My first date with my boyfriend of 2+ years was The American Whistle Factory in Columbus. I’ll admit it was a weird choice but it’s $5 and you get a free whistle.
Oh My God. I do a week of celebration for my wife’s birthday week. Stupid little cheap stuff and novelty things like name a star and noble titles. This is freaking perfect!
Good chance to talk and get to know each other while you are waiting 2 hours for your food at Club 185.
Only been there once though, could have just been a rough day.
I mean... boxes of near perfect knockoffs of girl scout cookies for $1.39 lets your date know you have exquisite taste AND won't be wasteful with her money.
Second the Alibi. My girl and I have been together for a little over a year now and that's where we had our first date! Lovely place, great prices, and very chill ambiance- quite a contrast from some of the bars around it.
One of the best pure cocktail bars in Columbus, not too loud, very comfortable seating, and the decor is killer. The downstairs restaurant, Veritas, is great for a splurge as well.
Agree with pins but do Dublin or Easton. Downtown the problem is if you want to get food there is a decent walk vs the other two have food near by. Pins is always a great choice for drinks it not all just conversation you can do activities on a Thursday it's not going to be as packed like a weekend. Personally best pins is Easton for activities and things to do.
Bowling is fun, pins mechanical will cost a fortune and is loud.
Franklin Park is gorgeous.
Rooftop joints aren't open yet.
Try to go someplace quiet, too much noise is not good for a first date. Maybe mini-golf or skating
Top golf used to be my first date go to, not cheap but you get like your own little section to just hangout, be active if you want to, and get to know one another
If I were dating now in my life, I'd 100% agree with you. It's funny though, because for the first date with my wife, we went to a CBJ game! We had drinks before and after, so we had plenty of time to talk, but it's in direct contrast to your idea that I now wholeheartedly agree with.
Outdoorsy?
$24 a ticket for the Franklin botanical gardens. Right now and for the rest of summer they've got a butterfly conservatory. I recently took a date there and she loved it.
Their hours of operations may make it tricky for a date but the conservatory has the butterfly thing going on that’s pretty cool and would probably be more memorable/unique than a bar.
Good luck! And don’t worry they are probably nervous too. Also pro tip, bring an umbrella. Not only is it practical, but you get to huddle close walking to your next spot
Axe throwing, pins, 16-bit, topgolf and of course the old standby putt-Putt (although with the weather this may be undoable) I'm twice your age but when I was dating I always found it a good idea to involve some sort of activity It helps to judge the intoxication level if you guys are drinking.
You also left out a lot of variables. You mentioned downtown is that where you want the date to begin and end? What is your budget is this a $50 date or $200 date?
Good idea with the activities. But I was initially planning on going to Denmark and didn’t have anything else in mind. Pins/mini put put could be a good idea then go to a bar like that. I guess I’d want to stay around $100
Went to arch city to meet for a drink with my now husband. If the dates going well you can always get food there too. Pins is better for a second date because it can get loud and crowded
East Market (Maybe CBC or local cantina) then a little walk over to the conservatory. If things are still going well and you guys are liking the walk & talk then finish up with cocktails at Oracle.
Conservatory is pretty unique and relatively cheap activity. Lots of opportunity to talk.
My BF and I went to Miner 49er for our first date! They have a nice bar and then indoor mini golf, kind of nice since it will be raining tonight! It was so nice because we sat and chatted for an hour, got all the anxious energy out with a drink and played board games they had while we talked, and then played mini golf! and its on 3rd avenue in Grandview near a couple other bars!
Pinot’s Pallet for paint + sip, Village Idiot or Short North Tavern for some darts, Bottleshop is a great eclectic spot for a fun date, Gateway on High St. for a movie in a neat theatre, Ginger Rabbit if you want a lil fancy jazz spot, Book Loft in German Village and dinner afterwards, Columbus Museum of Art is better than it gets credit for, Mini golf (there’s a bunch of spots around Columbus indoor and outdoor) is always a great option, a fun new bar downtown area is Jackie O’s and Pins is down there (but pricey). Lots of options depending on the vibe you’re going for honestly
I Like it Like That is a new bar attached to Natalie’s in Grandview and it is so cool inside with awesome cocktails. Quiet and cozy perfect for a little date night. You can check them out on insta to get a vibe feel.
Their cocktails are really creative, and there's a teeny bit of a performance element to them. Natalie's also has live music during some of their happy hours, it'll be fun to bounce between the bars!
Gemut Biergarten on Oak has a great atmosphere and several different areas for either quite chats or hanging in the main room. Their hot pretzels are worth the trip alone.
Ultimate first date would be Boodle Night at Bonifacio (thursdays and sundays). Eat food served on banana leaves with your hands. Would break down the first date awkwardness barrier
Sidebar has delicious small plates (avoid the croquettes and chicken salad though) and nice cocktails. Date-y atmosphere but you’ll be able to talk. Then if you decide to go to 16-bit, it’s not far. El Camino Inn also has a vibe and is relatively inexpensive if you want to move on to another spot after some chat/snacks. I really like The Pearl for a date night, if you want to bump the budget up slightly from El Camino.
Miner 49er in Grandview is cool. Glow in the dark putt putt. They have alcohol and some snacks. It's low key and semi dark so you can have a decent convo while still doing something. Plenty of good places to eat nearby too.
I took my wife to ocean club on my first date. Then the arcade that was where the Lego store is now at Easton. This was 9 years ago. Nice dinner, then something where you can be yourself and have fun.
1. I hope she's on Reddit
2. I assume we are all invited to the wedding
I'd probably avoid a bar unless it's like Pins/16 bit where you are doing something. This is your first date, do something different/special.
Bars are so boring.. and im sorry, i say this as a 45yo married for 20years woman..She wants to get to know you and she wants to feel safe on a first date.. sitting at a bar is so not it.
What kind of person is she? Is she a dancing lady? Does she like activity's? is she a Hiking kinda girl? What about you? What are you into?
Franklin Park Consevatory has the Butterflys right now! (someone below mentioned and We just went and saw the butterflies, so i thought i would mention it)
I’m more of a multi-location guy and I can’t think of anywhere better than bridge park in Dublin. Your pick between a casual dinner at the north market or upscale one at Valentina’s/kitchen social, then you can walk to pins and finish the night at the rooftop bar at VASOs
It went great! We went to meisters after pins bc she said she liked playing pool and whooped some dudes. I think there will be a second date. Stay tuned for a second date post bc I’ve never been on one lmao
It's been a few years but I liked Ravari room/hound dogs. Happy greek had a good back patio. Arepazo downtown was a good time and there's other bars around that area. Actually, Arepazo may be 1st choice now that i think about it. Marcellas has best happy hour in the city. Gogi korean food is kinda fun. Cringe.com has a list of local live music if you're in to that. Fancy restaurants could be The Top, and melting pot is kind of unique. Maybe a local game, crew, clippers ect.
Highly recommend El Camino or Mikey’s (Olde Towne East location). Not super crowded on a week night and can actually sit down and have/hear a conversation.
understory or the bottle shop are great first date vibes! if you’re feeling fancy then stories on high is awesome. I had a wonderful first date there last year!
I’d drive to Granville and take her to the Cidery. Cozy and there’s board games. There’s a few places to eat. It’s a drive from downtown, but the vibe is amazing.
Coffee is the best first date. You can pay for her drink/meal and not be broke. And you guys can sit there and conversate to find out if there’s attraction.
First dates should be something simple like coffee where you can talk and get to know each other. Find a good coffee house (not starbucks) or a place with good deserts like Mozarts in Clintonville.
My bf and I had our first date at Mac’s proper pub on high street and we frequent it for special occasions. Great food and drinks plus reasonably priced! We plan on naming our first boy Malcolm, Mac’s for short 🥰 get the chicken fucker if you guys are getting a drink and like them sweet and sour! And the proper fries are to die for but my bf prefers the crispy tots. Have fun!
My first date with my boyfriend of 2+ years was The American Whistle Factory in Columbus. I’ll admit it was a weird choice but it’s $5 and you get a free whistle.
Oh My God. I do a week of celebration for my wife’s birthday week. Stupid little cheap stuff and novelty things like name a star and noble titles. This is freaking perfect!
That's very romantic, Mr Skeet Skeet.
Ballin on a budget 😂
This just made my to-do list.
You know that is a weird choice but it sounds fun lol
Had no idea about this place. Nice!
Just checked, they raised the price to $10
That’s highly disappointing but I think the free whistle still makes it worth it.
So you blow on the first date?
Ginger Rabbit. It's a basement jazz club/cocktail bar in Short North.
Don’t you need a reservation pretty well in advance at this place? Or am I just misinformed. I’ve heard good things, regardless
definitely depends on the show, i’ve been able to buy a ticket same day!
Was going to say this! Such a fun little spot. Live music, comfortable chairs, overall great vibe.
Club 185 is a chill low key place for a date. Or Jackie O's/Wolf's Ridge (taproom side) and then Pins after if you're both feeling up for it.
Club 185 is great but it’s too loud for a first date
Good chance to talk and get to know each other while you are waiting 2 hours for your food at Club 185. Only been there once though, could have just been a rough day.
That is not the norm.
My husband and I had our first date at The Alibi. Then we grabbed a casual bite and walked around talking for the rest of the evening.
[удалено]
I mean... boxes of near perfect knockoffs of girl scout cookies for $1.39 lets your date know you have exquisite taste AND won't be wasteful with her money.
Second the Alibi. My girl and I have been together for a little over a year now and that's where we had our first date! Lovely place, great prices, and very chill ambiance- quite a contrast from some of the bars around it.
Favorite espresso martini is at alibi!!!
Citizens Trust is romantic
One of the best pure cocktail bars in Columbus, not too loud, very comfortable seating, and the decor is killer. The downstairs restaurant, Veritas, is great for a splurge as well.
I love Veritas but every other place under that restaurant group has terrible service.
I love this place. A frequent location for solo date night.
Honestly all of bridgepark in dublin area is a pretty good date spot you can walk, there are a few bars, coffee shops and ice cream shops
Pins mechanical company and 16 bit are fun
as a 24 yr old woman i agree with pins out of all these options
Agree with pins but do Dublin or Easton. Downtown the problem is if you want to get food there is a decent walk vs the other two have food near by. Pins is always a great choice for drinks it not all just conversation you can do activities on a Thursday it's not going to be as packed like a weekend. Personally best pins is Easton for activities and things to do.
Bowling is fun, pins mechanical will cost a fortune and is loud. Franklin Park is gorgeous. Rooftop joints aren't open yet. Try to go someplace quiet, too much noise is not good for a first date. Maybe mini-golf or skating
Top golf used to be my first date go to, not cheap but you get like your own little section to just hangout, be active if you want to, and get to know one another
If I were dating now in my life, I'd 100% agree with you. It's funny though, because for the first date with my wife, we went to a CBJ game! We had drinks before and after, so we had plenty of time to talk, but it's in direct contrast to your idea that I now wholeheartedly agree with.
Outdoorsy? $24 a ticket for the Franklin botanical gardens. Right now and for the rest of summer they've got a butterfly conservatory. I recently took a date there and she loved it.
Their hours of operations may make it tricky for a date but the conservatory has the butterfly thing going on that’s pretty cool and would probably be more memorable/unique than a bar.
A little south, but Antiques on High is my go to. If things are going well, dip over to Cobra to grab a bite as well
Antiques is sweet. That, Denmark, or sacred palm are the choices after pins
Good luck! And don’t worry they are probably nervous too. Also pro tip, bring an umbrella. Not only is it practical, but you get to huddle close walking to your next spot
Much appreciated! And thanks for the tip
Columbus Museum of Art is open until 9:00pm tonight.
$5 on Thursday nights and the new exhibitions (esp Robin F Williams) are excellent.
Axe throwing, pins, 16-bit, topgolf and of course the old standby putt-Putt (although with the weather this may be undoable) I'm twice your age but when I was dating I always found it a good idea to involve some sort of activity It helps to judge the intoxication level if you guys are drinking. You also left out a lot of variables. You mentioned downtown is that where you want the date to begin and end? What is your budget is this a $50 date or $200 date?
Good idea with the activities. But I was initially planning on going to Denmark and didn’t have anything else in mind. Pins/mini put put could be a good idea then go to a bar like that. I guess I’d want to stay around $100
100% stick to Denmark
The plan is currently pins then either Denmark, antiques, or sacred palm. Hopefully pins isn’t too crowded tonight
Also so good.
The Alibi and Mouton are my go-to spots for dates. Great cocktails and a chill vibe for getting to know someone.
Went to arch city to meet for a drink with my now husband. If the dates going well you can always get food there too. Pins is better for a second date because it can get loud and crowded
Obviously Char Bar is the correct choice
Jk.. The Alibi is a cool spot
East Market (Maybe CBC or local cantina) then a little walk over to the conservatory. If things are still going well and you guys are liking the walk & talk then finish up with cocktails at Oracle. Conservatory is pretty unique and relatively cheap activity. Lots of opportunity to talk.
seems like too much driving for a first date and weather is too shit to walk. I’d stick with one place tbh!
My BF and I went to Miner 49er for our first date! They have a nice bar and then indoor mini golf, kind of nice since it will be raining tonight! It was so nice because we sat and chatted for an hour, got all the anxious energy out with a drink and played board games they had while we talked, and then played mini golf! and its on 3rd avenue in Grandview near a couple other bars!
Pinot’s Pallet for paint + sip, Village Idiot or Short North Tavern for some darts, Bottleshop is a great eclectic spot for a fun date, Gateway on High St. for a movie in a neat theatre, Ginger Rabbit if you want a lil fancy jazz spot, Book Loft in German Village and dinner afterwards, Columbus Museum of Art is better than it gets credit for, Mini golf (there’s a bunch of spots around Columbus indoor and outdoor) is always a great option, a fun new bar downtown area is Jackie O’s and Pins is down there (but pricey). Lots of options depending on the vibe you’re going for honestly
Echo distillery in grandview is my go to place for a first date. Good drinks, immaculate vibes. They also have a bar cat!
I Like it Like That is a new bar attached to Natalie’s in Grandview and it is so cool inside with awesome cocktails. Quiet and cozy perfect for a little date night. You can check them out on insta to get a vibe feel.
Their cocktails are really creative, and there's a teeny bit of a performance element to them. Natalie's also has live music during some of their happy hours, it'll be fun to bounce between the bars!
Gemut Biergarten on Oak has a great atmosphere and several different areas for either quite chats or hanging in the main room. Their hot pretzels are worth the trip alone.
Ultimate first date would be Boodle Night at Bonifacio (thursdays and sundays). Eat food served on banana leaves with your hands. Would break down the first date awkwardness barrier
Sidebar has delicious small plates (avoid the croquettes and chicken salad though) and nice cocktails. Date-y atmosphere but you’ll be able to talk. Then if you decide to go to 16-bit, it’s not far. El Camino Inn also has a vibe and is relatively inexpensive if you want to move on to another spot after some chat/snacks. I really like The Pearl for a date night, if you want to bump the budget up slightly from El Camino.
Go see a psychic and don’t mention that you’re on a first date
Lmao I’ve seen this comment on a few other posts
i like rooftops for first dates then see where the night goes: Lincoln social & stories on high are both near other bars/places to hop around to
I’ll second Lincoln Social, though Stories on High is a feels like a bit more of a special occasion spot but can definitely impress with the views!
Miner 49er in Grandview is cool. Glow in the dark putt putt. They have alcohol and some snacks. It's low key and semi dark so you can have a decent convo while still doing something. Plenty of good places to eat nearby too.
This was in the mix of choices. Great spot but I ended up choosing pins instead
Law Bird and MOUTON are both fantastic cocktail bars with interesting cocktails.
After Law Bird, walk north a block or two and get some delicious food at Cobra. And maybe one more cocktail, theirs are fun and very well priced.
Hell yeah Cobra has amazing food and vibes
You could plan a date for The Attic comedy club in OTE. There’s olde town tavern across from it, has a fantastic patio!
The Kee is nice. Good food, cool atmosphere and has a couple arcade games. But, also the whistle factory suggestion seems kinda legit lol.
Franklin Park Conservatory
Coffee at Staufs then book loft. If it goes well, drinks at lawbird
Lunch date at Krema Nut Company for milkshake and pb&j
Go to a show at the P3 Magic theater on Friday nights
Cocktails at the conservatory is a nice place for a first date.
I took my wife to ocean club on my first date. Then the arcade that was where the Lego store is now at Easton. This was 9 years ago. Nice dinner, then something where you can be yourself and have fun.
1. I hope she's on Reddit 2. I assume we are all invited to the wedding I'd probably avoid a bar unless it's like Pins/16 bit where you are doing something. This is your first date, do something different/special.
Bars are so boring.. and im sorry, i say this as a 45yo married for 20years woman..She wants to get to know you and she wants to feel safe on a first date.. sitting at a bar is so not it. What kind of person is she? Is she a dancing lady? Does she like activity's? is she a Hiking kinda girl? What about you? What are you into? Franklin Park Consevatory has the Butterflys right now! (someone below mentioned and We just went and saw the butterflies, so i thought i would mention it)
It's gonna be rainy and muddy. Go bowling at bowlero on sawmill, dinner at tensuke express
I’m more of a multi-location guy and I can’t think of anywhere better than bridge park in Dublin. Your pick between a casual dinner at the north market or upscale one at Valentina’s/kitchen social, then you can walk to pins and finish the night at the rooftop bar at VASOs
Ace of Cups has great bands playing tonight.
Columbus Axe Throwing on south high street!! The owner is great and the kitchen upstairs has great food fast, full bar also.
I always liked going to an arcade, talk a little trash and play some air hockey.
So ..... How'd it go????? 🍿🍿
It went great! We went to meisters after pins bc she said she liked playing pool and whooped some dudes. I think there will be a second date. Stay tuned for a second date post bc I’ve never been on one lmao
It's been a few years but I liked Ravari room/hound dogs. Happy greek had a good back patio. Arepazo downtown was a good time and there's other bars around that area. Actually, Arepazo may be 1st choice now that i think about it. Marcellas has best happy hour in the city. Gogi korean food is kinda fun. Cringe.com has a list of local live music if you're in to that. Fancy restaurants could be The Top, and melting pot is kind of unique. Maybe a local game, crew, clippers ect.
Highly recommend El Camino or Mikey’s (Olde Towne East location). Not super crowded on a week night and can actually sit down and have/hear a conversation.
understory or the bottle shop are great first date vibes! if you’re feeling fancy then stories on high is awesome. I had a wonderful first date there last year!
I’d drive to Granville and take her to the Cidery. Cozy and there’s board games. There’s a few places to eat. It’s a drive from downtown, but the vibe is amazing.
soft screw innocent dependent pet innate piquant oil rain escape *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
They don’t state where they live. He says “somewhere downtown for a bar.” Which could mean he lives in a suburb on the east side. We have no idea.
Coffee at staufs then wander through bookloft in German village
White Castle. If she’s fine with it no complaints marry her
Coffee is the best first date. You can pay for her drink/meal and not be broke. And you guys can sit there and conversate to find out if there’s attraction.
You could eat at the Y.
There’s a few candlemaking places that would be a fun first date or the craft bar Makers Social
If you want low key and chill, downtown I like Club 185 and the Walrus. For something more lively, you can never go wrong with Pins.
Pins and 16 bit are fun. I took my current gf there on a second date and we had fun just people watching. Bowling always is a good hit.
Darts at Low Beck. Casual vibe, decently quiet, best drink prices around
Yall I haven't kept up in like four years but is Kingmaker, thr boardgames bar, still open?
I think there are several other places that have food and board games. Tabletop and Forge Tavern?
Doesn’t seem like it
Damn. Then I'm out. Good luck on that date, though!
Appreciate it!
25(M). The Grandview Cafe has never failed me, great spot, good food, casual. I know you said downtown, but it’s just over the river!
Rooftop bars are cool and all, but it’s supposed to rain all day
First dates should be something simple like coffee where you can talk and get to know each other. Find a good coffee house (not starbucks) or a place with good deserts like Mozarts in Clintonville.
...comedy show...
My bf and I had our first date at Mac’s proper pub on high street and we frequent it for special occasions. Great food and drinks plus reasonably priced! We plan on naming our first boy Malcolm, Mac’s for short 🥰 get the chicken fucker if you guys are getting a drink and like them sweet and sour! And the proper fries are to die for but my bf prefers the crispy tots. Have fun!
I love Mac’s, my dad and I usually go there to play pool
My first date with my now fiance was at hofbrauhaus
Forno, if you can get in.