Tallahassee Date Night

aerial/drone photo of downtown Tallahassee at night, with white, purple and green lights against a black evening sky

Going on a first date or kindling a long-lasting flame? Quaint restaurants and a lively downtown scene provide a number of options for your Tallahassee date night plan. Indulge in delicious food, cold cocktails, and quality time on your next special night in the capital city! 

Eats

Some say the easiest way to the heart is through the stomach, and Tallahassee offers plenty of good eats for you and your date to indulge in. Feast on dining options ranging from hearty Italian to light sushi rolls to multicultural fusion.  

Bella Bella is a locally owned Italian restaurant that has been serving the Tallahassee community for 14 years. It offers authentic Italian cuisine and a cozy atmosphere. The menu includes fresh tomato and basil bruschetta, homemade soups, and classic dishes such as chicken parmesan and manicotti, among many others. Located right off Monroe Street it sits in a central location between downtown and midtown, ideal if you wish to continue your night either on a stroll down Bloxham Park or have a drink and play retro arcade games at Fire Betty’s Arcade Bar.  

Another option is Masa Tallahassee, an Asian-inspired seafood and sushi restaurant located near the Midtown area. Masa’s menu bridges flavors from the east and west to create cuisines everyone can enjoy. One of the dishes to keep an eye out for is the flying dragon roll: shrimp tempura, and krab mix topped with seared tuna, fresh salmon, avocado, and creamy garlic sauce. Practice your skills using chopsticks, or have your date teach you while taking advantage of Masa’s relaxed and aesthetic atmosphere.  

Celebrate tradition and local ingredients at  El Cocinero. This restaurant features homemade tortillas and all corn-based products that come from local non-GMO corn. Located in the heart of midtown, this spot is trendy and boasts clean ingredients. Start off with elote, Mexican street corn, and end your evening with an exclusive Jarrito float, Mexican fruit soda topped with vanilla ice cream. 

If you are feeling especially fancy, grab a bite at Il Lusso. Featuring Italian-style pasta, meat, seafood, and options for half or whole plates, it’s a great place to share a dish or try something new. With classic pasta dishes like caccio e pepe and specialty drinks such as strawberry lychee martinis, it is perfect if you’re in the mood for a romantic evening on the town.

Drinks

After dinner enjoy a nightcap with a view at one of Tallahassee’s many bars or breweries. 

Charlie Park is a rooftop cocktail bar located in the AC Hotel by Marriott. This bar offers small plates, an assortment of unique cocktails, and a wonderful view of Cascades park. Having been open for less than two years, Charlie Park offers a nuanced experience. The terrace provides the perfect view of the sun setting, which casts a warm glow over downtown Tallahassee and Cascades Park. Try one of their artisan signature drinks, seasonal cocktails, or assortmented wines, while nibbling on a chocolate pretzel trifle.  

Located on the 17th floor above the DoubleTree, Eve on Adams has some of the best views of the Tallahassee skyline for you to take in while you grab a bite or sip on one of their varying drink options. Watch the sunset, have some hors d’oeuvres and enjoy a specialty cocktail during happy hour from 5 to 6 pm on weekdays. Or come after dark and watch downtown Tallahassee light up once the sun has gone down. 

Whether you are starting something new, rekindling an old flame, or celebrating a long-lasting memory, Bar 1903 has you covered. The bar boasts a one-of-a-kind cocktail experience, making its home in a century-old library featuring a menu spanning 160 years. With only 36 seats you and your significant other will enjoy an intimate experience. 

If you and your date are looking for a lively atmosphere with live music and a beer brewed close to home, head over to Oyster City Brewing Co. Tallahassee. Sit back, relax in the beer garden and crack open a cold one. 

For more drinking and dining options, explore Visit Tallahassee’s Nightlife page here

Activities

Tallahassee offers a number of options for daytime activities for you and your significant other to take advantage of! Treat you and your date to a staycation in the neighboring town of Monticello. Some cozy Bed and Breakfast options include the Avera- Clarke House and the John Denham House.

Enjoy the sunshine state’s gorgeous weather with a picnic at Alfred B. Maclay State Park, or jam out at a concert at Cascades Park.

Feeling more adventurous? Check out our list of outdoor activities you can do with your significant other right here in the Tallahassee area!