Date night: Des Moines hot spots

So, you’ve managed to score a date.  Now what?  Planning a date can be worse than actually asking the other person out. 

Choosing the right place and ambiance is critical for a successful outcome. It’s all about location, location, location (I feel like a real estate agent!)

 Things to consider when planning a date:

 *What day of the week is it?
 *Time of day (is it a coffee date, lunch date, or dinner date?)
 * How well you know the person (is it a blind date?  Is it a first date? Are you several dates in and looking to take things to the next level?)

 If you’re trying to get to know someone (and actually hear what the other is saying) you may want to reconsider going to a noisy music venue, concert, or sports bar.  If you and your date are still in the “hanging out” stage, and not sure how things are progressing, then choosing a location/place which is more romantic than your relationship level can be awkward and confusing. 

Dating can be awkward and uncomfortable for all parties involved, especially early on.  Ask yourself: “What do I enjoy doing socially?” and “Where am I most comfortable?”

Des Moines has a wide variety of restaurants, bars, music venues, and activities to choose from.

Lacking currently in the dating department, I asked some local singles: “Where is your favorite date spot?”

* Django                                                                    
210 10th Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 288-0268Open: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri 11am-11pm;
Sat 4pm-11pm; Sun 4pm-9pm

“This French inspired restaurant is nicely lit, it’s quiet, and the food is amazing.  They never have a wine corking fee, so you can bring your own wine.”

*Lucca
420 E Locust St
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 243-1115
Open: Tue-Thu 11am-2pm, 5pm-10pm

“This small dimly lit restaurant offers several pre-fix dinner options (no surprises when the check comes!). The open-style kitchen is a great focal point. This is a perfect first-date spot.”

*A local coffee shop
(my personal favorite: Java Joes)214 4th Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 288-5282
Open: Mon-Thu 6:30am-11pm; Fri-Sat 6:30am-12am;
Sun 6:30am-10pm

*Bistro Montage
2724 Ingersoll Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 557-1924
Open: Tues–Sat @ 5PM

*Iowa Cubs Game/Principle Park
1 Line Dr
Des Moines, IA 50309

(515) 243-6111
(Times and schedules vary)

“Going to a game is low pressure and fun.  If you’re date isn’t going so well, it gives you something else to concentrate on.”—Emily Montgomery, 30, Beaverdale

*The Oyster Bar at Splash303 Locust
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-244-5686
Oyster Bar - 11:30 am to 2 pm, 4:30 pm to 10 pm

“The Oyster Bar is a quaint romantic date spot.  We love going there because it’s dimly lit, its quiet, and they have no corking fee,” –Geni Grant, West Des Moines.  “Oysters are an aphrodisiac.”

Choosing exciting places for a first date increases the chances of the other person falling for you. There is a definitive link between danger and physical/romantic attraction.
                        --Naik, Anita.2004. Flirtology: Over 100 Ways to Release Your Inner Flirt. New York, NY: Penguin Books.

If you’re still struggling in the date-ideas department, author of The Manual, Steve Santagati (2007) has some great bonus ideas:

·         Bowling or playing pool (if you’re feeling competitive)

·         Going to a comedy club (so you can laugh at others, and not just yourself)

·         Karaoke night at a local dive bar (and IIIIIIII will always love yoooouuuuuuu)

·         Biking/Hiking/Fishing (for the outdoorsy types)

The nostalgia and excitement of landing a date can lead to a lack in common sense. These may seem like a no-brainer, but trust me, they happen all the time.

What not to do:

·         Never sh*t where you sleep (unless you want to pick a new “favorite place”, keep them away from yours)

·         Withhold your Martha Stewart cooking skills until you really know the person and are comfortable with them at your home

·         Never go to a place they went to with their ex (it will just remind them of their ex)

·         Limit your alcohol intake or don’t drink at all (unless you’re hoping to look like a drunken fool)

·         Don’t eat foods that will give you bad breath (or worse, gas)

Worst places to go on first date include fast-food restaurants, your kids’ birthday party or school play, your parents’ house, strip clubs, X-rated films or swingers parties, a party where your ex will be, church activities, or window shopping.
                --Naik, Anita.2004. Flirtology: Over 100 Ways to Release Your Inner Flirt. New York, NY: Penguin Books.

Santagati, S., Cohen, A. (2007). The Manual. New York, NY: Three Rivers Press.