Date night ideas in San Antonio

Kids, this is the story of how I met your mother, and it was all thanks to SATXtoday.

Ok, so maybe that’s not exactly how the 2000s sitcom went, but if Ted Mosby had consulted us for date night ideas, we could’ve shaved the show down to two seasons (and saved his kids a lot of time). Regardless, whether you’ve met “the one” or are hoping to impress someone new, we’ve got 25+ local date night ideas that are legen — wait for it — dary.

For the ones who want a night out on the town

• Need a good ice breaker? Head out to Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club and giggle the night away. No need to grab a bite to eat before, the club has a full dinner menu and bar.
• Underneath the Bottling Department at the Pearl lies a romantic hideaway and club — Jazz, TX. Snag tickets to a performance, as well as a bite to eat at the club’s kitchen and bar.
• Check out a touring band or music artist at the Aztec Theatre in downtown San Antonio. Head up to the roof to the theatre’s terrace lounge for pre-show cocktails.
• Tucked away along Loop 410 just before IH-10 is Dad’s Karaoke. If you’re feeling brave or want to show off your vocal skills, sign up to sing your favorite tune.
• Grab a drink and sit outside in the backyard at Pastiche. This European cocktail bar nestled inside a cottage on the city’s eastside is a perfect spot for those first date conversations.
• Put on your boots and two-step your way over to Thirsty Horse Dance Hall for free lessons Wednesday through Sunday.

If the way to their heart is through their stomach

• Make it a spontaneous mid-week date night at Freetail Brewing Co. On Wednesdays only, take your sweetheart out for a medium pizza and two pints of beer for $28.
• Hidden away just south of the San Antonio International Airport is Hanzo, a Japanese-style Gastropub. This spot serves bento lunch boxes Tuesday through Friday from 12 to 3 p.m. Can’t make it for lunch? No worries, the establishment also offers happy hour and reverse happy hour specials.
• Take your date over to Alamo Beer Company for some local craft beer paired with bites and a tour of the brewery. Plus, stay for Beer, Bacon, and Bingo (only on Thursdays). Feeling romantic? Take a stroll along the Hays Street Bridge that runs over the brewery to catch some of the best skyline views of the city.

If you love the great outdoors

• Take your date to Japan without leaving San Antonio at the Japanese Tea Garden. Free and open daily, you can explore the beautiful gardenscape and pond full of koi fish. After roaming around the garden, stop by Jingu House to refuel and grab a drink.
• Take a stroll around the 38 acres that make up the San Antonio Botanical Garden and learn about the 35 endangered and rare species that are cared for there.
• Need an idea for an early morning weekend date? Swing by the Historic Pearl Farmers Market and browse over 50 local vendors ranging from wine, plants, handmade items, baked goods, and more. Pro tip: Don’t forget to make a brunch reservation at one of the nearby restaurants.
• Take it to the trails with a hike along the Brackenridge Wilderness and Wildlife Loop. Known for being one of the best trails in the city, this is a great way to get in some exercise while you get to know one another. Bring your dog along to see if they approve of the new human in your life.

For the ones who like to play games (just not with your heart)

• Dating a gamer? Play new and retro arcade games while you geek out at Diversions Game Room.
• This one is for the competitive couples. Bring your date to Monster Mini Golf on Thursdays for Black Light Date Night. The mini golf course runs a weekly special — $10 mini golf per couple. Loser buys drinks?
• Break out the board games at Black Potion San Antonio. Nominated for “Best Bar Games” in San Antonio, this business also serves local craft beer and wine.
• Hidden near the San Antonio International Airport is a local coffee spot called What’s Brewing. Located inside the small warehouse, buy your date a cup of coffee, then crush them at a few games of pinball.

If you’re really hoping that it works out

• Want to impress your date? Take them to the Tower of the Americas for dinner at Chart House and a view of the entire city from 750 ft above. If heights aren’t your thing, there are markets, movies, and other events that happen on the ground level.
• Jump on the elevator and ride up to the top floor of the AC Hotel San Antonio River Walk. 1 Watson overlooks the San Fernando Cathedral and has the best views of the sunset. Split a charcuterie board to start, then get a few orders of sliders and tacos to share.
• Turn an ordinary weeknight into an extraordinary evening with the Tomahawk Tuesday three-course menu for two at Fleming’s Steak House. Get two salads, two sides, and two desserts to pair with your choice of two shareable steak entrées: The Prime Tomahawk or the Sliced Porterhouse.
• Things are about to get messy. Unleash your inner artist and let your adventurous side shine inside the Splatter Paint Rooms at Unchartered Adventures. Throw paint, splash it, or follow your instincts as you create a one-of-a-kind art piece with your special someone.

If you want an “old fashioned”-style date

• Get lost in conversation at the San Antonio Museum of Art by exploring its exhibits featuring cultures from around the world. If you’re both Bexar County residents, swing by Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. or Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for free general admission.
• Take the short drive to New Braunfels for the Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theatre. This movie experience features the newest flicks and offers all the traditional treats — popcorn, candy, drinks, and more.
• Explore the animals at the San Antonio Zoo. You and your special someone can feed the giraffes, mingle with the flamingos, and go behind-the-scenes with the hippos. The zoo also has adult events throughout the year.
• Grab your skates and date to hit up the Rollercade for an old-fashioned night out. Skate around hand-in-hand to all your favorite hits before stopping by the snack bar for refreshments. Pro tip: Sign up for lessons to really impress.

Terry Manning

If you wanna show off by knowing all the hottest events in town

• Sign up for our daily newsletter, where we call out our top picks of things to do around town. Your date doesn’t have to know we’re behind it, you can take all the credit.
• Stay up-to-date on the coolest local events around the Alamo City with our events page (and check out this guide for our tips on navigating the page).

What did we miss? If you know a perfect date spot that’s not on the list, guide us in the right direction.