The 10 best date night restaurants in Charlotte, from casual to classy
Whether you’re prepping for a special occasion or just gearing up for a romantic night on your calendar, it helps to have a go-to list of places to try around town. Looking for something casual? A little fancier? Appropriate for a first date? Celebratory of a long relationship? We’ve got you covered.
The our staff got together to come up with this list of our 10 best restaurants for date night:
Best restaurant for an anniversary
1601 E. 7th St., Charlotte. charlottefigtree.com. 704-332-3322.
There’s a fire in cold months, and porch dining in warmer months, plus it’s got one of the city’s best wine lists and awesome food.
Best restaurant for the vegetarian’s soul
1419 East Blvd., Suite A., Charlotte. http://www.fernflavors.com/. 704-377-1825.
The new location in Dilworth features an intimate dining room with live ferns and tables made from barn wood. Organic libations are an option, not to mention plenty of starters fit for two forks.
Best restaurant for a special occasion
4538 South Blvd., Charlotte. beefandbottle.net. 704-523-9977.
The old-school steakhouse is a classic. Go wine shopping beforehand and bring your own bottle.
Best restaurant for a casual date
1301 East Blvd., Charlotte. http://www.bakersfieldtacos.com/. 980-938-8565.
Sip on a sweet margarita while you crunch on the salty chips. The atmosphere is a nice blend of mood lighting and laid-back bar style. Guac is a must.
Best restaurant for a takeout date
324 East Blvd., Charlotte, 704-332-0001; 2025 E. Arbors Drive #230, Charlotte, 704-688-9179; 131 Matthews Station St., Matthews, 704-841-4455. www.thaitastecharlotte.com.
Something spicy for snuggling up on the couch. Every dish from the curry to the pad Thai is steamy, authentic and spiced to perfection. Pop a bottle of wine at home and split the summer rolls.
Best restaurant for a first date
3116 N. Davidson St., Charlotte. crepecellar.com. 704-910-6543.
It’s loud, it’s bustling, it’s fun. Ideal for grabbing a drink and hanging at the bar (or at Growlers Pourhouse next door) before your table is ready.
Best spot for dinner and a movie
9630 Monroe Road., Charlotte. www.cinemark.com/north-carolina/cinemark-movie-bistro-charlotte. 704-847-2031
Really, this is for dinner and a movie on steroids. And we’re not talking popcorn and soda — more like flatbreads and local brews like Birdsong Higher Ground. Then take your food to a comfy recliner in the theater – or maybe one of the love seats if you’re trying to get your cuddle on.
Best restaurant to add a little romance
20517 N Main St., Cornelius. http://www.forkdining.com/about-us. 704-655-7465.
This is a cozy space in a house in Cornelius with a farm-to-fork menu that changes daily, and a cocktail program that will make you want to Uber to the lake.
Best restaurant for the adventurers
1500-B Central Ave., Charlotte. http://www.soulgastrolounge.com/#mast-menu. (704) 348-1848.
What’s more adventurous than planning a date at a spot that doesn’t take reservations? While you wait for a table, peruse gallery 22 (on the floor below) with a beverage, and then order sashimi everything.
Best restaurant for a date with your dogs
Rivers Edge Bar & Grill at the US National Whitewater Center.
5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy., Charlotte. usnwc.org. 704-391-3900.
Dogs are welcome on the patio, then you can walk them around the center after. The view is everything.
This story was originally published September 2, 2017 at 8:28 AM with the headline "The 10 best date night restaurants in Charlotte, from casual to classy."