6 Best Date Nights

Setting Valentine’s Day aside for a second—date nights are more important than ever during the dreary months of winter. Here are some curated ideas for every type of couple.

For the Couple That Wants to Be a Tourist in Their Own Town...

Just because it’s touristy doesn’t make it bad. Why not finally make it down to the Country Music Hall of Fame (pro tip: you can borrow a city pass from the Nashville public library and go for free!), have dinner and bourbon at Husk and make your way to Café Intermezzo for an over-the-top slice of cake (and a hot chocolate).

For the Couple That Can't Sit Still...

This one’s for the marathon runners. Catch a pre-dinner spritz during Apero Hour at Folk (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 5–6 p.m.) before crossing the street for some Asian comfort food at Xiao Bao. Then, go back across the street for a drink at one of Nashville’s most underrated neighborhood bars, Wilburn Street Tavern. (PS Get a hot dog if you’re not crammed full of hand-pulled lamb noodles and olives.) And grab an Uber over to The Fox for a perfect nightcap and some fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies.

For the Couple That Loves a Good Happy Hour...

Love a good deal? Us too. Try making it out to happy hour at Butchertown Hall (Monday–Thursday 3–5 p.m., Sunday 4–6 p.m.) for $8 palomas and margaritas before heading to Henrietta Red for $2.25 oysters and $6 bubbles (5–6 p.m.). Close out your evening with a 6:30 reservation at your favorite Germantown restaurant (for what it’s worth, our vote goes to Rolf & Daughters).

For the Couple That Prefers a Quiet Night In...

Prefer to catch up on your stories? Scoot over to Sylvan Supply and start at Greys Fine Cheese to build your perfect cheese board. Head down to Black Dynasty to get your to-go ramen (do not skip the dessert) and have a beer while you wait—you’re at Bearded Iris, after all. Finally, head to Woodland Wine Merchant and let the staff pick the perfect pairing (or three) to fit your take-home feast.

For the Couple Who Prefers to Skip All the Fuss...

Maybe you’ve reached the we-can-eat-hot-wings-together phase, or you’re just trying really hard not to get all dressed up (it’s cold out there). Try grabbing a drink and some loaded fries at Lakeside Lounge, a boilermaker and an Italian-style sandwich at Duke’s or a coveted seat at the bar at Dino’s before heading to Up-Down for some friendly competition at a grown-up arcade or Sid Gold’s Request Room for live piano karaoke.

For the Couple Who Prefers Something a Little More Classic...

Looking for something a little more cozy? Go to Sperry’s for some classy, nostalgia-driven fare (don’t skip the tableside bananas Foster) or Carne Mare for a more modern steakhouse experience. Follow up with candlelit cocktails at The Patterson House and finish the night with some live music at Rudy’s Jazz Room.