Whether you’re planning a first date, 15th or special anniversary celebration, choosing the perfect place can definitely be a challenge. Finding that perfect place can be particularly difficult in a vibrant city like Cincinnati. That’s why we decided to help you and edit this list of the top 17 locations for dating nights in Cincinnati. Between an intimate dining spot near your Cincinnati, Ohio, art classes near your rental home, or a cocktail bar near your downtown apartment, you’ll definitely find the perfect place to share with that special person.
1. See the Cincinnati Museum of Art
“Wandering around the Cincinnati Museum of Art on date nights that feel artistic, romantic and just a little extravagant,” recommends Berman Photography owner Amanda Berman. Here, you can enjoy the works of Botticelli, Monet and Van Gogh with free general admission. After the visit, we had dinner and “end the night with a night cap at the rooftop bar at the 21C Museum Hotel, where urban scenery and contemporary art set scenes of meaningful conversation and quiet connections,” suggests Amanda.
2. Wandering around the West Side Market
Mark your calendar and plan ahead for Westside Market. “This vibrant indoor/outdoor market features over 100 local vendors, including small businesses, bakeries and artists,” explains event coordinator Krystle Gaiser. “Walking around the Dora district while shopping for handmade items, tasting local flavours from a food truck, or listening to live music from Jonjon at Iheartradio, making it a relaxing, creative and unique date idea for local support couples,” continues Krystle.
3. Have a drink
Simple Drink Dates are the perfect option for any date number. Just south of the river, “The Second Story is a beautifully decorated, moody, handmade cocktail lounge with unique 20 feet of handmade wood used to hold over 200 spirits,” explains General Manager Erica Thompson. Not only can you drink some great drinks here, but you can also “serve a variety of activities throughout the week, host DJs on weekends, making it a perfect place for a fun and memorable date night.”
The photo is courtesy of the Second Story
4. Pick up a picnic
“Situated in the heart of Walnut Hills, La Soupe saves surplus food from local grocery stores, farmers, manufacturers and more, turning it into a balanced, nutritious meal.” Here, their mission is to “fill the gap between food waste and hunger,” and when we know that’s good, we think the food tastes better.
Instead of eating, you pick up food from a retail cafe and have a picnic in nearby locations like Eden Park. From soups, salads and sandwiches, “Every week always brings something new to the menu.
5. Paint the ceramic
For more creative date options, head to Doodlin Pottery in Anderson Township. Whether you’re just getting to know each other while drawing a mug matching a mug, a jewel dish for an engagement ring, or just getting to know each other while you’re drawing a bowl, this activity is perfect for the right friendly competition for conversation, creativity and atmosphere. “So, if you want to tap on your inner artist, this place has provided the perfect environment for couples to connect through ceramic paintings for over 25 years,” adds owner Jackie Johnson.
6. Meet for a drink of coffee
Located in the sloped district of Price Hill, head to Block Coffee for a coffee date with important others, friends, colleagues or colleagues. We don’t judge. Jen Muller, assistant grant director at Block Ministries, explains the robust “breakfast and lunch menu, a wide variety of coffee and other drinks, a relaxed atmosphere, and welcoming staff.” More than this, it’s the perfect place to connect to Joe’s cup – or with Joe!
The photo is courtesy of Block Coffee
7. Connect to the cocktail
Instead of coffee, you can’t really beat the drink on the patio. “If you want to have a memorable Saturday afternoon night or have a drink, jump into Somerset Bar,” suggests Candicely LPC Candice Crowley.
Somerset Bar “is one of the best outdoor spaces in town with unique seating arrangements with exciting bites for all kinds of drinkers, including those who don’t drink,” Candice continues. She recommends stopping by for the views and bites, but although there is no food menu at this spot, you can usually find a food truck outside the entrance or head to the second place to take a bite.
8. I’ll make candles together
“Live together an evening of creating your own candles with your own distinctive fragrance. It’s completely unique to you,” suggests Daniel Price, romance planner and relationship expert at SOS Romance Planning.
You can find a place to make candles, but you can also stop by a local craft store or order all the candle making supplies you need online. “You explore the various essential oils and fragrance blends, then mix and match until both arrive at the perfect scent,” directs Daniel. “The best part? Every time you burn a candle, you think of your lover, and it’ll bring you back to the moment the magic happened,” adds Daniel.
9. Sweets and meat barbecue
“Whether you’re spurting new connections or celebrating together for years, Sweets and Meats BBQ can be a fun, relaxed date spot in Avondale,” says marketing specialist Dominique Anderson. Whether sharing a brisket platter with your wife, uniting on the patio with your boyfriend or having a barbecue on your first date, Dominic recalls, “nothing brings people together like great food or a good vibe.”
Photo courtesy of sweets and meat barbecue
10. Stargazes at the Cincinnati Observatory
What’s more romantic than seeing the stars together? Take your date at the Cincinnati Observatory, immerse yourself in astronomy, see the stunning views of the city, and be honored with the beautiful night sky. Whether you’re looking at stars through a telescope or using the app to map constellations, this intimate dating night is perfect for experiencing the wonders of the universe together.
11. Share sweet treats
For the perfect mix of cold and tasty things, go on a date at a purely sweet bakery in Dayton or a Dorothy Lane Market Mason Store (opens soon). In a lovely and relaxing atmosphere, the spot is “a perfect place to converse and nibble one of the local infamous cinnamon rolls, coffee cakes or gorgeous jumbo sugar cookies,” says owner Dawn Vaflor.
On date nights, you’ll stop by “I’ll go home with you to grab a gluten-free vegan pizza from Take and Bake to enjoy the cold weekend hours with the comfortable PJ and the Netflix series Binge.” Whether you grab a morning pastry, morning coffee or pizza, you and yours can enjoy baked goods.
12. Grab the round
“The hilltop on top of Mount Adams offers a cozy and charming atmosphere perfect for a memorable date night.” Their Cincinnati-themed decorations and vibrant neon lights make it the perfect setting for craft cocktails, local beers, or share a bite of fried Gouda Bacon McCunn Cheese. Not only can you date here, but as this spot your puppy has a spacious, dog-friendly patio that is perfect for puppies and human dating.
Photo on the hill
13. See the show
Instead of films, head to the Aronoff Center to watch a Broadway show, ballet or live concert. This venue has some of the most beautiful architectures. This is definitely a perfect date night scene. Whatever performance you decide to see, bringing together art is truly special.
14. Get dark and experience art
Speaking of art, get free for dark after-afford art at the Museum of Contemporary Art on Friday. “This comprehensive event will provide art, culture, music and entertainment in one destination,” explains Danielle Delaine, owner of Herban Vegans. Using something for everyone, this free event will be a truly perfect date night, whether it’s your first or 50 years.
15. Craft with clay
“The wheels of Core Clay are thrown, get a date night and get your hands dirty,” suggests studio manager Emily Hobart. Designed for beginners, this date idea is a great way to get in touch with your creative side and liven up your typical dating night routine. “At the end of your favorite piece, we fire them and call you when they’re ready to pick up,” says Emily. Even if your new work isn’t a staple of the house, it’s fun to bond with new activities with your loved ones.
Photo courtesy of Core Clay
16. OTR’s night cap
Amanda Hood, founder of The Crush Confidential, suggests heading to her personal favorite restaurant, Abigail Street, in the Over the Line area, a region known to locals as “OTR.” In particular, she suggested that she grabbed Mediterranean food and said, “If the conversation is going well, enjoy a night cap at Sundry & Vice on OTR.
17. Dining Italian way
Fortheloved Photography photographer Shayla Brown recommends Nicholas, his favorite restaurant in downtown Cincinnati, for a date night. “The food is always incredible (the best gnocchi in town), and it makes every visit feel warm and engaging, combining a warm and welcoming Italian atmosphere with the kindest staff,” says Sheila. “It’s one of the places that will become part of your story,” she adds.
Inhale, become yourself, have fun
All of these date night options are hopeful that you and your dates agree to one and you can truly have the best time. Dates can be nerve-wracking, but this could be someone who ends up being a home shopping in Cincinnati.
