Date Nights in Charlotte
The Queen City has just the spot to set the mood.
by Sasha Bello
Whether it’s your first date or you’ve been together forever, Charlotte has the perfect date night spot for you. From intimate speakeasies to interactive group dates, the Queen City boasts date spots that offer the royal treatment.
First Dates
Barcelona Wine Bar
Neighborhood: South End
In the heart of South End is the chic and inviting Barcelona Wine Bar, a Spanish-style tapas bar. You and your date will have nearly endless options, with over 400 bottles of wine, mix-and-match meat and cheese boards, and almost 30 shareable small plates to choose from.
Camp North End
Neighborhood: Camp North End
Break the first-date ice at Camp North End. You and your date can grab gelato from Popbar, check out an exhibit at Goodyear Arts or shop local designers at Dupp & Swat, getting to know each other as you walk around Camp North End’s 76 acres.
Coffee at Station West
Neighborhood: Wesley Heights
Pop into Coffee at Station West for your first meet up if you’re looking for the perfect view of the city as the backdrop for your date. With games like cornhole available, plus intimate seating inside and outside, this cafe is a great way to ease into conversation.
Optimist Hall
Neighborhood: Optimist Park
Feel overly optimistic when meeting your next date at Optimist Hall. This food hall is tons of fun, with shopping, bars and restaurants. You and your date can enjoy Honeysuckle Gelato in the courtyard, talk about growth at Paradiso Plant Shop or score some literal points at El Thrifty.
Intimate Dates
Bar à Vins
Neighborhood: NoDa
Bar à Vins offers a romantic, wine bar experience in the heart of NoDa. This chic space, created by sommeliers, gives you an at-home feel for you and your dreamy date. Order a bottle of wine to share or try different glasses and compare notes.
Dot Dot Dot
Neighborhood: Montford
A Prohibition-style speakeasy, Dot Dot Dot is the perfect date spot. With a full dinner menu and some of the best drinks in town, you will truly have a night to remember. Make sure to sign up for a membership online and read about the dress code beforehand.
Idlewild Bar
Neighborhood: NoDa
This no-menu, dimly lit bar is the definition of intimate. Your bartender will ask what flavors you’re interested in sipping, then they will mix up a perfectly crafted cocktail with you and your date’s preferences in mind. Seats fill up fast, so make sure to book a reservation ahead of time.
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Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Nestled inside Hotel Refuge is a Black-owned listening pop-up bar with an unmatched atmosphere, from mixologist Justin Hazelton. Between the carefully crafted cocktails, the diverse selection of music and visuals projected onto the screen, enjoy a full-sensory experience at a cozy table with your date.
Special Occasions
The Cellar at Duckworth’s
Neighborhood: Uptown
If you want to find an atmosphere with rustic charm in the heart of the city, The Cellar at Duckworth’s does not disappoint. The dim lighting and speakeasy vibes, paired with excellent service and delicious food like the ribeye steak and Nutella cheesecake, create the ideal ambience for your special evening.
The Coterie Concept
Neighborhood: South End
Cozy up at The Coterie Concept, an intimate Black woman-owned wine tasting room. You will love the special treatment you receive from this warm and welcoming concierge team. Book an experience like the romantic Wine & Chocolate option ahead of time or mark your calendar for one of the free live music nights.
Counter-
Neighborhood: Wesley Heights
Counter- is a fully immersive, intimate dining experience from chef Sam Hart, where food becomes art. Designed with the guests’ senses in mind, the themed tasting menus are paired with art, music and a story to amplify the cuisine. This multi-course meal is sure to create an unforgettable night.
Interactive & Group Dates
Paddywax Candle Bar
Neighborhood: South End
Nothing is better than setting the mood with a great smelling candle, especially one you made with your date. Take a DIY workshop at Paddywax on your next group date and make your own custom candle. While you wait for your candle to cool, grab a bite at Superica or Salted Melon nearby.
Pins Mechanical Company
Neighborhood: South End
When you want to get a group together but can’t decide on what to do, stop by Pins Mechanical. Have an ultimate foosball showdown or hop on a classic arcade game or pinball machine. And, if you’re really looking to knock down some friendly rivals, Pins has giant Jenga and duckpin bowling.
Queen Park Social
Neighborhood: Lower South End
Eat, drink, play and, most importantly, be social at Charlotte’s Queen Park Social. Grab your favorite couples and strike out on the full bowling lanes or challenge your date to a game of NBA Hoops or Space Invaders. In between games, snack on shareables like chicken wings, sliders and nachos.
Rally Pickleball
Neighborhood: Lower South End
Rally the troops and have yourself a ball. Enjoy some friendly competition at Rally Pickleball where you can sip an iced latte or craft cocktail in between your time on the court. Whatever your jam is, your group is sure to have a blast.
