Rd 5, Kingston, AR 72742
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Inn of the Seventh Ray

This gem in Topanga (beloved by fans like Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez) has long been heralded as one of the most romantic restaurants in Los Angeles and for good reason. Open since the early ’70s, the destination also doubles as a popular wedding venue. If you’re stopping by for a meal, expect elevated California cuisine from a seasonal, locally sourced menu. It’s a true slice of heaven tucked into the Santa Monica Mountains.

128 Old Topanga Canyon Rd, Topanga, CA 90290
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Mar Bella Boqueria

You’re overdue for a night at a vibrant Spanish tapas spot. Nearly everything here is shareable, which is perfect for couples looking to sample a variety of menu items in a warm, energetic atmosphere.

233 Clayton St. Denver, CO 80206
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The Port of Call

Come here on a Thursday or Friday, when you can enjoy live jazz at this cozy, nautical-themed cocktail lounge. The entire experience is akin to grabbing a drink on a 20th-century luxury liner—without the seasickness. And while you might not typically opt for hot dogs on a date (or maybe that’s your thing—no judgment), the ones served here come with high praise.

15 Water Street, Mystic, CT 06355
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The Grand Opera House

This is where you and your lover can catch anything from symphony orchestra performances and ballets to comedy sets. And the historic theater regularly hosts salsa and line dancing classes, just in case you and your date would prefer to sharpen your own performance skills. Stumbling over choreography is a great way to bond.

818 N King St, Wilmington, DE 19801
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Jass Kitchen

This cozy hidden gem serves authentic Turkish cuisine and hosts live jazz music sets nightly. It’s essentially a tucked-away escape from Miami’s constant hustle and bustle, which is exactly what you and your date deserve.

190 NE 46th St, Miami, FL 33137
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Gigi’s Italian

Some nights call for classic, no-frills Italian food, and that’s exactly what this Atlanta restaurant delivers. This spot (and its widely celebrated tiramisu) has earned the hype. It’s a cozy, reliable gem for good pasta and a great atmosphere.

1660 McLendon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
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Toa Luau

A ticket to this authentic Polynesian luau grants you a fully immersive experience. If you arrive early enough, you can roam the botanical gardens and swim by a waterfall before dinner begins. As you enjoy a high-quality traditional Hawai‘ian meal, you and your date will be treated to fire knife dancing and hula performances. This is quite the outing.

59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, Oahu, HI 96712
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Motor Vu Drive-In

This retro movie spot in Idaho Falls has been around since 1947. From May through October, you can catch a range of new releases and nostalgic throwbacks on the largest screen in the state.

2095 North Yellowstone Hwy, Idaho Falls, ID 83401
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Creepies

Contrary to its name, this newly opened hot spot is decidedly not creepy. It’s also so delicious that it’s earned spots on several best new restaurant lists. The modern French bistro has great lighting and even better martinis that set the vibe just right for a special date night.

1360 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
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Birdies Mini Golf

Mini golf is a truly underrated outing. Birdies will provide you and your date with an evening of casual competition—and it’s got a vibrant sports bar in-house for you two to grab dinner and drinks right afterward. The staff is friendly, and the experience is a steal (you can play 18 holes for $9.75 each).

632 E State Rd 32, Westfield, IN 46074
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The Contrary

Stop by this swanky, fairly new spot for its seasonal cocktail menu and to hear live jazz music on occasion. The atmosphere is “stylish without feeling try-hard,” according to one satisfied Yelp review, and in this speakeasy-style lounge, you two get to try one-of-a-kind craft cocktails and desserts (pro tip: order the dates if they’re available when you stop by)

503 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309
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Wahlmeier Farm’s Vineyard

This family-owned winery in Jennings is the perfect weekend stop (they accept walk-ins on Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.). Private tastings are just $5 per person, and they produce a wide selection of sweet and dry wines and mead that’ll fit any wine lover’s fancy.

401 2600th Road, Jennings, KS 67643
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My Old Kentucky Dinner Train

Wouldn’t you like to dine through the Kentucky countryside? During 2 to 2.5 hour rides, you and a date can enjoy a gourmet dinner in a restored ’40s vintage dining car that takes you on an excursion throughout Kentucky bourbon country. It’ll be a scenic dream.

602 N 3rd St, Bardstown, KY 40004
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Dakar NOLA

The modern Senegalese fare in this intimate dining room is inspired by head chef Serigne Mbaye’s own upbringing. The multicourse dinner will bring you and your date on a tour of flavors, all while enjoying the atmosphere’s cozy, relaxed energy. This is the table to book if you’re looking to try some delicious cuisine and enjoy a great, uninterrupted conversation.

3814 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70115
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Terrarium

Looking to expand your plant collection? Explore this part-café, part-bar, part plant shop on your next available afternoon with a date. You can build your own terrariums for just $28 each and afterward, pop over to the food and drink area for some light snacks and local beer.

98 Cross St N Suite A, Portland, ME 04101
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Costiera

Care to dig into flavorful coastal Mediterranean cuisine? Swing by this hot spot. Its walls are lined with local artwork, and you get to enjoy a super-unique menu in a vibrant dining room that’s airy and allows you to hear each other speak. This spot is clutch for happy hour, too.

415 S Central Ave, Suite A, Baltimore, MD 21202
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The Block at Woods Hill

This farm-to-table spot overlooking the water is great for sharing small plates and cocktails. The atmosphere is lively but not overwhelming, and it’s got a vast selection of biodynamic wines to take your pick from.

300 Pier 4 Blvd. Retail Space #3, Boston, MA 02210
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Cliff Bells

This very swanky Art Deco club has become one of Detroit’s premier jazz venues—and also a lovely place to take someone to enjoy light bites and great music in a historic establishment.

2030 Park Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
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Disco Death Records

Pro-coffee date? Here, you can grab a latte with someone and then spend the afternoon sifting through this store’s iconic vinyl record collection. They do say that music is the ultimate love language.…

721 W 26th St, Minneapolis, MN 55405
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Magnolia Room

This speakeasy lounge on the Gulf Coast is perfect if you’re looking to enjoy well-crafted cocktails in an intimate, cozy space. There happens to be an outdoor area for live music sets as well, if you and your date feel like tapping in.

1302 Magnolia Street, Gulfport, MS 39507
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This high-end Japanese spot in the heart of Kansas City presents a stylish, intimate setting for your extra-special dinners with a loved one. Just ask Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, who’ve spent a few of their date nights here and even chose it to ring in Travis’s 35th birthday.

334 E 31st St, Kansas City, MO 64108
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Horn and Castle

At Big Sky’s Lone Mountain Ranch, you and a date can dig into farm-to-table fare in a luxurious log cabin. The dining room’s cozy fireplaces are the perfect backdrop for an intimate night out, and this spot’s beautiful, nature-filled views of the ranch are easy to get lost in.

750 Lone Mountain Ranch Rd, Big Sky, MT 59716
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Omaha Community Playhouse

As the largest community theater in the country, this playhouse has quite a reputation to uphold—and it does. Here, you and a date can catch productions of classic shows (this season includes Hair and August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson) in a gorgeous historic facility. You two deserve a trip to the theater.

6915 Cass St, Omaha, NE 68132
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Spring Preserve Botanical Garden

All we ask is that you try not to spend the majority of your time here taking photos (although we know that’ll be challenging). A stroll through this stunning nature preserve just outside of Las Vegas will take your breath away. It spans over 180 acres of nature walks and displays, making it a beautiful daytime outing.

333 S Valley View Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89107
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Muse Paintbar

This well-known paint-and-sip company has locations all over the country, but its Manchester, New Hampshire, spot is extra special thanks to its historic downtown setting just east of the Merrimack River. For 90 minutes, you and your date can flex your artistic muscles while enjoying good wine—and you’ll leave with a lovely painting to show for it.

42 Hanover St, Manchester, NH 03101
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Viv and Jules

This newly opened American brasserie in Hoboken is well worth your date night. With ambient lighting, sophisticated decor, and a delicious menu created by Food Network chef Cliff Crooks, it provides the perfect evening for two.

400 Adams St, Hoboken, NJ 07030
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Ten 3

You can soak in stunning views of Albuquerque while indulging in fine international comfort food. Sitting 10,300 feet above sea level, this spot requires a breathtaking tram ride to access. The entire experience is stunning, making it the perfect locale for an anniversary or any romantic occasion worth celebrating.

30 Tramway Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122
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Cherry Lane Theatre and Wild Cherry

Last year, film distribution company A24 unveiled yet another masterpiece—this time by announcing they’d be taking over operations at the oldest continuously running (and arguably most charming) off-Broadway theater in New York City. Tucked away in the West Village, it was recently home to the highly lauded one-woman play WEER, and next you can catch Alia Shawkat leading the show You Got Older.

Right next door, you can dine at the theater’s sister bar/restaurant, Wild Cherry, which serves quality French cuisine and offers a burger that could soon be in the running for Best Burger in the City. Split one and be the judges.

38 Commerce St, New York, NY 10014
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Airlie Gardens

This historic public garden in Wilmington will take you and your date through a picturesque paradise. It regularly hosts weddings, but if your relationship is not quite there yet, a walk-and-talk around its 67 acres of gardens is just as stunning.

300 Airlie Rd, Wilmington, NC 28403
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Fargo Theatre

Movie dates are superior...and movie dates in a gorgeous Art Deco venue even more so. This theater is the main venue for the Fargo Film Festival, and when that’s not happening, you can catch anything from a classic rom-com to a vibrant live music set here.

314 Broadway N, Fargo, ND 58102
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Sotto

This brick-and-wood underground dining spot provides a slice of Italy in Cincinnati. The ambiance, service, and perfectly romantic lighting have earned this rustic Italian restaurant thousands of glowing reviews. It’s the perfect place to stop by for undeniably great pasta and wine.

118 E 6th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
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Cheever’s Cafe

This OKC staple has been around for over 25 years and is perfect for brunch or dinner date nights. The bistro is known for its elevated Southern cuisine, but the Italian Sausage Rigatoni has earned plenty of love over the years, too.

2409 N Hudson Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73103
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Moon Pocha

This Korean street food spot is perfect for night owls. It’s open until midnight and serves a delicious lineup of authentic, shareable dishes crafted by executive chef Sun Moon. While it’s been open for just under a year, it’s already become a go-to for lively late-night dining.

28 NE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97232
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The Belvedere Inn

For nearly 30 years, this award-winning contemporary American restaurant in Lancaster has hosted couples inside its Victorian-Italianate-style city mansion. In the piano bar upstairs, you and your date can enjoy live jazz and stellar ambiance.

402 N Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603
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Tree House Tavern

Everyone should dine in a converted farmhouse at least once in their life, and this spot will fulfill that goal. Its fairy tale–like dining room stays beautifully decorated for every season. Popular dishes include the Spicy Thai Chicken Sandwich and the Pan-Seared Faroe Island Salmon.

1094 Centerville Rd, Warwick, RI 02886
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OK Donna

This new hot spot in downtown Charleston has earned praise for its excellent pizza slices and delicious cocktails (sweet drink lovers should grab the Aperol & Pineapple). The intimate space is energetic all week long, with outdoor seating available if that’s more your vibe.

1117 King St, Charleston, SC 29403
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Japanese Gardens of Terrace Park

You and your date can enjoy a sweet picnic or a leisurely walk through these gardens. With exotic flowers, stunning trees, and a gorgeous lake to sit beside, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon filled with good conversation.

707 N Grange Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
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Category 10

This Nashville honky-tonk (owned by country star Luke Combs) is a guaranteed good time. You and your date can take line dancing lessons or soak in gorgeous rooftop views while enjoying a drink upstairs. Live music and great bites ensure you’ll never get bored.

120 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201
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Shakespeare in the Park, Dallas

I'd say there’s no better place to enjoy classic theater than under the Texas sky. This beloved outdoor experience has been a Dallas staple for over 50 years, offering the timeless Shakespearean love stories that arguably inspired all the rest.

1500 Tenison Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75223
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Log Haven

Picture this: You and your date enjoying soft jazz, New American fine dining, and an award-winning wine selection in a cozy log mansion (yes, mansion; not cabin). The menu features locally sourced, organic ingredients, and the restaurant was a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation Award in 2024. It’s no joke.

6451 E Millcreek Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84109
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The Hidden Kitchen at The Inn at Weathersfield

This gem in Perkinsville is tucked inside a 1792 inn, where everything on the menu is made from scratch (Nara and Lucky Smith, pay attention). The enchanting rustic experience occasionally features live music and has also become a popular wedding venue over the years.

1342 VT-106, Perkinsville, VT 05151
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Penny’s Wine Shop

Natural wine and small plates never disappoint. Penny’s seasonal menu consistently delivers, and for a romantic outing, you may want to share a bottle from their selection of organic, biodynamic wines sourced from around the globe.

405 Brook Rd, Richmond, VA 23220
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Roe
This spot describes itself as “fine-casual,” and when you step in, you’ll discover why. The Bellingham spot’s seasonal American fare elevates classic comfort foods and is truly made to be lovingly shared (over good conversation, of course).

207 Unity Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
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Laury’s Restaurant

Laury’s has been one of Charleston’s premier fine dining spots since the late ’70s. Here, you can enjoy French-American fusion cuisine with river views inside a former railroad depot listed on the National Register of Historic Places—a fun fact you can use to impress your date.

350 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25314
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The Estate

This jazz club is small but mighty. Step inside and you’ll be greeted with excellent live music and highly praised cocktails (the Sazerac and Wisconsin Old Fashioned are crowd favorites). You can simply never go wrong with a night of jazz.

2423 N Murray St, Milwaukee, WI 53211
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The Blue Lion
A historic home in the heart of Jackson Hole houses the area’s oldest fine dining restaurant, beloved by locals and visitors alike. The team’s warm service and flavorful menu will keep you satisfied from pre-drinks at the gorgeous bar all the way through dessert.

60 N Millward St, Jackson, Wyoming 83001
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