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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Highland Park

Cool date spots

Somewhere to take a date that feels effortlessly current rather than just trendy for the sake of it.

Based on 592 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
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Narrow bar with 8,000 vinyl records and audiophile sound system creates an intimate, nostalgic vibe. DJs spin diverse music from rock to jazz, enhancing the laidback atmosphere. Crowds include local college students, and the space fills quickly on weekend nights.

Soft lighting and nostalgic vibes create a charming atmosphere for dates. The bar offers delicious drinks including fancy mocktails, making it easy to enjoy whether drinking beer or not.

Great drinks and good music create a casual, cool vibe. It works well as a laid-back date spot.

People are saying

"The bar's DJ played great funk and jazz music."

"The drinks here are amazing, especially the creative mocktails."

"The dim lighting and great music make it a perfect date spot."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs on Tuesdays with discounted drinks.

2

Expect a crowded atmosphere on Saturday nights.

3

Parking can be difficult; street parking may be three blocks away.

02
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Sichuan restaurant

Compact space with crimson tiles and jade exterior creates an inviting, cozy vibe like dining at a friend's home. Atmosphere stays laid back and quiet, suitable for dates or groups. The spot offers affordable prices and a vegetarian-friendly menu, welcoming even pets inside.

Cute atmosphere sets the tone for a date night or group get-together. Mala class offers a great spot for dinner with friends or a date.

A cool vibe sets the tone here, making it a standout spot. The addition of a Szechuan option adds to its unique appeal.

People are saying

"You have to try the Dan Dan noodles; they're the best Chinese food I've ever had."

"The Dandan noodles here have a nice sesame flavor with a little spice."

"The vibe here is so cool."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-minute wait on Saturday nights for a party of two.

2

The restaurant is vegetarian-friendly with adaptable menu options for vegans.

3

Most dishes are labeled for allergies, including peanut allergy-friendly options.

03
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Old, lived-in shop filled with vintage sodas and candies creates a nostalgic atmosphere with 50s rock n roll music playing. A unique do-it-yourself soda station lets visitors mix and bottle custom drinks. Shelves packed with exotic imports and vintage toys add to the retro vibe.

Offers a fun date idea with a cozy, old-world grocery vibe. Good spot for a little casual outing together.

Unique vintage candy and niche sodas fill the shelves. The spot also offers old-school toys and puzzles alongside sandwiches and syrups.

People are saying

"I found so many rare and hard-to-find sodas and vintage candy."

"It's so cool how many soda flavors they have from all over the world."

"You can make your own soda flavors at these fun Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Parking at Galco's is generous and free.

2

Expect a wide selection of over 600 different types of soda.

3

Galco's has the largest collection of vintage candies and toys.

04
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Cocktail bar

Cocktail bar with an 80s feel and old school video games creates a fun, chill vibe. Live jazz and local bands play in a space featuring pool tables and a disco room. Interactive amenities like an arcade and a hidden back bar add to the lively atmosphere.

Offers a relaxed setting for date nights with a vibe that can spark a first date feeling. Suitable for spending quality time with a partner or hanging out with friends over a good beer.

Atmosphere features a disco ball, orange pool table, and aquarium creating a cool vibe. Music space offers great energy with sick games and events enhancing the experience.

People are saying

"This bar has a gorgeous, fun vibe with stiff drinks."

"I found the atmosphere here to be super cool and laid-back."

"It's a great spot for Date Spots with a laidback vibe and good drinks."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 7pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Karaoke night is every Monday with no cover charge.

3

The 'Donuts: A Disco Party' event occurs monthly, attracting a lively crowd.

05
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Outdoor patio offers ample shaded seating with heaters and blankets for comfort in cooler weather. Atmosphere stays calm and soothing, suitable for working or casual dining. Space blends versatile design that adapts well to both casual and formal occasions.

Cute spot with solid small plates that look great. Coffee made with espresso, bitters, and Mexican Coke offers a unique twist. Pastries, including a fantastic chocolate chip cookie, add a sweet touch.

A cool little hideaway with a casual coffee spot vibe. The Cool Girl spritz stands out as a refreshing drink option.

People are saying

"The outdoor patio is beautiful and great for conversation."

"These date spots have unexpectedly amazing, must-try dishes."

"The staff here is so cool and patient."

Good to know

1

Street parking is the only option available, and it can be challenging.

2

Laptops are not allowed after 5pm, so plan accordingly.

3

Happy hour features a variety of bites and drinks at discounted prices.

06
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Minimalist cafe with an industrial vibe features bright, airy warehouse design and huge windows. Atmosphere blends relaxed European feel with a calm sonic environment playing diverse music. Space attracts a mix of people working on laptops and socializing, offering indoor/outdoor seating and thoughtful design elements.

Couples often relax together on the window ledge with bare feet, creating a casual vibe. Drinks like lattes are available but can be just alright in quality.

Open windows and light, cool interior choices create a fresh atmosphere. The espresso machine stands out as a cool feature.

People are saying

"This coffee shop's vibe is modern, stylish, and effortlessly cool."

"It's a cool spot with a stylish, calm vibe."

"The atmosphere here is great for Date Spots, very airy and relaxed."

Good to know

1

Parking is only available on the street, with no designated lot.

2

Seating is limited, and many customers may have to stand.

3

The menu is small and located next to the cash register.

07
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Video arcade

Space splits into two distinct halves with a rustic atmosphere and classic coin-operated arcade games including pinball and vintage titles. Energy stays chill and cozy, attracting grown-up gamers and friends seeking nostalgia and craft beer. Tables in the back offer a comfortable spot amid a lively but not overwhelming vibe.

Weekend evenings fill with couples on dates enjoying the arcade games. The spot offers a fun, playful vibe that brings out the indoor kid in everyone, making it a unique choice for a date night.

Lots of cool arcade games create a fun vibe. It feels like a cool spot to hang out with family or friends.

People are saying

"I loved playing the old school arcade games and pinball machines here."

"It's a cool place to hang out with fun games and good food."

"It's a great date spot with tons of classic video games."

Good to know

1

Most games at Barcade cost 50 cents each.

2

Parking is difficult to find, requiring several laps around the block.

3

Barcade has its own parking lot for customers.

08
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Restaurant

Small indoor space feels cramped and warm, while a large outdoor patio offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere with heated lamps and casual vibes. Noise levels vary, sometimes making conversation difficult. The place blends Mexican and Italian influences in a colorful, inviting setting.

Combining Mexican and Italian cuisines creates a unique dining experience. Frequent visits for dinner and enjoying a breakfast sandwich make it a solid choice for date nights.

Casual patio vibes create a relaxed atmosphere. Unique dishes deliver amazing food with a fresh approach to flavor.

People are saying

"The handmade pasta here is perfectly paired with sweet corn and tangy lime."

"These Date Spots offer amazing Italian-Mexican fusion dishes."

"The flavor combinations here are unique and subtle."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB, so bring your own drinks.

2

Street parking is the only option available nearby.

3

Expect small plate sizes, which may affect pricing perception.

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Highland Park, Los Angeles

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