Tired of spending every date night fighting over what to watch on Netflix? We get it. You may be thinking that you’ve already seen it all, but there’s dozens upon dozens of unique date spots you can find here in Springfield. Check out our top ten picks and grab your date for a night on the town that you won’t forget any time soon.
#1: Historic Rountree Neighborhood
Just a few blocks away from the Missouri State campus, the Historic Rountree Neighborhood boasts a bustling business district near the corner of Cherry and Pickwick. Catch some live music in the beer garden at Tie & Timber Beer Co. or take in a more intimate listening room concert at Royal Music Hall. Share a unique dining experience at restaurants such as Tea Bar & Bites, Skully’s, Team Taco, Ott’s Pasta or Cherry Picker Package X Fare. Couples with a creative streak will love Artistree Pottery, where you can paint your own pottery while enjoying appetizers and drinks. Finally, Rountree is the perfect spot for some one-of-a-kind shopping. You can find handmade art and jewelry at The Local Bevy, pick up some fresh local food from Culture Counter and take home a lovely floral arrangement from Fleur.
#2: Pickwick & Cherry
One of our favorite spots in the historic Rountree community in Springfield, Pickwick & Cherry is the place to go for some hands-on cooking fun with your date. Visit their website to register for an upcoming baking class or Date Night Cooking experience featuring seasonal themes such as Oktoberfest, Christmas and Valentine’s Day. You can also partake in delicious handmade goodies, including crowd-pleasing baked goods, candies, cookies and more!
#3: Finley Farms
Built in 1833 on the banks of the Finley River, the historic Finley Farms and Ozark Mill includes unique restaurants, urban farming and events galore. Their menu is chock-full of seasonal dishes made with local, sustainable ingredients, including fresh produce grown onsite! Enjoy a delicious meal overlooking the river at Ozark Mill Restaurant, or go downstairs to The Garrison where you can order savory shareables and craft cocktails in a more intimate setting.
#4: Millsap Farms Pizza Night
Think picnic but better. Each Thursday night from May to October, Springfieldians gather to celebrate the season with locally made and sourced wood-fired pizzas at Millsap Farms. You and your sweetie can grab a slice and enjoy live local music while taking in the farm’s beauty all summer long if you wish. It’s great for a one-off date night or a new tradition for you both.
#5: Bear Creek Winery & Brewery
Family-owned Bear Creek Winery & Brewery lets you sample a variety of wines and beers in a gorgeous natural setting in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks. Located just 10 miles north of Branson, Bear Creek features 11 wines ranging from dry to sweet and 6 beers on tap that rotate seasonally. If you’re craving a romantic weekend getaway, book a cabin at Bear Creek Lodge. All cabins include a luxurious hot tub, and you’ll wake up to a delicious continental breakfast in the morning.
#6: Alamo Drafthouse
The Alamo Drafthouse is more than just a movie theater date. It’s a movie theater date with amazing lounging chairs, food and alcohol delivered directly to your seat and seats you can specially select before you arrive. Need we say more? You can make the night extra special by going to one of their themed movie parties, like a Troop Beverly Hills quote-along or a glowing presentation of Xanadu with glow sticks and disco balls. What are you waiting for?
#7: Andy B’s
Looking for a playful date experience? Andy B’s has you covered! Where else can you go for dinner, bowling and games all in one exciting location? Their 31 lanes feature lounge-style seating and lane-side food service. Enjoy a fast-paced game of laser tag, try out a virtual reality adventure or take a trip down memory lane with some classic video games in the arcade.Their menu features scrumptuous sharables, burgers, pizza, and you can celebrate with original cocktails and local brews.
#8: Blue Room Comedy Club
If sharing a good laugh is your idea of a romantic evening, visit Blue Room Comedy Club in Downtown Springfield. Their weekly schedule features legendary comedians as well as today’s fastest-rising names in the world of comedy. Chow down on fun appetizers, pizza and desserts along with flavorful cocktails, beer, wine and spirits. Think you’ve got what it takes to get people giggling? Sign up for open mic night on Thursdays and Sundays!
#9: Ice skating
Located downtown with two NHL sized rinks, the Jordan Valley Ice Park is the perfect place to get your skate on. It’s only $6 per person — with a $3 skate rental if you don’t bring your own — to hop on the ice and skate. Not sure if skating is your thing? You can always sneak in one of their How to Skate classes before the date. Your date will definitely be impressed by your skills.
#10: First Friday Art Walk & Sculpture Walk
Springfield offers lots of ways for you and your significant other to get inspired by our city’s creative energy. If it’s the first Friday of the month, head Downtown for First Friday Art Walk from 5 to 10 p.m. That’s when local businesses open their doors to showcase the best in original visual art, photography, sculpture and more.
You can keep the creative vibe going all month long with Springfield’s very own Sculpture Walk. The collection boasts more than 30 unique sculptures located throughout Downtown, Jordan Valley Park, Rountree and other nearby locales. The Walk follows an annual rotating schedule, with brand new sculptures appearing every April. And with no set hours and no entry fee, you can take in the collection for free at any time, day or night!
Are you and your partner looking for a city where your life can thrive?Download our relocation guide and explore your options in Springfield, Missouri.