Are you looking for top spots that offer something more than the standard dinner-and-a-movie fare? We’ve put together a list of 10 fun date ideas in Raleigh, NC that take you to some of the city’s most delightful places and interesting neighborhoods. If you’re staying in a room or suite at The StateView Hotel, visit our concierge for directions to these Raleigh date night destinations.
Raleigh, NC Date Ideas
From arcade games to art exhibits to local food, beer, and music, Raleigh is full of exciting options for your next date night.
Boxcar Bar and Arcade
Drink, play, and hang at Raleigh’s Boxcar Bar and Arcade, named one of the city’s best bars, and a perfect spot for a fun Raleigh date night. Boxcar Bar and Arcade is located in the downtown Warehouse District and features all your entertainment needs, making it a great first date spot. Not only do they offer more than 70 classic and new arcade-style games to choose from, but they also host special events and live music throughout the year. Because they offer 24 rotating American craft drafts, along with specialty cocktails and several local liquors, you and your date are sure to find favorite beverages to sip while you engage in a little friendly competition.
Flask and Beaker
The StateView Hotel’s very own Flask and Beaker offers romantic views of Lake Raleigh, a serene setting for your next date night. Sit outside on the patio in warm weather to enjoy curated cocktails or share a bottle of wine. In cooler months, relax near the fire pit or sit in a cozy booth indoors and appreciate the view through our wall of windows. Our farm-to-table menu ensures the freshest ingredients for you and your significant other.
Irregardless Café
A long-time leader on Raleigh’s funky fringe scene, Irregardless Café is known as one of Raleigh’s best-kept-secrets for date night. In this unassuming Raleigh date spot, you’ll be able to order from an award-winning seasonal menu, sip delicious brews and craft cocktails, and enjoy local art adorning the walls. Local musicians perform Tuesday through Sunday.
Videri Chocolate Factory
If you’re hoping to win the heart of a new love or reignite passion, take your special someone to Videri Chocolate Factory. This delicious Raleigh date spot delivers the seductive power of chocolate Tuesdays–Sundays with self-guided factory tours, samplings, and a boutique chocolate shop. Videri offers vegan chocolates, and their bean-to-bar process means their creations are free of tree nuts, peanuts, and other common allergens. If you want to make an impression on your love, hire a Videri staff member to take the two of you on a special private tour of the factory.
North Carolina Museum of Art
The North Carolina Museum of Art makes an inspired Raleigh date spot, and if you need date night ideas, we suggest starting here to take in an exhibit and a light bite before heading downtown for drinks and dinner. With exciting touring exhibits, hands-on arts education programs, and an impressive permanent collection, the NC Museum of Art offers tons of creative options for an unforgettable first or fiftieth date. For lovers who love art, Raleigh is home to some exceptional museums you may want to add to your list of date ideas.
C. Grace Bar
If you’re looking to turn on the romance, get dolled up and stop in at C. Grace Bar. This quaint little jazz bar has all the fixings for a romantic evening, from jazz music to low lighting. Sip one of their handcrafted cocktails like the Peggy Rose, Garden Party, or Praised Bee while you enjoy the live music or gazing into your sweetheart’s eyes. Raleigh’s unique bars and nightlife promise to set the mood for any date out.
Billiards, Bowling, & More
King’s means serious business when it comes to dining and entertainment. Check out their retro arcade games, billiards, 10-pin bowling alley, and more. This is your date night one-stop-shop: You can even make dine and bowl reservations ahead of time. Enjoy a craft beer or cocktail while challenging your significant other to a friendly game of table tennis. King’s Dining & Entertainment is open from 2–11 pm, Monday–Thursday, and 11–1 am on Friday and Saturday. King’s is open from 11am–11pm on Sunday.
Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park
For a different date night in Raleigh, start at the extraordinary Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park before drinks and dinner. This 164-acre green space features outdoor sculptures as well as walking and biking trails. The park is free, and open every day from sunrise to sunset.
Wine and Design
If you’re looking for something fun and unique to do for your date night in Raleigh, Wine and Design is the place to go. This community-based art studio offers two-hour open painting and artisan craft classes. You bring your own wine, and they supply the glasses, paints, brushes, and canvases. A local artist guides you through creating a masterpiece as you sip and stroke. Check their calendar for available classes, and get your next Raleigh date night underway.
Local Breweries
An ice-cold beer, intimate setting, and great conversation make for an ideal date night in Raleigh. Lucky for you, Raleigh has some of the best breweries around. Brewery Bhavana, for its serene setting, and Clouds Brewing, for its laid-back atmosphere, are two we highly recommend for date night.
Bonus: Morgan Street Food Hall
The best way to work around the “where do you want to go eat?” conundrum is to spend your date night at Raleigh’s Morgan Street Food Hall. Plenty of food stalls offer options from Southern favorites to Asian bowls and mouth-watering sweet treats. Seating at community tables means you and your date can canoodle without having to order from the same menu. Afterward, burn some calories throwing axes at the Epic Axe stall. Book your lane ahead of time or hire a personal axe-throwing coach to give you and your date all the tips to hit the bull’s eye.
Overnight Accommodations for your Raleigh Date Night
Start and end your Raleigh date night at our luxe hotel with dinner, drinks and comfortable suites. If you’re planning a romantic weekend to the historic City of Oaks, browse our packages to find the best Raleigh hotel deals. We look forward to welcoming you.