Welcome to the Austin Pedal Party Blog, your new favorite spot to find out all you need to know about having a great time here in Austin, Texas. Though we are new to the posting game, we are thrilled to be able to talk about all the qualities of this city that we can’t get enough of. Regular upcoming posts will include (but aren’t the least bit limited to) drink specials, local business spotlights and ideas for every occasion under the sun.
Today, we would like to begin with our own twist on the classic date night idea of Dinner & A Movie. While we are all suckers for the classic outing style (who can really mess up those plans?) we want to spotlight a handful of other choices available in the area. Take a moment to learn about a few of the theaters we have in Austin. Cinematographic enthusiasts of any background are sure to find a flick that they have always wanted to see playing at one of our many available options. Once you’ve finished with the theater selections, continue reading for more of Austin’s best date ideas!
Let us take the guess work out of your date night in Austin. Whether you are brand new to the area or are a seasoned veteran, there’s something for everyone to get hyped about on this list. Read through until the end for our personal favorite date night selection. Don’t be surprised if you have to plan your next ten visits through Austin with your sweetheart.
Violet Crown Cinema
4.5 ★
Located in the ever-growing 2nd Street District, Violet Crown Cinema is a local theater known for hosting a selection of films ranging from the classics to new releases. Since the theatre is all over the spectrum with the available genre options, your only stress point with this place comes from having to decide on which film to watch. Dinner won’t even be necessary at Violet Crown Cinema if you like to snack. Before you sit down to your new favorite movie, order some hummus or chips and queso, or even a hot dog if you’re feeling up to it. We highly recommend filling up on appetizers when you’re at Violet Crown.
Toy Joy
4.6 ★
After you and your date finish up with the film you didn’t know would end up being a part of your collection, head over to Toy Joy to round up the evening. Countless dates have been spent at this historic storefront since its opening back in 1987. An easy walk away, Toy Joy is also in the 2nd Street District and embodies nostalgia for kids of all ages and is bound to have plenty of fun items to play with. Take a walk inside and see if you both grew up with the same pieces in your toy chest while discussing how you can’t wait to watch that movie again.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema South Lamar
4.6 ★
For the last two decades, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has remained a staple location for everything from first dates to twenty fifth anniversaries. Featuring a crew of movie enthusiasts, every second spent at this theater includes the potential for a great film debate. “Dinner and a Movie” doesn’t begin to encompass what style of experience you will undergo at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. With five different locations throughout Austin, finding one won’t be hard.
The Highball
4.4 ★
Head over to the Union Plaza location for a theatre with a nearby proximity to our next suggestion, karaoke at The Highball. Next door to Alamo Drafthouse Cinema (you would have to try hard to miss it) The Highball features themed karaoke rooms, dance parties and if you arrive at the right time, interactive activities and live bands. Set off the evening at The Highball and impress your date after or before a movie at Alamo Drafthouse in Union Plaza.
AMC Barton Creek Square
4.1 ★
Barton Creek Square is a newly renovated shopping mall in Austin, with plenty to do outside of the movie theater. Showing the newest and greatest flicks, head out to the new release you’ve been waiting months to attend. Grab a beer at MacGuffins Bar and get ready to settle in with some popcorn and your partner at the Barton Creek Square AMC theater.
Barton Creek Sqaure
4.4 ★
Once you’ve finished waiting past the credits for that post scene, there’s no better spot to wander and discuss the film than inside of a climate-controlled mall. Window shop, pause for ice cream or even sit down to a meal at the Cheesecake Factory. One location featuring all the stops needed for a well-rounded date, Barton Creek Square has just about everything you can ask for in a classic date setup.
AFS Cinema
4.7 ★
Are you the type of person who wants to impress people with your immense knowledge of movies that no one knows about? When you want an experience that is independent from big theaters and only shows movies that aren’t normally making their way on to the average big screen, you head over to AFS. Passionate about more than special effects and big budgets, the Austin Film Society has remained essential to the movie making process for independent producers in the area for many years.
The Linc Mall
4.7 ★
Since you’ll already be in the Linc Mall, you won’t search for long before settling in to one of multiple restaurant selections. Pluckers Wing Bar and Tio Pepe Chicken are two food options for before or after the movie showing. Find out why Austin loves to support the Austin Film Society while visiting an epic mall in Midtown Plaza.
CLASSY & MODERN IDEAS
Now that you’ve gotten the basics out of the way, keep reading for more date ideas here in Austin that aren’t so old fashioned. While the classics always work and you can’t go wrong with the old school concept, Austin has much more to offer and here at Austin Pedal Party, we are stoked to give you plenty of choices to from which to select. Nature enthusiasts, art lovers and even gamers will be ready to spend a night out on the town by the time this article is finished being read. Austin, being the creative city that it is, has a huge selection of experiences just waiting to make your date night go off without a hitch. (but might end with you getting hitched!) While no one has officially said it, Austin can be a romantic spot if you know where to look.
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WonderSpaces
4.5 ★
For those who can’t seem to get enough of all that shines, lights up, sparkles and glows, Wonderspaces is one of those venues that doesn’t feel real from the moment you walk inside. Immerse yourself in the glitz that only this exhibit can provide. Experience the type of date that will be gossiped about for years to come. If ever a first date was worthy of being remembered at the wedding anniversary party, Wonderspaces is it.
Cidercade
4.5 ★
Only 15 minutes away from Wonderspaces, we believe that an epic addition to date night at Wonderspaces would be playing over 150 arcade games at Cidercade. Equal parts bar and arcade, you will find all the classics you love and some new games you might not know about. When the allure of flashing lights is too much of a draw, try out this date night combo and get abstract while getting to know each other.
A Stroll at Pease Park
4.7 ★
Located near hundreds of shops and restaurants, Pease Park is Austin’s oldest park and is more than a swing set and slides. Home to urban art, walking trails, lush beauty and even a treehouse observation pod, Pease Park has the means to entertain for hours and is a sure way to work up an appetite. Beauty presents itself to a flawless blend of manmade and natural creative combinations that are out of this world.
Josephine House
4.4 ★
Only four minutes from the park, Josephine House is a casual dining experience full of the quaint charm that coats every inch of Austin. Brunch or dinner is an elegant and affordable experience for all who come inside. Known for making their guests feel more like “family” than restaurant patrons, the Josephine House is an experience worth having.
Blanton Museum of Art
4.7 ★
Thursday is a special day here in Austin for art enthusiasts. You might be surprised to find out that free admission on Thursdays is a normal happening around here for museums like The Blanton Museum of Art on Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. From 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2 – 5 p.m. every Thursday, plan a stroll among an ever-changing array of creative displays from major names in the creative industry.
Monkies Vintage and Thrift
3.9 ★
Save even more on a cheap date by walking over to Monkies Vintage and Thrift, only 5 minutes walking distance away from The Blanton. There’s no need to spend a ton of money in Austin to have fun on a date. Whether it be from the countless groupon options or finding an incredible deal on something new to you from the thrift store, Austin is stocked with hidden gems like Monkies to explore. What better day to do it than after a free trip through the museum?
Mexic-Arte Museum
4.4 ★
Dedicated to bringing interpretations of Mexican, Latino and Latin American culture and art to the community of Austin, Texas, the Mexic-Arte Museum is a sure treat for art lovers of all kinds. Beginning in 1984 and continuing to grow, this museum is one you will want to visit for many dates to come. There’s always something new to see and enjoy.
Comedor
4.4 ★
Once you’ve gotten your fill of art and culture (or are at least ready to take a small break) you can walk less than five minutes down the road to Comedor, a high ceiling, Mexican-inspired restaurant that will top off the experience flawlessly. Aesthetically pleasing, filling and with reasonable prices, you aren’t going to regret this themed date night experience.
Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds
4.6 ★
Now we don’t know anyone in the United States who can resist a good pun, especially one so great as Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds, an iconic costume store on Congress. Cosplayers, makeup artists and generally anyone would get a kick out of wandering the shelves and various sections of the store.
Jeni’s Ice Cream
4.4 ★
Sticking to a vintage theme for the afternoon/evening, walking over to Jeni’s Ice Cream on South Congress is a must after a trip through Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds, barely a five minute trek down the road. Buttercream textured and without any harmful dyes or additives, Jeni’s is where you go for incredible natural flavors, served with a smile. Priding themselves on providing an experience that truly accommodates the needs of every individual customer, a visit to this iconic ice cream shop is a good idea any time.
Austin Pedal Party
5.0 ★
We could not make our way through this list without tooting our own horn a bit. Though Austin, Texas is known to house a seemingly endless array of choices for date night, we are a bit biased here at Austin Pedal Party. When you’re on a mission to get to know Austin, listen to your favorite music and have the time of your life, you book a tour with us on the #PedalParty. Tickets start at only 30$ so you won’t want to miss out on this fun time. Ride around Austin with a local host who knows the area and is ready to answer any of your questions about the city with us at Austin Pedal Party.
CONCLUSION
Now that you have eliminated the need for scheduling date night activities, we hope that your trip to Austin ends up going smoother than a ride on the #PedalParty. Keep coming back here to the blog regularly for more information on what makes this city our favorite to live in. Upcoming posts will include food, venues, Instagram worthy photo spots, and potentially any other topic you can come up with. We’re here to make your life easier and show our new guests a great time so visit the site often and book your #PedalParty ride today!