It’s Date Night Atlanta: 50+ Ideas for Romance and Fun

Atlanta date nights are my jam; Dan and I have been on over 100 of them. In no particular order, here are our favorite unique date nights Atlanta has brought us! These are the date night ideas in Atlanta that will keep you busy all year.

The view is always better from the top

We love a rooftop bar. In Midtown, set your sites on sushi with a view at O-Ku. Want something a little fancier? Head over to the roof at Hotel Clermont. Hell, if you’re up for it, grab a room - we love staying there. 

Hotel room or no, our favorite is to get there early enough to watch the sunset views of the city. Our last visit there was a weekday “date night” and there were not a lot of other people to block the view!

Another option is to head south to Overdrive Lounge at Solís Two Porsche Drive Hotel, overlooking the Porche driving experience. I prefer this for a daytime date, though, so you can see the cars racing while you sample the food and drink.

Read more: Rooftop Bars Atlanta: Must Visit for Cool Drinks and Awesome Views

Catch a flick

The best drive-in in Atlanta is Starlight Drive In in East Atlanta. They show new movies and - my favorite part - they let you bring in your own food. I highly recommend this: Plan a picnic, bring some lawn chairs, and make a real spread of it.

If you want to catch up before dark, you’re not too far from Doll’s Head Trail. It’s a little weird… not too creepy… and will give you plenty to talk about before the show, while you’re noshing on charcuterie. 

Read more: Drive in Movie Theater Atlanta: 5 Outdoor Screens Perfect for Movie-Watching Fun

Dinner-focused date

If you’re trying to impress, then hit up one of Atlanta’s coolest restaurants like Gunshow, with a bold and interactive take on dinner. It’s dim sum style, with regular guest chefs. I have written about this restaurant for a dozen other publications because I like it so much… and every visit is different because of the guest chefs. Plus we love that we can just go in our jeans and t-shirts - no dress up required.

If you do want to dress up in your fanciest attire then reserve a space at The Garden Room. You will blow her socks off. Just don’t forget your camera… it’s a selfie paradise. Plan to spend a pretty penny on drinks, but they are worth it. 

Bar Margot is a romantic location for pre-dinner drinks… and Two Urban Licks gets two-thumbs up for us because it feels romantic even if you want to wear your jeans and flip-flops. Yes, you can dress up… but I felt fine in my weekend-casual attire there, too. (Seems like a theme with us, right?)

Read more: 19+ Cool Restaurants in Atlanta You’re Sure To Love| Date Night Romantic Restaurants Atlanta: 17 Best Spots (+ an At-Home Romance Option)

Dinner without the restaurant

One of my favorite adventures was taking a cooking class with Dan. There are plenty of places all over the metro to do this but I like The Cook’s Warehouse best. 

They have fun classes like making cookies and cakes, or tasting wines… but our favorite is to go all out on a class that teaches cuisine from another country, and pairs dishes with a wine. We always meet so many nice people when we do this, and love learning something new.

Read more: Cooking Classes Atlanta: 13 Delicious and Fun Classes You’ll Love

Hit the pool

I love a dip in the pool any time of year! If it’s winter, I say to staycation at The Whitley is best. Their indoor pool is my favorite in the city because of the amazing windows. Plus, it doesn’t overwhelm you with a chlorine smell while you are swimming.

If you can’t do an overnight (or the weather is just warm enough to enjoy the outdoors) then you’ll want to take a dip at Omni Hotel at The Battery Atlanta. A day pass here allows you access to the pool, with restaurant availability and a live DJ from noon - 4:00pm on select weekends.

Read more: Dive Into These 9 Amazing Atlanta Hotels With Indoor Pools

Action packed bar fun

If you’re interested in something active and fun… we’ve got a few ideas. Fowling Warehouse Atlanta hosts a new sport (new to me, anyway) that is a mashup between bowling and football.

The Painted Pin has been around for a while, but their sister space is equally as cool: The Painted Duck let’s you practice your duckpin bowling skills while noshing on delicious eats. Seriously, this place has really great food, which was a (pleasant) surprise.

Another place I love for date night is Puttshack. Owned by the same people as Topgolf… but it’s indoor mini golf, instead. This one goes fast, if you ask me… I recommend playing a round with a cocktail, then taking a short walk (about 1/3 mile) or Uber to Miller Union for dinner. 

While TopGolf allows you to "golf" outside, it's in a covered area that is opened in the rain (but keeps you dry). You don't have to be a golf-lover to enjoy this place...and the food is delicious. There are options in Midtown or Alpharetta. If you're at the Alpharetta location, I recommend including a stop at Jekyll Brewing when you're done.

Sister Louisa's Church isn't a worship session (or a great dinner selection). Church is all about the atmosphere. Religious-based folk art adorns the walls, and walks the fine line between adoration and blasphemy. Don't bring your mom here, that's for sure. But for a PBR or Sangria, it's a fun place to chill. Sometimes after we have a sangria, we head kitty-corner, across the street to Old Fourth Distillery for a tasting (and they have tours!)

Read more: 17 Game Bars and Arcades in Atlanta (Where You Can Do More Than Just Drink)

Is it your birthday?

If it’s your birthday, you need something special. I say head to North Georgia to the Chateau Elan wine bungalows. You get a “Bungalow Basket” with gourmet snacks and a bottle of wine (choice of Chateau Elan Reserve Collection Wine or Chateau Elan Muscadine Wine). And heck, make your friends book a session at the spa, too.

Read more: 17+ Spectacular Things To Do in Atlanta for Birthday Fun

Beer over wine?

Some days I prefer a beer crawl over a wine tasting. If that speaks to you, then plan a date at one of Atlanta’s cool beer gardens.

My faves include the back garden at Bold Monk, because I love their German selections (and darn good German food.) Westside Motor Lounge includes 3-acres of beer-heaven for people who like live music, shuffleboard, firepits and such. 

Finally, and oldy but a goody, Brick Store Pub in Decatur is home to the largest beer cellar in the US, with 31 rotating selections on tap.

Read more: 17+ Best Georgia Beer Gardens You’ve Got To Check Out

Three ways to staycation

While we can’t do it every time, our favorite date nights are those where our adult kids babysit our younger kids for the entire weekend so we can really have a special time away.

We’ve mentioned a few boutique hotels already, but let me put another one on your radar: Stonehurst Place in Midtown. It’s sometimes called a boutique…but it’s more like a bed and breakfast. Dan and I have stayed here repeatedly, and love it more every time.

The hosts are so kind, without being overbearing. The breakfasts will cure any hangover, and the rooms are divine. We always pick the Hinman Suite, which is the “second” best one. The Master Suite is best but seems too big for my taste. BOTH had fantastic soaking tubs, heated towel racks, and king-sized beds.

Oh! I almost forgot… the sheets! They are the most luxurious, comfortable, decadent sheets you’ve ever seen. AND you can order a set of your own when you visit. It’s absolutely our “most romantic” pick for Atlanta.

If you’re looking for a different sort of unique escape, then get a suite at The Burgess. It’s one of the best hotels in the city, but it’s really the suites that set it apart. They are all themed differently depending on where you want to “go”: China, London, Fiji and more.

Read more: 25 Dreamy Resorts in Georgia Perfect for Pampering

Quiet time outside together

Some date nights call for wild excitement like concerts or whitewater rafting adventures… but others demand something more quiet and low key. 

Head north to Lake Blue Ridge (or any of the other Georgia lakes) and rent paddleboards for some peaceful time on the water. Dan and I like to visit Black Sheep Restaurant after being on the water; the outdoor seating and live music are fantastic.

We also enjoy hiking Sweetwater Creek State Park to the ruins and taking in the natural beauty. Hunger Games was filmed here, which is fun. We made it a “hiking” adventure when we took the kids, but another time Dan and I hiked it alone as one of several stops along our own self-guided tour of Atlanta’s film locations.

Another quiet escape we enjoyed was kayaking the lower section of the Oconee River in Milledgeville. It’s peaceful, and there are several sandbars where you can get out and cool off or have a snack together. If you want to spend the day there, add the trolley tour of Central State Hospital (click thru to read about our tour – it’s not what you think!)

Read more: Kayaking in Georgia: 23+ Unbeatable Spots for Paddlers To Launch | 31 Day Trips From Atlanta That Should Be Top of Your Bucket List

A little more adventure

You can hit up a museum like everyone else… but one of the adult-only events is the best way to make it unique and exciting! We love Fernbank After Dark the most (though Sips Under the Seas at the Georgia Aquarium is a close second!)

You can also take in an Immersive Experience - the ones here in Atlanta are always changing but they are always fun. Or try your hand at an escape room. 

I’ll tell you something we really enjoyed was the VR room at Revery: VR Bar. We had our own booth and VR game section, along with cool neon lights and sweet cocktails.

If you prefer something a little less competitive… maybe some sunshine to go with it… then head to the Roof at Skyline Park at Ponce City Market. You can take in some old-fashioned games like putt putt or the slide (and in winter there is ice skating). 

9 Mile Station is your dining destination, with a rooftop scene that makes it one of the best dinner dates with a view but only if you can get a table outdoors. While we enjoy it there, our favorite PCM restaurant is Bellina Alimentari. The Ragu is my fave, and the cocktails are clever. And if you want a creative date idea, they have pasta-making classes, too!

At PCM you can also dabble in the arts at The Splatter Studio. Dan and I had a blast here, and we still have our painting masterpieces hanging in our offices at home. 

Read more: 9+ Outstanding Immersive Experiences in Atlanta |  17 Useful Tips To Enjoy Skyline Park at Ponce City Market (Video)

Take in Atlanta like a tourist

If you’re looking for a really fun date, plus a unique way to see the city we love then you’ll want to take one of Atlanta’s famous helicopter rides. You’ll see Buckhead, The Battery, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and so much more!

Visit the High Museum of Art. We enjoy touring the galleries, but we especially love Jazz Night. You can also take in an event at Atlanta Botanical Garden. Try Cocktails in the Garden or one of the Chef’s demos. Regardless, be sure to include enough time to explore Piedmont Park, too.

The Stone Mountain Laser Show is all new in 2023, with lasers and drones. You’ll have to pay for parking, but the show is free and you can bring your own picnic. 

Read more: 17 Useful Tips To Enjoy Skyline Park at Ponce City Market (Video)

Free or cheap date night ideas

One of the truly free date ideas we enjoyed was biking the Atlanta Beltline, enjoying a picnic, and taking photos of the murals.

Bring a picnic spread (including wine!) while you listen at Matildas Under the Pines in Alpharetta. You might also want to bring your own lawn chairs, though there is seating for those who get there early. Dogs on a leash are also welcome. 

Here’s a tip if you’re in a bind. The last time Dan and I were slated to head out on date night, our sitter fell thru. We just added a few extra sandwiches and 2 more chairs, and brought the kids with us to Matilda’s. 

It’s family-friendly and the kids seem to run off and play ball or chase each other, so the grown ups can enjoy a little downtime while still keeping an eye on the kids.

Krog Street Market has been called one of the "world's best food halls". It's easily accessible by foot, bike, or automobile and is located in the heart of Inman Park along the Atlanta Beltline. You’ll find Georgia and locally-grown produce, prepared foods, and gourmet treats. The best thing is that you can pick and choose from multiple vendors, and determine the right budget for your indulgence.

Dr. Bombay's Tea House is a wonderful place, especially on a cold or rainy day.  Share a pot of tea and sit together in a warm ambiance. There are also a few snacks, all lovely.  It's a perfect place to unwind and reconnect.

Visit on the second Friday of each month, touring the art galleries during the Castleberry Art Stroll. You won't regret it!

Find the right farmers market and you'll see demonstrations, get food samples and more! Dip into the grocery fund a little and you could go home with a wealth of veggies for a great date night dinner.

Read more: 21+ Awesome Atlanta Farmers Market Experiences in and Around the Metro | Free Things to Do in Atlanta

Winter date ideas

Find a great rink near you and ice- skate your heart out. Then warm up with a Hot Toddy! We love Park Tavern for a casual date or Skate the Sky at Skyline Park (with an igloo rental!) for a more upscale option.

Wrecking Bar Brewpub is the coziest of winter date night options for dinner (or even just drinks). But if you are doing an "overnighter" together, then hitting them up for brunch is a MUST. The Bloody Mary is the best in the city - I adore the stout pour-over. It will warm you from the inside!

Try a Holiday Pop Up like Miracle Bar around the city or McCallister's Christmas in Buford. We've got a full list for you here.

Late night date ideas

SkyView is not just for tourists; it's ultra romantic too...especially late night. It stays open until midnight (bonus, shorter lines)! Then grab a room at Embassy Suites, with awesome views of the Ferris wheel.

Octopus Bar is open until 2:30 am in a cozy, dark setting with great drinks. There is everything from PBR to Champagne. The mixed drinks are also impressive. Try the Asian-inspired dishes like rabbit and shrimp wonton in noodle soup or the delicious Hamachi kama and yellowtail.

For great blues music in a cozy atmosphere try Blind Willies. And oh that music! You MUST add this to your bucket list!

Clermont Lounge is Atlanta's oldest strip club.  Although the basement space began life as an upscale supper club, it was reborn in 1965 and has become an Atlanta landmark.

Date nights at home

• Indoor Picnic. When the kids go to bed, move the coffee table and plan a spread right in front of the fire. Crackers, cheese, grapes and wine...

• Beer Tastings. Think you know which beer is your favorite? Think again with a blind taste test...using choice Atlanta selections, of course!

• Strategy Game. Does he love you for your mind? Then challenge him to a duel - of wit, that is. Settlers of Catan is our favorite!

• Plan Your Next Vacation. Whether it's Florida or Florence, use this time to plan your vacation. When, where, how...what will you do??

• Cook Together. The way to their heart? In the kitchen! Cook up something new together...maybe just a few desserts!

Read More: 14 Romantic Staycation Ideas for Couples to Reconnect and Love

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO GEORGIA

• YOUR GEORGIA VACATION
• RESTAURANTS: Date Night Restaurants Atlanta: 17 Best Spots (+ an At-Home Romance Option)
• VINO VENUE: Vino Venue: Atlanta’s Best No-Fail Date Night Destination
• IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES: 10 Outstanding Immersive Experiences In Atlanta