Overview
First dates are like trying your first ever macaroons — they can be surprisingly delightful, a little bit disappointing, or just a huge messy waste of your time.
The one feeling most synonymous with first dates is anxiety so it's important for you to pick a place where you feel comfortable. You need somewhere where you can start out with a drink and have the option to bail for more, or somewhere where you can share the food, in hope of a Lady and the Tramp moment. You also need somewhere with a great atmosphere, and possibly a bit of mood lighting.
To help, Concrete Playground has rounded up our five favourite places to take your newly beloved.
The Lark
If you want a bit of flexibility, you’ve got it here. Your options are a) sidewalk seating for a bottle of wine and people watching b) getting cosy on the couches upstairs with a cocktail and some gorgonzola-soaked chips and c) enjoying the courtyard atmosphere with some hearty clam chowder and cinnamon apple donuts for dessert.
Located in Paddington, The Lark's art deco design makes the place feel homely and comfortable. The staff and owner Perry Scott are drinks experts, and with an ever-evolving wine list they are more than happy to give you informed recommendations. May we recommend the Strummer if you’re partial to a cocktail.
1/267 Given Terrace, Paddington; 07 3369 1299; www.thelark.com.au
Sling Lounge
Swing on in to Sling for some cocktails and tapas. The first thing you might notice when you step in off Boundary St is the raucous behaviour. And this is just the bar staff.
Sling’s thing is its cocktails and the folks behind the bar are certainly good at mixing them. Happy to discuss your wants, dreams and desires in a drink, the staff (most likely one of the owners) are enthusiastic connoisseurs in this area. Fun to engage with, they’ll make the start of your date relaxing from the get-go. Once you take a seat either out the back in the lush courtyard or down on the street, you can choose a selection of tapas offerings and enjoy the relaxed vibe.
153 Boundary St, West End; 07 3255 3522; www.slinglounge.com
Garuva Restaurant and Bar
Well-known for its propensity for romance, Garuva in Fortitude Valley is the perfect location for those after a more intimate experience. If you don’t want to jump right into the slightly suggestive curtained dining area, you can start out at the bar.
Garuva’s is all about sitting on the floor (on soft cushions) so if you have a bad back, or can’t control yourself from groaning loudly every time you get up off the floor, then it may not be for you. But if you are a lithe young thing then pull up a cushion and enjoy the tunes, usually a male and female duo creating a fun and chilled out atmosphere. If your date wants some more floor-sitting action then move on in to the restaurant where your low-set table will be curtained off for privacy while you enjoy delicious Asian-fusion food and maybe even a bit of hand-holding.
324 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley; 07 32160124; www.garuva.com.au
Libertine Bar and Restaurant
This is where mood lighting and food sharing tactics come into play. Located at the heritage Barracks building in Paddington, Libertine is visually beautiful with antique chandeliers creating a warm glow over the dark timber, golden and bright red colour palette.
Stepping into Libertine is like stepping into an older, more romantic world. The French-Vietnamese menu offers ‘street food’ to start, including delicious pork spring rolls with green chilli sauce you want to drink (but won’t…unless you’re feeling very comfortable). You can follow this with a couple of the fantastically flavourful share plates and a bottle of French wine off their extensive list.
No. 5 The Barracks, 61 Petrie Terrace, Paddington; 07 3367 3353; www.libertine.net.au
Watt Restaurant + Bar
We couldn’t have a list of top first date venues without incorporating the beloved Brisbane River. And if you thrive in the daytime then Watt is the place for you.
Right on the river at the Powerhouse in New Farm, you will have the quintessential Brisbane experience of soaking in the sun and enjoying the outdoors. With a seafood-focused menu, you and your date can enjoy a long lunch, and with the submerged ‘flood’ sculpture out the front you’ve already got one conversation started. If you go on a Sunday you can enjoy live music from 3.30pm and free comedy at the Powerhouse afterwards from 6.30pm.
119 Lamington Street, New Farm; 07 3358 5464; www.trippaswhitegroup.com.au