Great Date Spots LA
LA can be an overwhelming expanse. Where to go for a great date spot? I know some people balk at the idea of a noisy concert as a first date while their partner might think going to a bookstore to be utterly boring. To section dates into various energies, here are spots for both introverting and extroverting, private local haunts, fun noisy hubs, and places with all the mood.
For the Introverts
The Music Center
For a show that you both connect with, the ambiance of the Music Center is elevated literally. LA core culture scene, the area has drink and food locations for before, mid, and post show. Just make sure you plan time for parking in the garage on-site or streetwise if you’re lucky to find it.
Park Picnic
Due to the amicable weather picnics at parks are a year-round bet for a relaxing and usually sunny time. LA is home to many large parks as well as smaller neighborhood block ends of greenery that include picnic tables. Lacy Park is delightful for a picnic and vino. Griffith is classic. The Arboretum and Huntington are for repose at their coffee shops, high tea, and lounging outdoors.
Roof Yakitori in Little Tokyo
For invigorating city views and pervasive scents of smoky meat on skewers. The ambiance is laidback and also offers plenty of window-shopping and dessert delights in the area post yakitori.
Beach Night Drive
LA’s beaches are destinations in the daytime, but likewise offer an alternative sort of romantic calm in the darkness. Choose a non-touristy spot if you want to avoid college kids’ rampaging. Bring some snacks and a blanket and a playlist of course.
Lunasia Dim Sum
A more laid-back dim sum than many, this is a cute spot with some of the greatest dim sum eats. The bean curd rolls are a must.
Eaton Canyon Hike
Because you’re in LA, hiking is a must. Eaton Canyon is a nice versatile walk or more extended hike with great views. There is a plentitude of different trails to take to enjoy at various times of the day. It’s crowded on the weekends, but all hiking spots on the weekend are.
Duo Massages in Chinatown
Chinese masseuses know what the hell is up. I mean, acupressure and acupuncture exist for a reason. There are a handful of inconspicuous spots that are delightful locations for a foot rub, usually located near excellent tea or snack spots as well.
General Lee’s
A painfully adorable spot in Chinatown with solid drinks and the space to feel elsewhere and exactly there at the same time.
Checker Hall
This site in Highland Park is a very cute ambiance bar, that has live DJ music, and fresh eats. It feels a hint of the 1920s, the drinks are strong and the service is energetic.
For the Extroverts
Rose Bowl Flea Market
Every month the Rose Bowl hosts its flea market that attracts as many people as the town that I grew up in. It’s an exuberant place to shop and wander through, with plenty to chat about and also fun food stalls. Best to get your entrance ticket in advance, and parking is also a maze haze so prepare for that.
Novo Concert
The Novo is the Goldilocks music spot of LA, not too big, not too small, just right. Check the roster of line-ups, whether you’re into dancing it out on the main floor, or are a more drink-in-your-hand upper seats sort of goer. The Novo provides space for superb evenings.
Zebulon
The super quirky kid of Silverlake, some of Zebulon’s dance music is rhapsody. Local live shows are intriguing and you can sit in various dark bar stooled stations and have a drink or two.
Smorgasbord
Sundays are not always for chilling, sometimes you want a charred lobster or a meal eaten out of half a pineapple. Both of these you can do at Smorgasbord. This spot serves dozens of local eateries from food trucks or restaurant pop-ups. Especially if you’re both foodies, the tastes won’t disappoint in flavor or presentation. There is also sweet cute shopping around the area.
Salazar
Salazar is one of LA’s top Mexican fusion restaurants with a key ambiance. This spot was renovated from an old gas station and the drinks and food are very nice.
The Short Stop
For an even zippier dance scene and louder music than Zebulon, the floor here is usually filled. There’s also a billiard room when you’ve gotten your cardio in. If you’re going specifically for dancing check the game schedule ahead of time.
Magnolia
One of the most romantic bars and restaurants, Magnolia feels so cozy because it’s literally in a little house. With plush worn-in leather seats or tables under heat lamps outside, the drinks are appropriate and the small plates will have you chattering for hours and hours.
Arboretum
For beautiful surroundings and space to wander and sit, this is an iconic, peaceful, and lively spot of East LA. Sometimes live music events occur with bars on site in the evening: wonderful.
