You don’t have to go all white tablecloth for a fun and romantic date night out. Actually, stepping outside of the fancy dinner box can be much more exciting. Whether celebrating an anniversary, enjoying a couple's staycation or venturing out for a first date, our city's got plenty for you two to do. Read on, because we’ve picked out a few uniquely Irving date night spots for you and your boo.
Take it Old-School
Two Mules Cantina at the Texican Court Hotel is a great date night spot. I love, love, love the Americana of this motor-court-style hotel. It’s such an off-the-beaten-path activity to cozy up outside in the twinkle-lit courtyards, sip cocktails, listen to live music (on the weekends) and do a little stargazing. Or if you’re in a playful mood, try your luck at Cornhole, Jenga or Connect Four. A little friendly competition always makes for an interesting time. Then… for even s’more date-night fun and a bit of nostalgia, couples can purchase a s’mores kit complete with grahams and chocolate and marshmallows for roasting. Did I mention that the courtyard is dotted with fire pits and fireplaces to be enjoyed in winter, spring, summer or fall?
If you decide to upgrade date night to a date-cation, you’re just steps away from retro-style guest rooms with SMEG refrigerators fully stocked with Texas beers, wine, sodas, liquor - pretty much anything you might want … or need, like water. In the morning, after you sip coffee from your personal rocking chairs, you can take a spin around Lake Carolyn on complimentary bicycles and start the courtyard party all over again on a lounger next to the old-school circular swimming pool.
Grab a Slice of Italy
There is nothing more romantic than a gondola ride through the canals of Venice. But when you can’t hop on a flight to Italy, the next best date night in DFW is a gondola ride through the waterways of the Mandalay Canal and Lake Carolyn. You don’t have to plan a marriage proposal to jump aboard and sail away on a romantic cruise, but lots of hopeful fiancés have. Your intimate excursion will likely have a singing gondolier, and tradition dictates that couples kiss underneath every bridge! There are all kinds of romantic add-ons too. Remember those notes you passed with checkboxes to see if your crush was also crushing on you? Well, here’s a little extra that rates much higher on the romantic gesture scale - a ‘Message in a Bottle.’ Again, proposal not required. A simple love note will do. Post-cruise, while you still have all the romantic feels, stroll into the nearby Italian Cafe to share some pie and pasta “Lady & The Tramp” style. Reserve your ride.
Elevate the Dinner Date
If you’re a fan of the wine-and-dine dating model, and I most definitely am, the restaurants at Water Street make for a great date. I mean, EVERYONE loves to eat! The Ginger Man has one of the best patios in all of Dallas/Fort Worth. And Cork & Pig is fun for brunch. I am, however, a huge fan of Pacific Table. The seafood is impeccable, and the ambiance is elegant, yet anything but stuffy, which makes it perfect for a get-to-know-you date night without the pretense of fine dining. There’s a stellar wine list, a friendly staff and a beautiful dining room with huge windows. The backdrop of Lake Carolyn is ooh-la-la and if you manage to go at sunset, that big Texas sky is nearly irresistible. Snag a table on the patio near the firepit for an even better vibe. A stroll around the lake and/or the Mandalay Canals makes for an excellent post-dinner excursion. Oh, and here’s a little tip for date night at Pacific Table: order the oysters flown in daily from the east and the west, because, well, oysters.
