Written by Aiman Khan

Thumbnail Photo by Delfina Iacub on Unsplash

Now that restaurants and bars have opened up again, there’s no reason to stay in for date nights (unless, of course, you two would rather enjoy a cozy night in). If you and your partner need some inspiration to go out into the city, here are some highly recommended, budget-friendly, cute date spots in the heart of downtown Halifax.

If you’re in the mood for a cozy date night, look no further than the Boardroom Café located at 1256 Barrington Street! With Fall fast approaching, nothing beats the feeling of sipping on hot chocolate or and playing a few rounds of your favourite board games with your partner. The Boardroom Café boasts an impressive variety of games that will keep the two of you engaged for hours, and you can always order your favourite snacks if the competition gets you feeling peckish (you can even give their boozy ‘Potions’ a try). This cafe can also be a great double date spot if you’re looking to break the ice with your friend’s new boo.

For those of you who want to enjoy the waterfront and would like a more ‘fine dining’ experience (on a student budget, of course), the Sea Smoke Restaurant and Bar is a great option. Located right on the waterfront at 1477 Lower Water Street, the patio tables offer a great view of the ocean and the steady traffic of Haligonians on the boardwalk will keep those of you who enjoy people-watching entertained. The menu offers a selection of sushi and mouth-watering entrées like AAA tenderloin, duck confit, and the maritime favourite: lobster. Dinner dates here can be especially romantic if you choose to end the night dancing salsa and bachata with your partner at the old waterfront gazebo. If that doesn’t sweep you off your feet, I don’t know what will!

The Middle Spoon Desserterie and Bar at 1563 Barrington Street is another great option for a date night you would want to dress up for. While this would be more of a ‘drinks and dessert’ kind of date, this dessert bar also has a hidden speakeasy in the basement – the Noble – that can only be accessed by whispering the password to your server. The fun thing about this hidden bar is that the password changes on a weekly basis, so you have to be subscribed to their mailing list to stay up to date. However, the drinks, the desserts, and the ambience are worth the extra effort, even if the cocktails are a bit on the pricier side. And if you’re a fan of the 1920’s aesthetic (think the Great Gatsby), this little speakeasy might just be your new favourite secret spot in the city.

The Garden Food Bar and Lounge is yet another beautiful bar located at 5475 Clyde Street, at the intersection of Clyde and Queen Street. Boasting a unique bohemian and new-world aesthetic with large chandeliers and priceless artifacts from the East, this bar is sure to impress your date. You can choose from a variety of seating options, from hardwood tables and chairs to swings or a year-round patio. The restaurant is reasonably priced with brunch and café options, beyond the usual lunch and dinner menus. If you purchase tickets to their events, you can even enjoy live performances from artists such as local singers and drag performers. It’s also a great spot for study dates in the afternoon!

If you’re on a really tight budget and would prefer something a little more casual, a great option would be the Public Gardens located at Spring Garden Road and Summer Street. Open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m till 8 p.m, a stroll through this beautiful Victorian garden is enough to quell any first-date nerves. As long as you don’t walk on the grass and leave the ducks to find their own food, you can spend hours enjoying the flowers, statues, and the two adorable Toulouse geese, Diana and Flora, at the bird enclosure. One of the oldest buildings in the Gardens, the Horticultural Hall, houses the Uncommon Grounds Café where you can even stop to grab some (Irish) coffee or light snacks.

Another great date spot for students on a budget would be the waterfront itself. There are many restaurants and cafés to choose from here, but a simple stroll down the boardwalk can be a great way to spend some time with your date. The two of you can rent scooters or bikes if you would like to be more active and explore the city together, or if you’re in the mood to stargaze, you have the option to cuddle up with your partner on the hammocks near the water. And if you get hungry, you two can grab some delicious ice cream from Cow’s or some Beavertails, and enjoy the music of local artists.

Of course, the pandemic is far from over and all of these bars, restaurants, and cafes are observing COVID-19 precautions. Make sure you and your date follow all the community guidelines when you’re out and about. That being said, go out and explore what Halifax has to offer and you might be surprised at what this city has in store for you and your date!

Cute Date Spots in Halifax

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