That cold weather we all long for during the dog days of summer has finally settled over the metroplex just in time for Valentine’s Day. While it might be easier to plan romantic dates when the wildflowers are all in bloom, winter brings new opportunities to be creative about date night. Dallas is full of cozy corners, crackling fireplaces and tummy-warming drinks to keep you and your date warm on even the coldest of nights. Here is just a sampling of all the possible date night activities to plan during our next cold snap.
Hot Chocolate Tastings – Knox-Henderson
Nothing says winter like a piping hot cup of creamy hot chocolate. One of the best spots for hot chocolate in all the metroplex is the inviting La Duni Latin Cafe on McKinney Avenue. Known for a menu that “blends European traditions with Latin American soul,” they offer two types of hot chocolate – French and Latin. The French version is a creamy and intense cup of hot cocoa made with melted Belgium chocolates, assorted cocoas and half-and-half. The Latin version is also made with Belgium chocolate but is lighter and severed with extra foam instead of whipped cream. You and your date can each order one of each version and compare notes on which one is better.
Sip on Irish whiskey near a fire – Lower Greenville
Is there anything cozier than sipping Irish whiskey in a dark wood-paneled pub next to a crackling fireplace? We think not, which is why you should take your date to The Dubliner. One of the city’s oldest Irish pubs provides the perfect cozy corner near the fireplace to brave the coldest of evenings. To help warm up your insides, order an Irish or Scottish whisky or hot Irish coffee.
Warm up with wine – Knox-Henderson
To continue the drinks by a fireplace theme, head over to the Knox-Henderson neighborhood and grab a comfy chair near the fire at the Veritas Wine Room. This neighborhood staple has an ever-changing selection of 400 wines from all over the world. Brush up on your knowledge of Spanish Tempranillo or Napa Cabernet Sauvignon beforehand to impress your date.
Work up a sweat on the bowling lanes – Various Locations
Escape the winter weather with a friendly indoor game of bowling. Knock down some vintage pins and craft beer at the same time at Bowlounge. The adult playground has a curated craft beer program, extensive whiskey collection and scratch kitchen that fires up pizza, pulled pork sandwiches and burgers to warm your belly. The retro bowling alley also has pool tables and arcade games once your bowling arm gets tired. If you want to bowl in a fancy atmosphere, head to Bowl and Barrel. The new spot at The Shops at Park Lane claims to be the city’s first upscale bowling alley. In addition to 15 lanes, the place has a full-service American tavern and one-of-a-kind beer hall. The bowling joint has everything you need to hang out all night trying to impress your date with a perfect strike.
Learn to cook – Various Locations
Couples who learn how to cook together, stay together. Dallas has no shortage of fun cooking classes. The Cookery Dallas offers classes almost every night of the week which feature courses on how to make the perfect pasta, how to make the perfect three-course Italian meal or how to make classic cocktails. If you are dating a cheese lover, book a cheese making class at The Mozzarella Company. You and your partner can work side-by-side learning how to make cheese in the cheese factory before enjoying a tasting of wine and cheese as a reward for all your hard efforts.
Roast Marshmallows – Lower Greenville
There is nothing more cozy and romantic than roasting marshmallows together on a cold evening. Halcyon coffee shop has a make-your-own s’mores kit complete with fresh marshmallows, classic Hershey’s chocolate, crisp, golden graham crackers and a table-side roasting fire.