Looking to grab a bite to eat with someone special this weekend? Whether you’re looking to stay in, hit the Strip or even venture out into the city, there are plenty of options to choose from.
To help you narrow down your choices, here’s a handy list of the best date night restaurants for students.
In the city:
The Tomato Head
The Tomato Head’s convenient location on Market Square makes it a great stop before you head to any one of downtown’s attractions. Or head to the Kingston Pike location to sample the same delicious food! The Tomato Head has very shareable appetizers, pizza, desserts and more for you and your date to enjoy.
Babalu Tapas and Tacos
Talk about shareable! While Babalu is a little on the pricier side, there’s no place better to share a meal with someone you care about than a tapas restaurant. Skip the small talk; share some small plates.
Pete’s Coffee Shop
Head to Pete’s on Union Avenue for a brunch date. They’ve got everything from pancakes and bacon to biscuits and gravy — the kind of sustenance everyone needs after a late night out. The restaurant opens at 7 a.m. and serves breakfast until close every Saturday.
Close to campus:
Sunspot
Sunspot, “where tie dye and neckties unite,” has got something for everybody. From contemporary spins on classic dishes to an expansive menu accommodating all kinds of dietary restrictions, you’re bound to find something to bond over here.
Chaiyo’s
While it’s not on the Strip, Chaiyo’s is only a few steps away from campus and is a favorite of all students. Sip a Thai tea and share a plate of sushi with your date, or spice up your night by ordering a dish with ten stars — just as hot as your date.
Cookout
Starting to feel that mid-semester exhaustion? Don’t let a lack of energy stop you from getting to know somebody. A shared milkshake in the Cookout parking lot can be just as memorable as an expensive meal in a gourmet restaurant. This is also the favorite of couples who are starting to hit that two-year slump. Reinvigorate your relationship with that cheap-and-greasy kind of good fast food.
Staying in:
Want to enjoy a night in without making a mess of your kitchen? Order in from your choice of delivery service, including GrubHub, BiteSquad and DoorDash. The delivery menus offered by these restaurants are sure to be a hit.
Dead End BBQ
So maybe barbecue isn’t a traditional date food. It’s messy, sometimes greasy and a little on the primal side, and it can be hard to decide whether or not to tell your date about the barbecue sauce on their cheek. But there’s just something about good barbecue that makes a person feel at home — and that’s exactly what you need when you’re with someone you’re just getting to know. Order burnt ends or a pulled pork sandwich from Dead End BBQ and you won’t regret it.
Stefano’s
Sometimes there’s nothing more romantic than splitting a pizza. Can’t agree on toppings? No need to ruin your night bickering. Order a half-and-half pizza that’ll please you both while you binge your favorite Netflix show.
