Figuring out where to take a date isn’t an easy decision. Hollywood is known for its diverse cuisine, and settling on Italian, Asian, Mediterranean or [insert type of food here] can be quite the brain teaser.
Plus, you have to take into account the place’s vibe: Will a more casual spot suffice or should you drop some money on an impressive meal? Decisions, decisions. Fear not, because this handy guide will help you find the best eatery for many dating scenarios.
The Best Places for Just Drinks
When it comes to romance, it’s hard to beat a nice bottle of wine at Hollywood Vine. The quaint wine shop is home to more than 600 wines, so rest assured that you’re bound to find something you’ll both like. Don’t expect much food here: To help soak up all the alcohol, there’s mainly cheese and other light bites. Check the schedule, and if you’re lucky, you might be able to catch a recorded concert performance or another cool event. 
For a more interactive experience, consider visiting on a Tuesday night. That’s when Hollywood Vine hosts its weekly wine tastings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. You’ll get to try a little bit of this and a little bit of that while getting educated on a particular type of wine. It’s a fun, casual way to spend a night with your significant other.
If you prefer your drinks with a view, Cielo (“sky” in Spanish) Restaurant and Sky Bar lives up to its name. Located in Costa Hollywood Resort, the seventh-floor venue lets you enjoy cocktails, wine, beer and more while enjoying awesome views of the Atlantic Ocean and Hollywood waterways. It can get a little pricey, so stop in during their social hour; from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Cielo serves up $6 cocktails and bites like mini beef empanadas, beef sliders, and spinach and artichoke dip.
The Best Place for a Casual Outing
If your date is the low-key “beers and wings” kinda guy or gal, The Tipsy Boar is just the place to go. Bar bites like onion rings, fries, wings and mussels are plentiful, but there are also other options that won’t send you to the cardiologist. Beer is the main attraction here, however, and there’s so much of it. You’ll discover local favourites and lesser known brands on the rotating lineup along with old standbys like Coors and Budweiser.
Because the portions are huge, ordering food here is one way to get closer to your date; pretty much everything is shareable. And if you come during happy hour, you’ll get to enjoy some of The Tipsy Boar’s top dishes for an even better price. Make sure to get dessert: The espresso mud pie is a doozy.
The Best Places to Impress Your Date
If you want to wow your other half, get a reservation at Kuro inside Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. You may be hesitant to visit due to all the construction on the property – it ain’t pretty – but it’s worth it to visit Kuro. Once you’re inside, you’ll be whisked away on a culinary journey like no other. Open for dinner every day, the casino eatery features an extensive selection of Japanese cuisine, ranging from sushi and sashimi to tempura and robata selection.
You’re going to want to try something from every section (if your budget allows); it’s all good. Better yet, consider one of the Chef’s Choice menu to try some of Kuro’s best offerings without having to agonize over decision making. Some of our favourites include the Koji lamb, lobster shiso, toro tartare and sea bass nori.
For a similar experience that’s fancy-ish and slightly more affordable, consider Monkitail at Diplomat Beach Resort. Japanese fried chicken, tempura shrimp tacos and shrimp fried rice are just a few of the standouts on this varied menu. The chef’s filling tasting menu can be had for $65 per person and includes 10 selections plus one dessert; it’s one of the best deals in town for this kind of food. Plus, after your dinner, you and your date can keep the night alive with karaoke in the restaurant’s private lounge.
The Best Place for a Group Date
If you like bringing other couples along when you go out, then there are few places cooler than Social Room. At Social Room, you’ll find groups hanging out, conversing and taking advantage of all the great games that the venue offers. Expect to find Jenga, Connect 4, beer pong, arcade games and more to keep everyone entertained throughout the night.
Fair warning: It can get pretty loud on the weekends, thanks to the DJ, so if you prefer a quieter evening, come during the week. Regardless of when you visit, though, there are usually drink specials going on; you won’t find yourself breaking the bank here.
Written by:
Gean Biffulco
idea180.com