A Guide to Dating in Austin
Austin is a vibrant, eccentric city filled with a large variety of young adults in the dating pool. Navigating such a large combination of people to choose from can be difficult, but we made it as simple as A-B-C with this guide to dating in Austin.
Figure out what you want.
Are you looking for something casual? Something long term? Something to get your parents off of your back? Something that’s for true love? What kind of person are you interested in? What qualities and values do you hold highly important in your life? Write down some of the things you’re looking for when it comes to dating.
Get on a dating app… or don’t.
Find out what works for you in terms of finding people. Some people prefer blind dating or finding people through apps, like Bumble, Hinge, or Tinder. Each app has its own vibe of people so finding the app that is most appropriate for what you’re looking for is important. If you’re not one of the apps, find people through mutual friends or hitting up a local bar. There are so many natural ways to find interesting people in a lively city like Austin. Check out Austin City Limits Festival or South by Southwest, to name a few. Pro-tip: bring your dog to a dog park; they make great sidekicks.
Find a quality place to go on a first date.
After you find a person who fits what you’re looking for, dive deeper into the other person’s personality. You can do this by choosing a first date location that will inspire some vulnerable conversations. Rather than grabbing drinks, consider going on a walk and getting ice cream with them, or hitting up Lady Bird Lake to go paddleboarding. The best way to get to know someone is to do something with them that will spark a conversation. Finding the right place is everything. Check out this article we wrote on the best places to go on a date in Austin.
Try, try, try again.
So, you go on one, two, and even three dates, just to find out the third one isn’t actually the charm. Dating in Austin is difficult, and giving up after a few dates isn’t going to be a great experience. Finding “the one” takes time and you might have to go through several dates to figure out what suits you best. Have fun on your dates, and make plans that you are actively invested in. That way, even if you don’t end up falling in love, you will have had an enriching experience.
Already have a date and want to try something new? Check out the Couplr app that brings together couples!
16 Austin Best Date Ideas to Inspire Your Date Night
Hello Austin! We are finally launched in Texas. We are excited to bring you our Austin date ideas that will help you and your partner with the next date night! Find some double date friends via our app to check out some of these places.
Morning, Breakfast & Brunch: 8 AM - 12 PM
The Peached Tortilla
Choosing a good brunch spot in Austin can often leave you conflicted since there are just so many incredible options, but The Peached Tortilla is, hands down, one of the best. The casual trendy retro Asian fusion restaurant serves up a unique, small brunch menu that you will no doubt love. The menu also sports a wide variety of drink options, including beer, cocktails, wines, and non alcoholic beverages.
Go for a run (or a swim) at Barton Creek Greenbelt
One of the most beautiful places in Austin is Barton Creek. With trails to run, hike, and bike, and a beautiful lake to swim in, Barton Creek is a premier destination in the city. Wake up early and enjoy a sunrise swim in this gorgeous downtown park.
Voodoo Doughnut
Voodoo Doughnut is an Austin favorite spot, with unique donuts sporting cute funky designs. Voodoo really lives up to Austin’s tagline, ‘Keep Austin Weird’. They also offer vegan donuts, so be sure to check those out. Enjoy a creative doughnut and a coffee for breakfast with your partner at Voodoo!
Kerbey Lane Cafe
Any Austin native will tell you to go to Kerbey Lane Cafe for brunch, and we agree with that statement. The casual diner is known for its local comfort food, and though busy at times, Kerbey Lane will always leave you satisfied. The people-focused diner has a large menu with a huge selection of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.
Brunch with your New Friends, Find them on our App
Afternoon, Lunch: 12 PM- 4 PM
P. Terry’s Burger Stand
If you’re craving some of Austin’s best burgers and fries, P. Terry’s is the date spot for you. The classic burger stand grew quickly across Austin, best known now for its stunning burger and fries combos and delicious milkshakes. This is a great spot to enjoy a casual fast lunch while exploring the city.
Nasha
Looking to add some spice to your palette? Nasha is a restaurant serving delicious Indian cuisine. The on-site dining spot has a funky, creative look, with vibrant colors painted everywhere. They offer all of the classic Indian dishes, and a fairly inexpensive lunch thali. And, of course, don’t forget to try their Tex Mex-Indo Fusion dishes. Fun fact- Nasha means “to crave” in Hindi, so you will surely crave their food after eating here!
Cava
Cava is a chef-casual restaurant chain with a couple locations in Austin. Though it’s a chain restaurant, Cava has some of the most delicious Mediterranean food in Austin that you and your partner must try. Cava is essentially like a Mediterranean Chipotle- you can build your own bowls or use pita bread as the base, and add fresh ingredients on top. This is a not-to-miss spot in Austin.
Explore the Domain
If you’re looking to get a little bit of shopping done, grab a bite to eat, watch a movie, take some nice pictures, and have a lot of fun, you’ve got to check out the Domain. This is one of the best outdoor shopping malls in the Austin area, with great eating options, new modern shops, and the cutest little decorations to take pictures. If you come in the winter, make sure to check out the Christmas tree lights!
Evening, Dinner: 4 PM - 8 PM
Taquero Mucho
Taquero Mucho is the perfect spot to grab some cute pictures, and eat some delicious tacos. Though they offer some American options, most of Taquero Mucho’s food is Mexican. The spot is beautifully decorated in all pink decor, and the establishment strongly supports women empowerment, as it is owned by a Latina female.
Launderette
The Launderette is a delicious, more upscale downtown dinner spot. The restaurant offers private events to be held, as well as buyouts of the whole restaurant. The gourmet restaurant serves up New American dishes in a retro laundromat-style atmosphere.
Chuy's
Chuy’s is a must-try to experience the beauty and delicious flavors of Tex Mex food. Since 1982, the brand has been serving up high quality food and drinks. Their ‘Chuychanga’ is to die for, definitely recommend. The casual spot makes for a nice dinner date out.
Celebrate Taco Tuesday with Your New Friends by Using our App
Truluck’s
If you’re looking for something on the more fancy end, and enjoy seafood, check out Truluck’s. Though it has locations across the US, Austin has one of the finest restaurants with high quality seafood and crab, and great servers.
After Hours, Drinks & Small Bites: 8 PM - 12 AM
Austin's Park
Go Karting, arcade games, bowling, laser tag, mini golf, even roller coasters- the list goes on with how much you and your partner can do at Austin’s Park. The amusement center is the ultimate spot to play as many games as you possibly can and eat as much as you possibly can at their pizza buffet. It’s a perfect place to hit for a fun night out in Austin.
Mohawk Austin
Austin is best known for its food and music scene- and Mohawk gets the music part just right. Check out Mohawk for a diverse array of performances on its indoor and outdoor stages. Concerts are a romantic, intimate way to end any date night.
Playland Skate Center
One of the best skating centers in Austin, and the most well known by residents, is Playland Skate Center. Spend your Saturday night at 18+ adult skate, play some fun arcade games, and eat some high quality arcade-style pizza. Even if you don’t know how to skate, this is a fun place to hang out with your partner and laugh at each other when you both fall.
6th Street
If you and your partner enjoy the bar scene more, 6th Street is the place to be late at night in Austin. 6th Street features a whole host of bars and clubs, mostly 21+, but it’s the perfect place to grab a drink or do a bar crawl with your date. In addition to bars, you can also find art galleries and live performances at this entertainment center of Austin.
Want to find more people to visit these incredible date spots with? Couplr is an app to meet couple friends launching near you to help you find your next double date!