Valentine’s Date Night in New Detroit

It’s time to say goodbye to your regular date spots. Dinner and a movie might be your go-to for a typical Thursday night, but since February is the month of love, it might be time to step it up. Something new pops up every time you turn your head in Detroit, so finding a fresh new spot doesn’t take too much searching. But if you need some ideas, we’ve got you covered with this list of romantic hot spots – whether it’s your first date or 101st.

For the couple who likes to keep it chill …

Located next door to the N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art, The Griot Music Lounge is a cozy spot to grab a drink and settle in for a good conversation and good music. Set to a soundtrack of vinyl records, spinning everything from jazz and R&B to hip-hop, Griot hosts rotating DJs, visual artists and pop-up food vendors, giving each visit a new vibe. 66 E. Forest Ave., Detroit.

Another Midtown spot for the couple looking to keep it grown and sexy, just a few blocks away, is the recently opened Cata Vino Mercado and Wine Bar, sister of neighboring tapas restaurant La Feria. Though Spanish wines and sherry are the stars here, Cata Vino has a full bar, retail wines and specialty foods for pairing. 4130 Cass Ave., Detroit.

For the couple who likes it loud …

While a lot of Detroit’s historic live music venues like Baker’s, Cliff Bell’s and Raven Lounge are still pumping out tunes, the newly opened Willis Show Bar is the second coming of the jazz club that once occupied the Midtown/Cass Corridor space, which shuttered in 1978. The bar’s refurbished elements give off vintage vibes and their “upscale” dress code definitely adds to the ambiance. Showcasing both local and visiting talent nightly, Willis Show Bar hosts live bands, DJs and even burlesque performances. Grab a table for two or link up with a few other couples and reserve a private booth. For the couple who likes live music, Willis Show Bar is an upscale alternative to some of the city’s typical music venues. 4156 Third St., Detroit.

For the foodie couple …

Deciding on what to eat can be a daily struggle for some couples. However, at Fort Street Galley, you and your date can eat entirely different cuisines while still dining together. This food hall houses four different restaurants under one roof from local chefs: Allenby, Isla, Lucky’s and Pursue. Allenby is a sandwich shop that also serves small plates; Isla serves Filipino fare; Lucky’s specializes in wagyu beef barbecue; and Pursue dishes up Korean cuisine. You can mix and match your meal from a couple of different spots and tie it all together with a cocktail from the food hall’s bar. 160 W. Fort St., Detroit.

If a traditional dining experience is more your thing, Le Culture Café is a new kid in town – a fine dining option occupying the former Antietam restaurant space near Eastern Market. Le Culture Café’s menu of seafood and southern dishes is ideal for couples who love to eat. If you want to impress your date by ordering for them, you really can’t go wrong with the Seafood Overload Mac and Cheese. 1428 Gratiot Ave., Detroit.

For the competitive couple …

Grab a pint and engage your date’s competitive side at Eastern Market Brewing Company, which offers a selection of board and card games to play while you sip from their selection of beers brewed in-house. A more casual option, the taproom serves bites from The Elephant Shack, their permanent food truck parked right outside. 2515 Riopelle St., Detroit.

If video games are more your date’s speed, Deluxx Fluxx is a cocktail bar, music venue and arcade with an atmosphere that’s sure to impress. The venue’s wall-to-wall poster-style art and Instagram-worthy black light room have made the colorful venue a Detroit selfie destination. 1274 Library St., Detroit.