Dallas Date Nights

The national holiday for celebrating love and romance is just one week away! You, like me, may have the bar set quite high for romantic gestures due to decades of romantic comedies so Valentine’s Day can be tricky. For the gift-lover, you may hope for “a really embarrassing display of white roses” at the office thanks to Matthew McConaughey in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. If acts of service speaks to you, a Heath Ledger-like ballad lip-sung from the bleachers may be more of your fantasy. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the epic backdoor Tiffany’s entrance to pick out the perfect diamond like Patrick Dempsey in Sweet Home Alabama. For me though, nothing tops good old-fashioned quality time which means this Valentine’s Day I am excited for date night—and by date night, I do mean a surprise boat ride through hundreds of beautiful white geese and getting caught in the rain circa Ryan Gosling 2004. Is this too much to ask?

To assist the helpless gentleman taking me on a date in Dallas February 14 (thank you Husband), I curated a list of romantic date night destinations. Please enjoy, and let me know if something wonderful has been left off!

The Staple

Le Bilbouquet

Why: You can never go wrong with this French bistro—the intimate setting, the candlelight, the boxwoods, the Cajun Chicken, need I go on?

 (469) 730-2937

The Usual

Al Biernat’s

Why: It’s usually on every date night suggestion list, but it truly makes everyone happy.

4217 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, TX 75219

(214) 219-2201

The Dinner with a View

Five Sixty Restaurant at Reunion Tower

Why: Seems very Dallas-y yet rarely on the list of options. Why not visit for a special occasion?

300 Reunion Blvd East, Dallas, TX 75207

(214) 712-7040

The Same, but Different

Hudson House

Why: We go here all too often, but typically for the restaurant’s oyster and martini happy hour. An elevated date to this neighborhood joint would be a delight—I have always wondered if the seafood tower is worth the splurge.

4448 Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX 75225

214-583-2255

The Most Romantic Option

The French Room

Why: This room is stunning and makes you feel you should be dressed in a long slip dress and a canary diamond. Also to note, the menu and champagne are impressive.

1321 Commerce Street, Dallas, Texas 75202

214-742-8200

The Game Night

The Old Monk

Why: Nothing makes me happier than a low-key evening of gin rummy. Pick a picnic table outside, bring a deck of cards, and order a pitcher and cheeseboard for the ultimate low-key but quality evening.

2847 North Henderson Avenue, Dallas, TX  75206

214-821-1880

The Lady and the Tramp Date

Saint Rocco’s New York Italian

Why: Dine at this Trinity Grove’s eatery for “chocolates and champagne” with one of the best Dallas views for sunset.

3011 Gulden Lane, #Suite 100, Dallas, TX 75212

Tickets

The Staycation

The Mansion Restaurant

Why: I highly recommend the Mansion Restaurant, but while you’re there, stay the evening at one of Dallas’ most beautiful hotels and wedding venues. Did you get married at the Mansion? Even better!

2821 Turtle Creek Blvd., Dallas, TX 75219

214-559-2100