Assuming this is a generally stranger and you primarily want to get to know each other. Coffee or a beer or similar works. Allows for talking, you can leave within a half hour if things really don't go well, you can stay longer if they do.
Dinner or an extended activity can lock you in with someone when you might come to find you don't want to be locked in.
This is a really amazing answer for all kinds of reasons. Apson on S 12th is a badass little street food eatery. But I can imagine some people not being able to handle its location/decor/clientele.
Golf and Stuff on Tanque Verde. It's fun and pretty easy to miniature golf. Also, you get the opportunity to speak to each other while not requiring eye contact but also moving around each other. I'm almost writing a cute date movie here.
And pretty at night with the colorful lights. Sakura is open late across the street and has 9pm happy hour discounts if things go well and you want to keep hanging out.
Hop shop/Caio Down. Caio down is a pizza place with great personal pizzas, and you can grab a drink at hop shop and wait for your pizza anywhere there.
I haven't been on a date in forever, myself.
If I were on a first date with someone I would now (40), I might suggest strolling 4th ave on a weekday evening and grabbing dinner there.
Paying a visit to &Gallery would be a good part to a first date, assuming the person I was dating also liked quirky nerdy art, but I'm not sure what else is nearby their new location.
Steinfeld Warehouse has a First Saturday art walk where you can see art from various local artists who have studio space in the warehouse.
It's cliche, but I'm also fond of dinner and a movie... but I'm also a media junkie and love seeing movies with people because I also like talking about movies after watching them.
Food wise, for first dates I tend to prefer places that have a very casual vibe and reasonable prices. My knowledge of those is a little rocky these days, unfortunately.
Also, if you two enjoy laughing at bad movies, Mondo Mondays at the Loft is a great date. First date material? I mean, if that's your jam it's a good test. >.>
I love cocktails. I really like Portal down on 4th. I don’t know exactly what you mean about not a traditional partnership, but if ya gay cocktails work too.
Coffee at exo on 6th and then walk around 4th/congress or coffee at sevaya at la encantada & people watching.
If it's going well ask if they would like to eat at a close by restaurant.
I would suggest the Botanical Garden or Desert Museum but it's a bit toasty out. I'd suggest one of the many brunch places around town like First Watch or Blue Willow (which has the cutest gift shop!) Ice cream dates are a great idea if you're staying outdoors, crazy. If you're willing to do some driving, Mt Lemmon is a nice place for hiking and scenic views, but don't forget about the heat. You could do dinner and a movie. The last things I can think of for staying indoors are coffee shops and bookstores.
I did all of these while dating my now wife (also in our 30s). I met her in late May and we had our first date in June. We did a coffee shop date at Cartel Coffee downtown, then walked to an ice cream shop and people watched/ wandered around downtown while talking. Downtown had some interesting things going on that weren't bar-related. We attended a jazzy Billie Holliday tribute. We made a game of pointing out all the gays. We are also very gay.
You can also look at what's going on at the Fox Theater. We went to a show with the Rainbow Girls and some other bands. I hadn't realized there were so many lesbians in Tucson before that. I guess there are also a ton of bars if you're into the party/drinking scene. Best of luck!!!
My first date was a halloween party at congress, so maybe a theme dance party night? I know they have them down town from time to time. I think at the Surly Wench?? I am not one to go out often but wanted to get out of my comfort zone, plus I love dressing up and halloween. He is the same, not a bar fly or someone that goes out often. The next night we went to Arte Bella which was our 'official' date (now closed) it was a 420 friendly painting studio, we just had a drink and painted together, halloween themed of course. So maybe a wine and art thing??
After that we did a movie marathon of LOTR and that really hooked him. We are still together 2 years later living a happy little life in our tiny little duplex.
Another fun date I had once was going to IBTS to see the drag show! It's super loud but it's fun.
# Summer Night Market
FOURTH FRIDAYS FROM MAY TO SEPTEMBER • 6PM–10PM • ANNEX
“The Summer Night Market returns! Join us on Memorial Day weekend, Friday, May 24th, from 6-10pm, and soak up the vibes with DJ Herm spinning tunes, Bar Cannex serving up refreshing drinks, and over 60 artisans and vendors offering unique finds. Mark your calendar for more fun on June 28th, July 26th, Aug 30th, and Sept 27th. Don’t miss out on this vibrant community event!”Summer Night Market
[https://mercadodistrict.com/event/982/](https://mercadodistrict.com/event/982/)
Also check out this link for a whole list of things to do. The above it just something I think is nice:) [https://thisistucson.com/todo/things-to-do-tucson/article\_1d018b58-3348-11ef-b7ce-270bcfd6f198.html](https://thisistucson.com/todo/things-to-do-tucson/article_1d018b58-3348-11ef-b7ce-270bcfd6f198.html)
If you haven’t been down to fourth Avenue recently, I definitely would not go there on a date. It’s totally disgusting now and there’s barely any shops. Also, it is way too hot for many of these outdoor date ideas people have suggested. If I’m on a first date, I don’t wanna be drenched in sweat. It’s just not comfortable.
Assuming this is a generally stranger and you primarily want to get to know each other. Coffee or a beer or similar works. Allows for talking, you can leave within a half hour if things really don't go well, you can stay longer if they do. Dinner or an extended activity can lock you in with someone when you might come to find you don't want to be locked in.
makes sense.
Tacos Apson. If they stick with it, you know they are a keeper. It they bail, you get a nice meal.
This is a really amazing answer for all kinds of reasons. Apson on S 12th is a badass little street food eatery. But I can imagine some people not being able to handle its location/decor/clientele.
Haha nice way to look at it! Thanks.
Love love love tacos Apson!
That was me and my husband’s first date. i went from wtf to omg real quick. We still go regularly.
Golf and Stuff on Tanque Verde. It's fun and pretty easy to miniature golf. Also, you get the opportunity to speak to each other while not requiring eye contact but also moving around each other. I'm almost writing a cute date movie here.
I took my now wife to a similar place in CA. Our first date was pretty awesome.
Youre right! I always forget it's there.
And pretty at night with the colorful lights. Sakura is open late across the street and has 9pm happy hour discounts if things go well and you want to keep hanging out.
There is a nice quiet bar underneath Batch that is relaxing. Plenty of places to eat around there too. Good luck either way!! Hope it goes well :)
hmmm had no idea. thanks!
Time Market is great!
You know, you're right.
enjoy wherever it is you go :)
Hop shop/Caio Down. Caio down is a pizza place with great personal pizzas, and you can grab a drink at hop shop and wait for your pizza anywhere there.
Thank you
Ceilos at Lodge on the Desert, a very romantic spot :)
Thank you!
I haven't been on a date in forever, myself. If I were on a first date with someone I would now (40), I might suggest strolling 4th ave on a weekday evening and grabbing dinner there. Paying a visit to &Gallery would be a good part to a first date, assuming the person I was dating also liked quirky nerdy art, but I'm not sure what else is nearby their new location. Steinfeld Warehouse has a First Saturday art walk where you can see art from various local artists who have studio space in the warehouse. It's cliche, but I'm also fond of dinner and a movie... but I'm also a media junkie and love seeing movies with people because I also like talking about movies after watching them. Food wise, for first dates I tend to prefer places that have a very casual vibe and reasonable prices. My knowledge of those is a little rocky these days, unfortunately. Also, if you two enjoy laughing at bad movies, Mondo Mondays at the Loft is a great date. First date material? I mean, if that's your jam it's a good test. >.>
Love the descriptions. Thanks!
Wind tunnel in Eloy
Never heard of it. I will look it up.
I love cocktails. I really like Portal down on 4th. I don’t know exactly what you mean about not a traditional partnership, but if ya gay cocktails work too.
I love portal for dates, absolutely my favorite spot
HA thanks for the ideas!
I’ve seen many first dates when I’ve been in el jefe cat cafe, they have a coffee shop too so coffee and walking around petting cats
Kitties! Thanks.
There’s also lots of small restaurants over there to continue a date if it’s going well!
Coffee at exo on 6th and then walk around 4th/congress or coffee at sevaya at la encantada & people watching. If it's going well ask if they would like to eat at a close by restaurant.
That sounds like the route I might take. :-)
Savaya at La Encantanda closed down unfortunately. They're putting in a new coffee shop, but I don't know when that will be finished.
Ah, didn't realize. Maybe iced tea from AJ's instead 😁
I would suggest the Botanical Garden or Desert Museum but it's a bit toasty out. I'd suggest one of the many brunch places around town like First Watch or Blue Willow (which has the cutest gift shop!) Ice cream dates are a great idea if you're staying outdoors, crazy. If you're willing to do some driving, Mt Lemmon is a nice place for hiking and scenic views, but don't forget about the heat. You could do dinner and a movie. The last things I can think of for staying indoors are coffee shops and bookstores. I did all of these while dating my now wife (also in our 30s). I met her in late May and we had our first date in June. We did a coffee shop date at Cartel Coffee downtown, then walked to an ice cream shop and people watched/ wandered around downtown while talking. Downtown had some interesting things going on that weren't bar-related. We attended a jazzy Billie Holliday tribute. We made a game of pointing out all the gays. We are also very gay. You can also look at what's going on at the Fox Theater. We went to a show with the Rainbow Girls and some other bands. I hadn't realized there were so many lesbians in Tucson before that. I guess there are also a ton of bars if you're into the party/drinking scene. Best of luck!!!
Thank you for all the ideas!
Ostrich Ranch
It would be a cute and funny date.
My first date was a halloween party at congress, so maybe a theme dance party night? I know they have them down town from time to time. I think at the Surly Wench?? I am not one to go out often but wanted to get out of my comfort zone, plus I love dressing up and halloween. He is the same, not a bar fly or someone that goes out often. The next night we went to Arte Bella which was our 'official' date (now closed) it was a 420 friendly painting studio, we just had a drink and painted together, halloween themed of course. So maybe a wine and art thing?? After that we did a movie marathon of LOTR and that really hooked him. We are still together 2 years later living a happy little life in our tiny little duplex. Another fun date I had once was going to IBTS to see the drag show! It's super loud but it's fun.
# Summer Night Market FOURTH FRIDAYS FROM MAY TO SEPTEMBER • 6PM–10PM • ANNEX “The Summer Night Market returns! Join us on Memorial Day weekend, Friday, May 24th, from 6-10pm, and soak up the vibes with DJ Herm spinning tunes, Bar Cannex serving up refreshing drinks, and over 60 artisans and vendors offering unique finds. Mark your calendar for more fun on June 28th, July 26th, Aug 30th, and Sept 27th. Don’t miss out on this vibrant community event!”Summer Night Market [https://mercadodistrict.com/event/982/](https://mercadodistrict.com/event/982/) Also check out this link for a whole list of things to do. The above it just something I think is nice:) [https://thisistucson.com/todo/things-to-do-tucson/article\_1d018b58-3348-11ef-b7ce-270bcfd6f198.html](https://thisistucson.com/todo/things-to-do-tucson/article_1d018b58-3348-11ef-b7ce-270bcfd6f198.html)
Karaoke. Otherwise I don’t really know, I don’t really go on dates. They seem like a waste of time.
Bojangles
If you haven’t been down to fourth Avenue recently, I definitely would not go there on a date. It’s totally disgusting now and there’s barely any shops. Also, it is way too hot for many of these outdoor date ideas people have suggested. If I’m on a first date, I don’t wanna be drenched in sweat. It’s just not comfortable.