When we reach Friday, and the work week is done, men and women everywhere are gearing up for their weekend activities. Some hit the bars, some hit the road, and some hit the pillow. (Hi, that’s me.) However, when I do want to get out, I want to spend time with the one I love. When I say time, I mean quality time. The time when we put our cell phones aside, tell friends we’re busy for the night and focus on spending quality time with each other.
Date night is something that varies from person to person or couple to couple. You may be single meeting up with your blind date, or casually dating someone you met online. You may be committed in a long-term relationship, married, or have kids with a sitter at home. The one thing we all have in common on this night is the desire to go somewhere awesome that really helps us enjoy one another.
Personally, the notion of “Date Night” has changed quite a bit for me over the years. Steven and I have been together for many, many years. What used to be nights of dinner, drinks out and dancing became dinner and drinks, which then became just dinner. At some point, we started to refer to “Date Night,” as every night we spend at home on the couch ordering take out and watching Netflix. Don’t get me wrong, that’s my happy place and TOTALLY who I am at my core. However I have to remind myself that we’re young, and its ok to get out, dress up, and have a little fun.
I’ve rounded up some of my favorite spots to go for your next date night out in downtown St. Petersburg, Fl. Every place on the list is a personal favorite, with good food, good drinks, and most importantly, good vibes. I’d love to hear what you think! Any local favorites that you guys can share with me? I’m always excited to try something new!
Happy Date Night, lovelies!
Best Date Night Spots in Downtown St. Petersburg, Fl
Bavaro’s Italian: Bavaros is a charming little Italian restaurant on 9th and Central Avenue. They have excellent food and wine, and a quiet and intimate vibe. Their claim to fame is their legendary Neopolitan pizza, and it’s SO worth it. They’re located in 4 locations across the Tampa Bay area, so you can find one nearby if you live in Tampa or Sarasota, Fl as well.
Birchwood Hotel: The Birchwood is not just a hotel, but a stellar restaurant downstairs and spectacular rooftop views of Beach Drive upstairs. You have your choice, dine on the second floor or downstairs on the outdoor patio. Wherever you eat, you have to end your night with cocktails on the rooftop bar. This place is a no-brainer for any night out! Best view downtown on Beach Drive.
Red Mesa Cantina: Mexican food, say no more. This place has great outdoor seating in their courtyard with the fountain nearby. It’s both charming and romantic, making it an ideal spot for a date night out. You have to try their margaritas and dip trio, and I order tacos a la carte so I can try them all. I hear they also do tequila tastings, so that’s definitely on the agenda in the near future!
Bella Brava: Another Italian restaurant, what can I say, I know what I like. They’re located right on Beach Drive, and the patio outside is great for people watching. Inside, they have romantic lighting with modern decor. We love the calamari and tuna carpaccio with a little (or a lot of) red wine.
Flute and Dram: Champagne for the lady, and whiskey for gentlemen. Flute and Dram has an upscale and modern vibe with a wide variety of champagne and whiskey. They have the cutest little bar with sidewalk seating so you can people watch on Beach Drive while you sip. (Also clearly love people watching.) They also offer champagne flights so you can sample different champs to see what you like best. I really couldn’t find one thing I didn’t like about this place. I can’t wait to go back!
Annata wine bar: A FAVORITE by far, Annata wine bar is a short walk from Bella Brava and everything else on Beach Drive. My grandma and I love to go here to have a glass of wine and split a charcuterie board while we sit outside. This is a great before or after dinner, or for your night out in general. This is a MUST on my list the next time you’re in Saint Petersburg, Fl!
