Best Date Spots in Washington D.C.

With Valentine’s Day peeking its head around the corner, it seems fitting to discuss some of Washington, D.C.’s best date spots. Many have exhausted the cliché dinner and movie routine and are looking for new ideas. The good news is that you’re in the right city for fun and change. Whether you have a special someone or want to go out in protest of the Hallmark Holiday, the District has a variety of great spots to spend the night.

Right outside the city boundaries, Glen Echo Park serves as a historical gem in the Washington Metropolitan area. The former amusement park was transformed into a performing arts center in the late 1960’s, although they maintained the same architecture and décor, giving it a great old-timey feel. Glen Echo Park hosts weekly dances in its Spanish Ballroom where people tend to dress up according to era of music being featured that night. A few weeks ago, they had a live 14-piece big band and the crowd arrived in fashion honoring the roaring twenties. The dances typically begin with a brief dance lesson, after which the band will begin to play and you’re thrown into the fire to test your skills. It’s really a lot of fun and will only put you back about $20 per person. Keep in mind that drinks and food are not served anywhere in the ballroom, which is kind of a bummer because you will work up a sweat. A few steps away from the ballroom, however, is the Irish Inn at Glen Echo, where you can pop over to for a quick beer should you feel the urge.

Some may feel hesitant to embarrass themselves with their rusty dancing skills. If that’s you, then don’t resign to plopping in front of the television with a Lean Cuisine just yet. There’s still a lot more out there. CoCo Sala Chocolate Lounge & Boutique is a newer hot-spot in downtown D.C. Don’t let the name deceive you – only a small part of this place is a candy shop; the rest is a trendy bar and restaurant. CoCo Sala maintains a dark, intimate atmosphere. Happy Hour lasts from 4:00pm – 7:00pm and includes champagne and chocolate tasting. Though their menu has limited options, CoCo Sala offers some unique creations such the Creole Crabcake, Moroccan Swordfish Sliders, and Duck Confit Cigar Salad.

If you need some help in the conversation department, there are plenty of options that don’t put you directly across the table from someone with only the weather to discuss. Consider checking out the Capitol Steps, a hilarious comedy troop which pokes fun at current events and the overall population and culture of Washington, D.C. (Yes, that’s you, Hill-Staffer) Performances are held weekly at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, right off the Federal Triangle Metro stop. Before or after, you can grab some pizza at Aria Pizzeria and Bar, which has some pretty tasting food as well as plentiful outdoor seating, should our early spring weather endure.

Another fun idea is to go to a Washington Wizards game at the Verizon Center in Chinatown. Even if you’re not a huge basketball fan, it’s always fun to grab a beer and cheer on your home team, or the opponents, depending on where you’re from. With tickets starting out at $25, a Wizards game can certainly be an affordable date option. If you skip the junk food at the game and still find your date at least mildly tolerable, then head over to Proof for some drinks and dinner afterwards. Proof’s pride and joy is their extensive wine list, though they also maintain a rich menu. Some of their creative meals include Cassoulet of Crispy Pork, Duck Confit & House Made Sausage, Pan Roasted Morningstar Dayboat Scallops, and Napoleon of Crispy Tofu, Wild Mushrooms & Winter Vegetables.

If you find yourself boycotting Valentine’s Day this year, then head over to the H St. Corridor in Northeast, which has new bars and restaurants popping up left and right. Check out some live music or a Vaudeville show at the newly renamed Red Palace, which combined the former Palace of Wonders and Red and Black into one great big venue that hosts a variety of live performances. Red Palace is truly a unique spot in D.C., with a fun New Orleans theme to it. Red Palace serves food or you always could head across the street to Dangerously Delicious Pies before or after the show for a piece of their sweet or savory pie. Dangerously Delicious has a mouthwatering menu including Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie and Mobtown Brownie Pie. On weekends, they’re open until 3:30am for those who have worked up an appetite at the bar.