17 Date Night Ideas in Cincinnati

Whether you’re planning a very first date, your fifteenth, or a special anniversary celebration, choosing the perfect place can definitely be a challenge. Finding that perfect spot can be especially difficult in a lively city like Cincinnati, with its plethora of options. That’s why we’ve decided to help you and compile this list of the top 17 places for date night in Cincinnati. Between intimate dining spots near your Cincinnati, OH home, art classes near your rental home, or cocktail bars close to your downtown apartment, you’re sure to find that perfect spot to share with that special someone.

1. Visit the Cincinnati Art Museum

“For a date night that feels artful, romantic, and just a little bit luxurious, wander the Cincinnati Art Museum,” recommends Amanda Burman, owner of Burman Photography. Here you and your date can enjoy works by Botticelli, Monet, and Van Gogh with free general admission. After your visit, grab dinner, and “end the evening with a nightcap at 21c Museum Hotel’s rooftop bar, where city views and contemporary art set the scene for meaningful conversation and quiet connection,” suggests Amanda.

2. Wander the Westside Market

Mark your calendars and plan ahead for the Westside Market. Held once a month from May to September, “this vibrant indoor/outdoor market showcases over 100 local vendors, including small businesses, bakers, and artists from all over the city,” explains event coordinator Krystle Gaiser. “Strolling through the DORA district while shopping handmade goods, tasting local flavors from food trucks, and listening to live music from JonJon of iHeartRadio, makes for a relaxed, creative, and unique date idea for couples who love supporting local,” continues Krystle.

3. Have a drink

A simple drinks date is the perfect option for any date number. Just south of the river, “Second Story is a beautifully decorated, moody handcrafted cocktail lounge featuring unique, 20 ft handmade trees that we use to hold our over 200 spirits,” describes general manager Erica Thompson. Not only can you have a great drink here, but they also “offer various activities throughout the week and host DJs on the weekends, making it a great spot for a fun and memorable date night.”

4. Pick up a picnic

“Located in the heart of Walnut Hills, La Soupe rescues surplus food from local grocery stores, farmers, manufacturers, etc. and transforms it into balanced and nutritious meals,” explains Hilairy Begley, marketing and communications manager of La Soupe. Here, their mission is to “bridge the gap between food waste and hunger,” and we think food tastes better when you know it’s doing good.

Instead of dining in, pick up some food from their retail cafe, and have a picnic at a nearby spot like Eden Park. From soups, salads, and sandwiches, “each week always brings something new to the menu based on the food coming in so it’s always an adventure,” says Hilairy.

5. Paint pottery

For a more creative date option, head over to Doodlin Pottery located in Anderson Township. Whether you’re painting matching mugs for your mugs, a jewelry dish for your engagement ring, or just getting to know each other while painting a bowl, this activity is great for conversation, creativity, and if the vibe’s right–some friendly competition. “So, “if you feel like tapping into your inner artist, this place has provided the perfect setting for couples to connect through ceramic painting for over 25 years,” adds owner Jackie Johnson.

6. Meet for a coffee

Located in Price Hill’s Incline District, head to BLOC Coffee for a coffee date with your significant other, friend, co-worker, or co-worker turned romantic interest–we don’t judge. Here you’ll find robust “breakfast and lunch menus, a wide variety of coffee and other beverage items, relaxed atmosphere, and welcoming staff,” describes Jen Mueller, assistant grants director of BLOC Ministries. With all this and more, it’s the perfect place to connect over a cup of joe – or with Joe!

7. Connect over a cocktail

Instead of coffee, you really can’t beat a drink out on the patio. “If you’re looking to have a memorable night out or grab drinks on a Saturday afternoon, pop into Somerset Bar,” suggests Candice Crowley, LPC at Candicely. 

Somerset Bar is “easily one of the best outdoor spaces in the city with unique seating arrangements for intimate conversations and a drink menu with exciting sips for drinkers of all types, including those who are living booze-free,” continues Candice. She recommends stopping in for the views and sips, and though this spot doesn’t have a food menu, but you can typically find food trucks outside the entrance or head to a second location for a bite to eat.

8. Make candles together

“Spend an evening together crafting your very own candle with your signature scent – one that’s totally unique to you,” suggests Danielle Price, romance planner and relationship expert at SOS Romance Planning. 

While you can find a place to make candles, you can also stop by the local craft store or order all the necessary candle-making supplies online. “Simply explore a variety of essential oils and fragrance blends, then mix and match until you both land on the perfect scent,” instructs Danielle. “The best part? Every time you burn the candle, you’ll think of your sweetheart and it’ll take you right back to the moment the magic happened,” Danielle adds.

9. Sweets and Meats BBQ

 “Whether you’re sparking a new connection or celebrating years together, Sweets and Meats BBQ makes for a fun, laid-back date spot in Avondale,” says their marketing specialist Dominique Anderson. Whether you’re sharing the brisket platter with your wife, cozying up on the patio with your boyfriend, or savoring barbecue with a first date, “nothing brings people together like great food and good vibes,” reminds Dominique.

10. Stargaze at the Cincinnati Observatory

What’s more romantic than looking at the stars together? Take your date to the Cincinnati Observatory to immerse yourselves in astronomy, see stunning views of the city, and sit in awe at the beautiful night sky. Whether you’re looking at the stars through a telescope or using an app to map out the constellations, this intimate date night is perfect for experiencing the wonder of the universe together.

11. Share a sweet treat

For the perfect mix of chill and delicious, take your date to Purely Sweet Bakery in Dayton or their Dorothy Lane Market Mason store (opening soon). With a lovely, relaxed atmosphere, this spot is the perfect place to converse and nibble on one of their “locally infamous cinnamon rolls, coffee cake, or gorgeous jumbo sugar cookies,” says owner Dawn Vaflor. 

For date night, stop by to “grab a take-and-bake gluten-free, vegan pizza home with you to enjoy for your weekend chill time in some comfortable PJs and a Netflix series binge,” suggests Dawn. Whether you’re grabbing a morning pastry, a morning-after coffee, or pizza to go, you and yours are sure to enjoy their baked goods.

12. Grab a round

“Perched atop Mt. Adams, The Hilltop offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere perfect for a memorable date night.” Their Cincinnati-themed decor and vibrant neon lights make the perfect setting for sipping on a craft cocktail, local beer, or sharing their deep-fried gouda bacon mac n’ cheese bites. Not only can you go on a date here, but so can your pups as this spot has a spacious dog-friendly patio perfect for puppy and human dates alike. 

13. See a show

Instead of a movie, take your date to the Aronoff Center to see a Broadway show, ballet, or live concert. This venue has some of the most beautiful architecture, which is sure to set the scene for a perfect date night. Whatever performance you decide to see, bonding over art is truly something special.

14. Experience Art After Dark

Speaking of art, make yourself free on Friday for Art After Dark at The Contemporary Arts Museum. “This all-inclusive event offers art, culture, music and entertainment in one destination,” describes Danielle Delaine, owner of Herban Vegans. With something for everyone, this free event really makes the perfect date night whether it’s your first or your fiftieth.

15. Craft with clay

“Get your hands dirty with Core Clay‘s wheel throwing and hand building date nights,” suggests studio manager Emily Hobart. Designed for beginners, this date idea is a great way to get in touch with your creative side and spice up the typical date night routine. “Simply your favorite pieces at the end, we’ll fire them, and call you when they’re ready for pick up,” says Emily. Even if your new piece isn’t a home staple, it’s fun to bond over a new activity with your loved one.

16. Night cap in OTR

Amanda Hood, founder of The Crush Confidential, suggests heading over to her personal favorite restaurant, Abigail Street, located in the Over-the-Rhine District, an area known to locals as “OTR.” In particular, she suggests first grabbing some Mediterranean food and saying, “If the conversation is progressing nicely, enjoy a nightcap at Sundry & Vice in OTR. If you two decide to keep the drinks flowing, this award-winning, turn-of-the-century, apothecary-themed cocktail bar, makes the perfect spot,” notes Amanda.

17. Dine the Italian way

Fortheloved Photography photographer Shayla Brown recommends her favorite restaurant, Nicolas in downtown Cincinnati, for date night. “The food is always incredible (best gnocchi in town), and the warm, cozy Italian atmosphere paired with the kindest staff makes every visit feel warm and inviting,” says Shayla. More than just good Italian food, “it’s one of those places that becomes part of your story,” she adds.

Take a breath, be yourself, and have fun

With all of these date night options, we hope you and your date can agree upon one and truly have the best time. While dates can be nerve-racking, who knows, this could just be the person you end up Cincinnati home shopping with.

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