Does this scenario sound familiar? It’s Thursday night. Your significant other tasked you with planning this weekend’s date night, and you have absolutely no idea what to do! Sure, dinner and a movie are fine--and there is no shortage of places to eat and drink in SLO CAL—but you’d like to kick your date night up a notch. If you're looking for fun date ideas or even first date ideas, read on!
Date Night Ideas - Paso Robles:
Libretto: A Paso Robles Jazz Club -
If you and your partner enjoy live music, this is for you! Libretto in Downtown Paso Robles is a live performance venue offering a unique blend of world-class talent and intimate ambiance. With weekly showcases featuring jazz, blues, classical and opera, couples can immerse themselves in the magic of music while seated in the cozy setting of only 62 seats per show. The venue’s centerpiece, a 2012 Steinway & Sons Model D piano, regarded as one of the best pianos in the world, sets the stage for an evening filled with enchantment, transporting you to a bygone era of romance and refinement.
Dinner and Drinks -
After the show at Libretto, keep the magic going and visit one of the many delicious restaurants in Paso Robles. No matter your craving, one of these places will satisfy those taste buds:
Fish Gaucho- Bright, light and vibrant, Fish Gaucho brings the spice of Latin America to California-fresh seafood. Fresh mexican fusion cuisine and a vast list of refreshing tequila offerings and specialty cocktails make Fish Gaucho an exciting place to start or end your date night.
Must-order menu items: Spicy ahi tacos and slow-roasted steak chili verde.
The Hatch Rotisserie and Bar- Located conveniently in Downtown Paso Robles, The Hatch offers the perfect ambiance for a romantic date night with its warm, inviting atmosphere and the tantalizing aroma of wood-fired rotisserie. This Michelin Guide restaurant serves up knock-out comfort food and delicious farm-to-glass cocktails perfect for a night out with your SO.
Must-order menu items: Hot skillet cornbread and the rotisserie chicken.
Not ready to end the night just yet? Head over to Eleven Twenty Two Cocktail Lounge for a nightcap in this 1930's inspired speakeasy.
Date Night Ideas - San Luis Obispo:
The Puzzle Effect: San Luis Obispo’s escape room adventure -
The Puzzle Effect in San Luis Obispo places you and your partner in a private room where you need to use teamwork and the elements of the room itself to solve a series of clues and escape from the room in 60 minutes or less. Each room is themed, and you and your partner can choose from one of three storylines—ranging in difficulty—to engage with and solve.
Whether you’re breaking the curse of the emerald seas, rescuing something from sinister hands or scrambling to fix a city before the power goes out for good, The Puzzle Effect is the perfect way to super-charge your date night and electrify the bond between you and your partner. It's the ultimate fun date idea in San Luis Obispo. Looking to propose? The Puzzle Effect can help with that too.
Dinner and Drinks -
Once you’ve escaped, reward yourselves with dinner at one of downtown San Luis Obispo’s amazing restaurants. Here are a few places to eat to fit any SLO CAL date night budget:
Granada Bistro- Romantic ambiance, excellent wine selection and unique fusion of French-inspired cuisine make Granada a go-to place for dinner in downtown San Luis Obispo. It also makes Granada a perfect first date idea.
Must-order menu item: Brussel sprouts.
La Esquina- A margarita on the back patio of this upscale Mexican eatery is the perfect place to relax with your partner. Or, take a shot at La Esquina’s extensive list of tequilas and mezcals.
Must-order menu items: Chips and guacamole, tortilla soup and prawn tacos.
Flour House- If you’re craving pizza and pasta Napoletana, Flour House is arguably one of the best places to eat in SLO CAL. More good news: the housemade gluten-free crust is equally as good as the wheat-based crust, and the restaurant offers vegan cheese options too! And don't forget a desert to share - a perfectly cute date idea.
Must-order menu item: Any Flour House original pizza.
Old San Luis BBQ Company- Santa Maria style BBQ is a staple of SLO CAL cuisine, and Old San Luis BBQ Company’s award-winning menu makes the restaurant one of the best places in town to grab some grub. While you’re there, check out a few of the craft beers and local wines on tap!
Must-order menu item: Tri-tip pit plate with cowboy corn pie.
Done with dinner but not with your SLO CAL date night? Grab a cocktail at Sidecar, Nightcap or Luna Red.
Date Night Ideas - South Coast:
Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and Spa: Avila Beach Hillside Hot Tubs -
Embark on the ultimate romantic date night at Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort and Spa, nestled atop the serene hills of Avila Beach. Picture this: 24 open-air, naturally heated mineral spring hot tubs, each tucked away in a private oasis, offering seclusion without sacrificing the breathtaking views.
As the sun dips below the horizon, immerse yourselves in the soothing water sourced from over 100 natural underground springs, renowned for their therapeutic properties. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, renewal, or simply a moment of serenity, Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort promises an unforgettable experience, where you can unwind and reconnect amidst the tranquil beauty of SLO CAL’s natural hot springs.
Dinner and Drinks -
Custom House- After your hillside dip, make your way over to Custom House for casual waterfront dining in the heart of Avila Beach. This restaurant serves fresh caught seafood, hand-cut steaks and specialty appetizers to delight. Choose to sit at an outdoor table along the waterfront for the perfect sunset romance vibes.
Must-order menu items: Fish & chips and clam chowder.
Marisol at The Cliffs- For more dining along the waterfront, check out Marisol at The Cliffs. Here you can marvel at the breathtaking views of the Pacific while sipping on delicious handcrafted cocktails and savoring delectable bites. Marisol is the ideal setting for a romantic evening full of unforgettable moments amidst SLO CAL stunning sunset backdrop.
Must-order menu item: Crispy fish tacos and filet mignon.
For an elevated nightcap, visit Cypress Beach House. This rooftop bar and restaurant offers a romantic and lively scene with the ocean serving a stunning backdrop.
