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What are some bars or restaurants in Charlotte that are ideal for a "first date" between two young professionals? I'd prefer a place that is cozy, not too loud (because the point is to get to know each other), perhaps with a lounge area where we can sit and chat. A place that serves margaritas would be nice as well.
The reason I'm asking is because it's hard for me to zero in on the perfect place. The places as you get away from the city are often family-oriented restaurants that will feature screaming kids and waiters with "pieces of flair" hanging from their uniforms. None of that screams romantic. But a lot of the Uptown bars can be a little uptight, and some are going to be filled with screaming 21 year olds, which is only slightly better than the screaming children in the suburbs. LOL.
What are some bars or restaurants in Charlotte that are ideal for a "first date" between two young professionals? I'd prefer a place that is cozy, not too loud (because the point is to get to know each other), perhaps with a lounge area where we can sit and chat. A place that serves margaritas would be nice as well.
The reason I'm asking is because it's hard for me to zero in on the perfect place. The places as you get away from the city are often family-oriented restaurants that will feature screaming kids and waiters with "pieces of flair" hanging from their uniforms. None of that screams romantic. But a lot of the Uptown bars can be a little uptight, and some are going to be filled with screaming 21 year olds, which is only slightly better than the screaming children in the suburbs. LOL.
Any advice?
Here are a few places that may work...not sure if you wanted any ethnic choices
Dressler's - Midtown location
Terrace Cafe - Southpark or Ballantyne location
Red Rocks - Providence & Fairview
131 Main - Ballantyne
They are a hookah lounge but the ventilation is good and I think it adds to the cool factor.
They don't serve dinner but it's a great place to get a martini and dessert. They have half off martini specials on Wed. I believe but they also had speed dating which is entertaining to watch.
I would double check to see what the specials are for the night, each night has something different.
For a first date, I'd go Ballantyne Village, all the way. But that's just me. To me, a BV date night almost feels "spa-like" because you park your car once and just enjoy and relax for the whole evening.
- First, maybe start with a glass of wine at D'Vine Wine Cafe on the second level of BV.
- If you're interested in catching a movie, then move on to Ballantyne Village Theater for a flick. There are some pretty good independent movies there, and you're not (usually) subjected to screaming children or inconsiderate patrons.
- Then for dinner you could do The Blue Taj down on the first level or Villa Antonio if you'd rather Italian. The Mellow Mushroom is opening up soon in the old "Table" space, if you want something more casual. MM might do a margarita, but honestly I don't know. I'm such a beer/wine woman that I just don't know.
- Then for dessert/drinks/whatever you could either go back to D'Vine wine, or for sweets and caffeine head to Rush Espresso or if your date is an ice cream fiend (my husband is) you could go to Kilwins to top off the night.
That's kind of my ideal date night... So I hope it works for someone else.
For a first date, I'd go Ballantyne Village, all the way. But that's just me. To me, a BV date night almost feels "spa-like" because you park your car once and just enjoy and relax for the whole evening.
- First, maybe start with a glass of wine at D'Vine Wine Cafe on the second level of BV.
- If you're interested in catching a movie, then move on to Ballantyne Village Theater for a flick. There are some pretty good independent movies there, and you're not (usually) subjected to screaming children or inconsiderate patrons.
- Then for dinner you could do The Blue Taj down on the first level or Villa Antonio if you'd rather Italian. The Mellow Mushroom is opening up soon in the old "Table" space, if you want something more casual. MM might do a margarita, but honestly I don't know. I'm such a beer/wine woman that I just don't know.
- Then for dessert/drinks/whatever you could either go back to D'Vine wine, or for sweets and caffeine head to Rush Espresso or if your date is an ice cream fiend (my husband is) you could go to Kilwins to top off the night.
That's kind of my ideal date night... So I hope it works for someone else.
That would make for a very eventful first date! I love BV and once Mellow Mushroom opens up we will get there more often. Yum.
Check out Vapiano downtown... good prices , atmosphere, bar, and food....
I prefer to not do dates at higher end restaurants because that isn't me.... I would rather spend my $$ on activities or fun hobbies than a $60.00 steak.
BV could also be Birkdale Village in Huntersville. Good restaurants(Dressler's, Red Rocks, EZ Fusion), multiplex theater, several ice cream shops (including Kilwin's), and shopping. All walkable. Park the car and forget it until departure.
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So I hope it works for someone else.
