Make Every Day Feel Like Valentine's Day with These Romantic Denver Date Ideas

For everything from first impressions to anniversary celebrations, these dates are a sure thing.

Dating in Denver has a reputation all its own, but no one ever said it has to be boring. Move aside, dinner-and-a-movie cliche; we’re upping the ante for dates in Denver with action-packed sports and gaming experiences, evenings of creative expression and delight, and unique food and drink ideas that are sure to impress even the stuffiest of dates. From board games in Highlands Ranch to a jazz concert in RiNo, any one of these date ideas are swoon-worthy and all are perfectly suited for the cold-weather season. Read on for 13 unique date ideas for your next romantic adventure in Denver.

Cooper Lounge

Food and Drink Date Ideas in Denver

LoDo
Union Station is always a fun spot, whether you’re new in town or a longtime local. For cute, Instagrammable date vibes, we suggest grabbing a cocktail at the Cooper Lounge while people-watching the Union Station visitors below. Follow it up with bites or dinner at Stoic & Genuine, Ultreia, or Mercantile Dining & Provision.

Golden Triangle
Need something to do with your hands to avoid early date awkwardness? Wash them first and then plunge them into a delicious recipe. Sip your drink of choice while you learn useful cooking techniques, then sit down with your date to enjoy your culinary masterpieces. An overwhelming sense of accomplishment is a type of aphrodisiac, right?

Baker
Looking to connect on a deeper level with your fellow whiskey lover? Go on a distillery tour at Stranahan’s, Colorado’s most famous whiskey distillery. Tour the facility to see how the beloved beverage is made, learn about the fascinating history of Stranahan’s, and if you’re itching for a buzz, opt for one of the several tastings available or a cocktail-making class.

Uptown
There are hundreds of spectacular restaurants to choose from for a date in Denver, but Ace is a particular favorite for two reasons: One, the Asian cuisine is pretty dang good, if you ask us, and two, you can let your competitive spirit shine with a rousing game of ping pong in the back room. What other restaurants offer that? Delight in dim sum, noodles, and your drink of choice and then let the paddles fly.

Arts and Crafts Date Ideas in Denver

Golden Triangle
One person’s “boring” museum date is another person’s date perfection. After all, maybe the buzz of a concert or bar isn’t really your thing—and that’s just as cool. For the art lovers, there are several cool museums to check out across the city, but the Denver Art Museum just has that something special (and central location) that makes it perfect for a low-stakes date spot. Browse impressive exhibits at your leisure and grab coffee or small bites to go from Cafe Gio or The Ponti when you head out.

Baker
Whether you’re in it for commemorating a great date with a souvenir or simply for the sake of making your own custom T-shirt, Ink and Drink is a fun date night spot. All the decisions are up to you, from the design itself to the shirt style to the color of the ink—and you put in the elbow grease to make it come to life. Show off your shirt at the end and walk away with a cool new creation and sweet, memorable date.

LoHi
Scent is one of the most powerful memory-making tools, which could be amazing for memorializing a special date. With that in mind, consider getting creative by taking your date to make your own candles at the Weathered Wick! Pick the perfect vessel, your custom scent, pour the wax, and let the magic do its thing—then bring your candle home (and maybe your date, too).

Auraria
Meow Wolf is a unique addition to any list of things to do in Denver, but who wouldn’t enjoy an immersive art experience and puzzle-solving date? And in addition to the mind-bending fun, Meow Wolf also recently unveiled its cool new cocktail bar, Sips (with a Z). Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, and small bites while you drift back down to reality.

Photo by Jeff Fierberg, Courtesy of Nocturne

Live Music Date Ideas in Denver

RiNo
A concert is always a fun date idea—and there are plenty of venues in Denver to choose from. But Mission in particular makes for a great date night because of its proximity to Left Hand Brewing’s RiNo outpost. The brewery and tap room is adjacent to the concert hall and is a perfect meet-up spot pre-show; grab your favorite Left Hand brew and split something tasty—like the Big A** Pretzel or a 10-inch Neapolitan Pizza—before heading inside to bond over your favorite band.

RiNo
Dinner and a show is on a different level at Nocturne. If you’re really looking to impress your date, take them to this jazz and supper club, where the music is always swinging, the drinks are classy and refreshing, and dinner is a three-course event. With rotating performers that always shine, Nocturne is a never-fail date spot that’s got the intimate lounge vibes to boot.

Courtesy of Pindustry

Sports and Gaming Date Ideas in Denver

Highlands Ranch
If you’re looking for a fun and unique date experience that’s full of your favorite games—without driving into the city—this Highlands Ranch bar, restaurant, and gaming spot is perfect. Game Train has everything you need, from a large selection of tabletop games to play at your table while you sip and snack on treats from the full bar and restaurant menu, plus regular events and an 1890s Victorian Steampunk aesthetic that’s just the right kind of eclectic for sparking conversation. Grab your Battleship pieces and get gaming.

Greenwood Village
Perfect for a first date or a fiftieth, Pindustry has all the fun you need, from bowling and arcade games to darts, shuffleboard, and air hockey. There’s also a full food and drink menu available at the sizable bars (both upper and lower level), plus lots of live music and a rooftop deck with epic views of the Mile High. Eat, play, and win over your date at this never-boring spot (that’s also next door to a food hall if you’re craving something a little different).

Central Business District
Perhaps the most casual suggestion on this list, it’s often a failsafe (as long as your date is cool). We only say that because the stakes are pretty low at Tarantula—no fancy frills and no expectation of being good at billiards. In fact, it’s sometimes more fun when you’re not good. If you’re looking for a centrally located date spot where you can let loose and be yourself while getting to know your date, this is a good choice.

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Molly Martin is a Denver-based freelance writer. Follow her @mollydbu on Instagram and Twitter for more updates on food, fun, and life in the Mile High.
Colin Wrenn is a Thrillist contributor.
Erica Buehler is a Denver-based freelance writer. Follow her @e_buehler on Instagram and @e_buehler_ on Twitter for more updates on Denver food and other Mile High shenanigans.