7 Exciting Spots to Take Your First Date

You only get one first impression so don’t blow it with a boring first date. Instead, set the bar high by taking your date to any one of these unique spots—if that doesn’t lead to a second date, well that’s on you.

For adventurous eaters: Cantina La Veinte

Don’t be vanilla—show off your spicy side at this upscale Mexican cantina. Foodies will appreciate the mix of traditional Mexican recipes mixed with gourmet avant-garde techniques like spherification and foam. Try the poblano pepper stuffed with mixed seafood and homemade chorizo topped with Oaxaca cheese foam. Daring eaters should order the guacamole and add on chapulines, or grasshoppers, an Oaxacan specialty. The space is large and glitzy, so grab a seat on the patio for a more subdued and romantic setting surrounded by lush greenery and twinkling lights. 495 Brickell Ave., Miami, 786-623-6135

If you have a playful side: Ricky's South Beach

If a sense of humor is on your dating checklist, Ricky’s is the place to keep both of you entertained with a carnival-inspired menu, arcade games, and live music. If your date isn't smiling after eating bacon and blueberry funnel cake, deep fried Snickers with a KitKat crunch, or rum-infused dulche de leche drunken donut holes, then they just might not be the one. If nerves are at play, get into a drinking game to break the ice. Ricky’s offers table-tap beer bongs, more than 150 whiskey varieties, and a craft cocktail menu. 1222 16th St., Miami Beach, 305-704-3602

For zen vibes: Hyde Beach Kitchen + Cocktails

Calm those first-date jitters at this part-restaurant and part-spa hybrid. Start with a massage at the beachside spa on the first floor and keep the zen going with freshly squeezed cocktails on the beach, like the Love Unit with Absolut vodka, Absolut vanilla, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and cooling basil leaves. Or snag a lounger on the sand and make a beach day out of it. If you get hungry, there’s also a rooftop restaurant with seasonal American cuisine to fuel up. 111 S. Surf Rd., Hallandale Beach, 954-699-0901

If you like to travel: Big Easy Winebar & Grill

Spark your wanderlust at this eatery inspired by the Western Cape of South Africa and the laidback lifestyle of South African golf-icon Ernie Els (who has the nickname Big Easy—no connection to New Orleans). The menu captures the warm and rich flavors of the country mixed with Latin influences. Share small bites like the mini cauliflower samosas made with roasted cauliflower and vibrant green chutney, as you and your date sip on South African wine. Bring up the other Big Easy locations in South Africa, Dubai, and a spot opening soon in Malaysia to initiate a colorful conversation about your travels—if all goes well, maybe a trip together will come sooner than you thnk. 701 S. Miami Ave., Suite 339A, Miami, 786-814-5955

If you own a boat, or really like seafood: Boatyard

After a day out on the water, dock your boat in Fort Lauderdale for an impressive dock-and-dine experience. Even if your boat’s in the shop, you can still soak up the nautical vibes in an alluring waterside setting with hook-to-table fresh catches from local fishermen. Spring for the pan roasted snapper provençal with roasted peppers, tomato, garlic, provençal olives, and fresh basil before sailing off into the sunset. 1555 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale, 954-525-7400

For the creative types: Verde at Pérez Art Museum Miami

This eatery is the perfect locale for art lovers—make a day out of browsing the contemporary Pérez Art Museum Miami before taking a seat at this modern resto, located in the museum with outdoor tables, hanging gardens, and views of Biscayne Bay. They're open for brunch and lunch so grab a cocktail or two, and get transported by the squash blossom pizza with zucchini, creamy goat cheese, flavorful tomato sugo on a thin crispy crust. 1103 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 305-375-8282

For the wild ones: Rooftop at E11EVEN

This sexy 24-hour bar and dance club has sweeping city views, seductive fire pits, and some serious dancing complete with DJs, dancers on trapezes, and burlesque performances. There’s a dining room and an outside lounge for when you need a moment with for just the two of you. The night is young, so keep your energy up with some tapas to share like mini buttermilk fried chicken and waffles with honey butter and spicy maple syrup, roasted shishito peppers seasoned with lemon sea salt, and beef empanadas with cilantro aioli. 15 NE 11th St., Miami, 305-358-9848