How to Find First Date Spots in Austin

You've found an alluring prospect, a potential soul mate or just somebody you'd like to get to know better. The first date has been green-lighted, but you still don't know where to go. Though Austin, Texas is by no means a huge city, it does offer many options for dating destinations, depending on your personal styles and interests.

Instructions

1. Try some Asian fusion at P.F.Chang's at the Arboretum for starters if dinner and a movie seems the way to go. The Arbor Cinema, directly across the street, specializes in foreign, independent and art films. The Gateway Cinema, which is just a few blocks to the southeast, is a multiplex that shows general releases. Then wrap up your evening with a bracing drink of tequila in the bar of the Iron Cactus North.

2. Consider staying in the Sixth and Lamar area and just parking and walking. Start off by browsing at Waterloo, generally regarded as the best music and book stores in town, respectively. Have a sophisticated dinner in a low key setting at Castle Hill Cafe, then stroll back to Sixth for a sweet treat at Amy's Ice Creams.

3. Begin the evening with drinks at Lovejoy's if you and your date are into music. Walk over to Red River for a Mexican dinner at the venerable Jaime's Spanish Village. (Try the queso.) Catch a road show at Stubb's. If you can still find your car, drive over to Stars Seeds Cafe, a 24/7 diner where the music's loud and the portions are large.

4. Test your disc golf skills during the afternoon at Pease Park. Grab some cool drinks at Austin Java on North Lamar, before taking a sundown walk or jog along the shores of Lake Lady Bird. End your healthy date with a vegetarian meal at Mr. Natural on South Lamar.

5. Head to South Austin, which has a unique identity. A typically South Austin date focusing on a small area close to the intersection of South Lamar and Barton Springs Road might start in later afternoon/early evening with a round at Peter Pan Mini-Golf, followed by barbecue at the Green Mesquite. After laughing it up at the Zach Scott Theater grab a late night Chinese snack at Wanfu Too, which is open until 12:30 a.m.

6. Start an enjoyable downtown dating experience with drinks at Cru Wine Bar on Second, followed by dinner at Taverna Austin. Work off those pounds by doing some swing dancing at Speakeasy, then wrap things up with a romantic carriage ride.