Philadelphia boasts numerous offbeat indoor/outdoor events and activities all spring/summer long. With so much going on in this city, you’d think it would be easy to plan the perfect date. Just the other day I Googled “date ideas in Philadelphia” and I have to say I was pretty underwhelmed with the results. Some of the search results were just plain lame, while others on the opposite end of the spectrum, seemed like grand affairs. As a general rule, I believe a good date involves food/drinks/fun (and not necessarily in that order). Here are 5 date ideas that involve just the right amount of planning – not too lame and not too over-the-top. Oh, and did I mention these ideas are friendly on the wallet as well (bonus)!
1. Cheesesteaks & Garage
If you live in this city, contrary to popular belief, you don’t actually eat cheesesteaks on a regular basis. Spend your evening in South Philly at two of Passyunk’s finest – Pat’s King of Steaks and Garage. Pick up a “wiz wit” and head over to Garage where they happily allow you to BYO cheesesteak. Garage has a great beer list, loud music and skee ball and a pool table. That’s right, they have skee ball, enough said.
Pat’s King of Steaks // 1237 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia
Garage // 1231 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia
2. BYOB & Beers
Modo Mio is a casual, regional Italian BYOB offering up the Turista menu, 4 courses for just $35. After dinner, head down the street to Frankford Hall and grab a few German brews while you lounge in their outdoor beer garden.
Modo Mio // 161 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia
Frankford Hall // 1210 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia
3. Cook/La Cucina at the Market
Cook by Audrey Claire and La Cucina at the Market offer cooking demos and dinner to eager Philadelphia phoodies. Both are on the pricier side and can be difficult to secure as they tend to sell out super fast. This date requires more advance notice than the others but are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
Cook // 253 S 20th St, Philadelphia
La Cucina at the Market // Reading Terminal Market, 51 N 12th St, Philadelphia
4. Dim Sum & Karaoke
In Chinatown you’ll find 2 hot spots perfect for a group date. First, BYO to Dim Sum Garden and indulge in loads of freshly made dumplings. Side note: Do not miss their signature soup dumplings…nom, nom! After dinner, and presumably a few drinks, you’ll be ready to belt out some tunes at Yakitori Boy. If you make advance reservations, you can affordably reserve a private karaoke room for 6 guests and showcase your best Celine Dion!
Dim Sum Garden // 1020 Race St, Philadelphia
Yakitori Boy // 211 N 11th St, Philadelphia
5. Mini Golf & Radicchio
Head over to Franklin Square in Old City and battle it out on the mini golf course. A little friendly competition never hurt anyone, right? Afterwards, head a few blocks north to Radicchio Cafe, a cozy BYOB that serves up a mean grilled calamari salad (pictured).
Franklin Square Mini Golf // N 6th & Race St, Philadelphia
Radicchio Cafe // 402 Wood St, Philadelphia (4th & Vine)
What’s your favorite date night in Philly?
BITES & PIECES 