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The Love Letter at The People’s Last Stand.
Sung Joon Koo/The People’s Last Stand

8 Unique Bars and Restaurants for a First Date in Dallas

Engaging first date spots for fun, games, and conversation

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The Love Letter at The People’s Last Stand.
| Sung Joon Koo/The People’s Last Stand

Dallas is full of immersive activities that can spark interaction and conversation and give insights into both of you. On a first date, there are options beyond the standard dinner and a movie (or coffee for 15 minutes, if you’re the low commitment type). Keep it simple at these places with a game and a cocktail, and then sit down for a whole meal if the sparks are flying.

From a low-key meetup at the bookstore to a lively group gathering, these unique first date spots in Dallas will make any first face-to-face meeting an unforgettable experience.

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The People's Last Stand

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Just want to grab a drink? This spirit-forward bar prides itself on making the joy of sipping craft cocktails approachable. The menu offers a variety of traditional cocktails, from mules to an old fashioned, and its depth of options will impress on a first date.

Cidercade Dallas

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With more than 140 games and 26 drinks on tap, Cidercade Dallas has created a space for a fun date night of gaming in an adult atmosphere. Order a flight of hard ciders, kombuchas, or seltzers, and then compete to see who can get the highest score on Donkey Kong. Want the option to extend the evening? Coordinate the meetup based on when a food truck will be onsite.

Bowlounge

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The hip, retro vibe of Bowlounge on Turtle Creek in the Design District makes it an excellent spot for a first date. Enjoy a few frames of bowling before selecting a drink from their inspired craft cocktail menu and splitting the decedent, gravy topped chicken fried chicken sandwich if things are going well.

Electric Shuffle Dallas

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The classic shuffleboard experience goes high tech at Electric Shuffle USA in Deep Ellum. The menu offers shareable cocktails and bites such as the Participation Trophy with citrus vodka, orange liqueur, pineapple, mint, lime, and soda and its popular handcrafted pizzas such as the CBR with pulled chicken, crispy bacon, ranch dressing, and red onions. It is a great spot for group dates as well as first dates.

Whiskey Hatchet

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Kick up the fun and competition at an adults-only hunting lodge-inspired bar with ax throwing. Whiskey Hatchet elevates this highly physical activity by adding light bites and a full bar offering beer, spirits, and craft cocktails. Try a Berry The Hatchet, made with muddled strawberry, mint, sparkling lemonade, and vodka.

Scout Dallas

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If an uncomplicated night of comfort food and games is what you crave, then bowl, play ping pong, pool, or an arcade game at Scout inside the Statler Hotel. Dine and sip familiar favorites, including steak frites, a patty melt, frozen margaritas, or The Old Timer — that’s Scout’s take on the old fashioned featuring whiskey, demerara syrup, aromatic bitters, chocolate bitters, and luxardo cherry.

Another Round

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Mini golf is seeing a resurgence. Another Round brings the traditionally outdoor activity inside, creating an immersive experience with food and on-course bar service. Enjoy a wagyu beef hotdog and craft cocktails while getting to know each other over a friendly game of mini golf.

The Wild Detectives

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What a person reads can say a lot about them. The indie bookstore Wild Detectives in Bishop Arts is a great place to meet for a first date. Pop in for a classic cocktail, such as a pisco sour or a coffee and browse the shelves to decode how well-read they are — or attend an author event together.

The People's Last Stand

Just want to grab a drink? This spirit-forward bar prides itself on making the joy of sipping craft cocktails approachable. The menu offers a variety of traditional cocktails, from mules to an old fashioned, and its depth of options will impress on a first date.

Cidercade Dallas

With more than 140 games and 26 drinks on tap, Cidercade Dallas has created a space for a fun date night of gaming in an adult atmosphere. Order a flight of hard ciders, kombuchas, or seltzers, and then compete to see who can get the highest score on Donkey Kong. Want the option to extend the evening? Coordinate the meetup based on when a food truck will be onsite.

Bowlounge

The hip, retro vibe of Bowlounge on Turtle Creek in the Design District makes it an excellent spot for a first date. Enjoy a few frames of bowling before selecting a drink from their inspired craft cocktail menu and splitting the decedent, gravy topped chicken fried chicken sandwich if things are going well.

Electric Shuffle Dallas

The classic shuffleboard experience goes high tech at Electric Shuffle USA in Deep Ellum. The menu offers shareable cocktails and bites such as the Participation Trophy with citrus vodka, orange liqueur, pineapple, mint, lime, and soda and its popular handcrafted pizzas such as the CBR with pulled chicken, crispy bacon, ranch dressing, and red onions. It is a great spot for group dates as well as first dates.

Whiskey Hatchet

Kick up the fun and competition at an adults-only hunting lodge-inspired bar with ax throwing. Whiskey Hatchet elevates this highly physical activity by adding light bites and a full bar offering beer, spirits, and craft cocktails. Try a Berry The Hatchet, made with muddled strawberry, mint, sparkling lemonade, and vodka.

Scout Dallas

If an uncomplicated night of comfort food and games is what you crave, then bowl, play ping pong, pool, or an arcade game at Scout inside the Statler Hotel. Dine and sip familiar favorites, including steak frites, a patty melt, frozen margaritas, or The Old Timer — that’s Scout’s take on the old fashioned featuring whiskey, demerara syrup, aromatic bitters, chocolate bitters, and luxardo cherry.

Another Round

Mini golf is seeing a resurgence. Another Round brings the traditionally outdoor activity inside, creating an immersive experience with food and on-course bar service. Enjoy a wagyu beef hotdog and craft cocktails while getting to know each other over a friendly game of mini golf.

The Wild Detectives

What a person reads can say a lot about them. The indie bookstore Wild Detectives in Bishop Arts is a great place to meet for a first date. Pop in for a classic cocktail, such as a pisco sour or a coffee and browse the shelves to decode how well-read they are — or attend an author event together.

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