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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Riverside

Date spots

A date night setting that feels intimate enough for a real conversation instead of a loud, crowded room.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated May 2026
01
SENYAI Thai Street Food & Noodle Bar image 1
SENYAI Thai Street Food & Noodle Bar image 2
SENYAI Thai Street Food & Noodle Bar image 3
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Space blends subtle Thai decor with spacious seating and a clean, fresh scent that sets a calm, authentic tone. Background features Thai pop and K-pop music videos projected on walls, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. The vibe recalls bustling Bangkok streets with a modern, chill energy.

Excellent Thai food shines here with dishes like Pad Ka Prao, Pad Kee Mao, and Roti standing out. The food pairs with amazing service for a complete experience.

Proximity to the river creates a romantic atmosphere for dates. Weekday lunch specials offer affordable dining options that couples appreciate.

People are saying

"I found the food to be truly authentic and flavorful."

"The Thai food here is authentic and incredibly delicious."

"This is probably one of the best Thai food places weโ€™ve ever been to."

Good to know

1

The lunch special includes a dish, soup or salad, and a drink for a good price.

2

Expect smaller portion sizes for the price compared to other Thai restaurants.

3

They offer unique Thai specialties that are hard to find elsewhere.

02
Pie95 Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Stone oven and exposed 1920s brick create a modern yet historic pizza spot with cozy outdoor seating and a quiet back patio. Warm, friendly atmosphere feels like hanging out in a friend's backyard. Artwork and clean design add to the inviting, charming vibe.

Delicious food pairs with personable staff who take pride in their work. The service complements the great ambiance well.

Pizza stands out as a go-to dish for couples here, with options like the Barrata Caprese that get positive attention. The spot offers a casual vibe that fits well for a relaxed date night.

People are saying

"I loved the meatballs with honey and Parmesan."

"The pizza here is amazing, especially the crust."

"The pizza here is so good, I'd rate it a 10 out of 10."

Good to know

1

Happy hour on Tuesdays features $2 PBR beers.

2

Pizza classes are available for a fun date night experience.

3

Canned sodas cost $2 each.

03
Riverdale Inn image 1
Bed & breakfast

Large historic home offers a cozy, charming atmosphere with beautiful hardwood floors and well-appointed rooms featuring private entrances. Social and friendly guests enjoy relaxing with music from a vintage record player and help themselves at an honor bar. The setting feels like a peaceful, welcoming retreat with a comfortable, homey vibe.

Food comes with beautiful presentation and is well seasoned. The dining area feels cozy, and service includes attentive breakfast offerings.

People are saying

"The breakfast here is delicious, especially the pecan waffles."

"The staff here is so warm and accommodating for date spots."

"The food here is amazing, especially the chicken salad."

Good to know

1

There is parking on site for guests.

2

You can walk to local neighborhood attractions and restaurants.

3

Riverdale Inn is within walking distance to Riverside Park and 5 Points.

04
CURRY GUYS image 1
Restaurant

Casual Indian restaurant with a Chipotle-style setup lets diners build their own bowls and wraps. Atmosphere feels cozy and inviting with pleasant Indian music and intoxicating aromas. Menu includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options alongside authentic, flavorful dishes.

Food features authentic flavor, fresh ingredients, and a perfect amount of spice. Options include classic Indian dishes, fresh naan, and quick wraps similar to Chipotle.

Portion sizes suit couples well, offering a perfect amount of food for sharing. The menu features Halal options that appeal to those seeking diverse tastes, making it a spot couples return to for more.

People are saying

"The Indian food here is so flavorful and delicious."

"The food here is so fresh and bursting with flavor."

"Sumit, the owner, is so pleasant to chat with during your Date Spots visit."

Good to know

1

Curry Guys offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options for diverse diets.

2

Prices are very reasonable for the quality of food offered.

3

The menu allows for building your own bowls and wraps.

05
EZ Eatz by Yaya image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Open, bright interior with padded booths and spacious outdoor seating under string lights creates a comfortable, family-centered atmosphere. Soft, calming music plays, enhancing the warm and inviting vibe. The environment balances a cozy feel with an appealing, clean aesthetic.

Moroccan and Mediterranean food stands out for its incredible flavor and generous portions. The dishes consistently deliver excellent taste and sensational quality.

Shared plates like lamb chops and dishes such as chicken kabobs with saffron rice create a cozy and versatile setting. Options like the lamb and beef shawarma bowl add variety for a relaxed date night.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"I experienced flavorful, authentic Moroccan cuisine here."

"The food here is so flavorful and fresh, perfect for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

The portion sizes are generous, providing good value for the price.

2

Vegan options are available on the menu.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

06
Happy Medium Books Cafe image 1

Cozy bookstore with vintage decor and a child-friendly area encourages quiet reading and community gathering. A cafรฉ with vegan and gluten-free pastries offers ample seating and free wifi, creating a relaxed atmosphere. Local art and a knitting space add to the welcoming, versatile environment.

Food features tasty dishes and yummy flavors paired with amazing coffee and drinks.

Pairs can enjoy cold brew and matcha drinks together. Staff sometimes offer free coffee near closing time, adding a thoughtful touch.

People are saying

"The coffee at this Bookstore is superb and amazing."

"The empanadas here are amazing and baked fresh."

"I thought the food and coffee were amazing."

Good to know

1

The cafe offers a variety of events, including author readings and book clubs.

2

Parking is available nearby, making it easy to visit.

3

The cafe serves reasonably priced coffee and pastries.

07
Lola's Burrito & Burger Joint image 1

Mexican restaurant with funky decor and wooden bench seating creates a casual, chill vibe. Old school RnB music plays alongside TVs showing sports, blending relaxed and lively energy. Patio welcomes dogs, and margaritas, especially Key Lime and strawberry, stand out as popular drinks.

Food offers a joy-inducing flavor, especially the magical carnitas. Burgers stand out as fantastic, paired with great drinks and consistent excellent service.

Frequent visits show this spot works well for couples. Friendly service and a comfortable vibe make it easy to celebrate special moments like birthdays.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the tacos and burritos."

"I found the food here to be great."

"It's a great spot for a girlfriend's birthday celebration."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all night on Wednesdays for select drinks.

2

Taco Tuesday offers $1 off all tacos.

3

Trivia night happens every Tuesday with fun activities.

08
Primi Piatti image 1
Italian restaurant

Classic Italian interior creates a quaint, intimate atmosphere with beautiful lighting and a homey style. The space feels romantic and nostalgic, offering a mellow and pleasant vibe. Guests enjoy a small, clean setting that emphasizes authentic Italian charm.

Food here stands out for its amazing flavor and superb quality. Service matches the food with top notch hospitality.

Date nights include dancing after closing and enjoying dishes like Chicken Parmigiana. The atmosphere supports spending hours having fun and sharing a good meal.

People are saying

"The angel hair pasta here is freshly made and cooked just right."

"George's recommendations for food and wine were fabulous."

"It feels like family here, a truly great spot."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends due to limited seating.

2

Expect a warm, family-like atmosphere during dining.

3

The restaurant is known for its authentic Italian cuisine.

09
Clarke Bros Subs image 1
American restaurant

Funky sandwich shop with hand-painted murals and a lively, welcoming vibe. Roomy interior with visible cooking grill and upbeat music, creating a family-friendly atmosphere. Known for affordable prices and phenomenal sandwiches like Philly cheesesteak and Cuban.

Generous portions and delicious flavors define the food here. Staff offer amazing service alongside a variety of tasty choices.

Philly Cheese Steak stands out with a great portion size and nicely toasted bread. The owner and staff create a welcoming atmosphere that adds to the experience.

People are saying

"I thought their sandwiches were the best."

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

"The cheesesteaks and subs here are phenomenal for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

The pricing is very fair, with a sub, chips, and a drink costing $16.

2

There is plenty of parking available in the back.

3

The restaurant's portion sizes are humongous.

10
Nacho Taco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with outdoor seating only featuring shaded picnic tables under umbrellas and awnings. Atmosphere is friendly and inviting with background music and a bustling but not chaotic vibe at lunch. Offers a hole-in-the-wall feel with a quaint, well-presented setup ideal for enjoying cool evening breezes.

Food here is excellent and offers big, yummy tacos along with a standout Chicken Quesadilla. Portions are generous and the menu includes vegan options.

Couples find a mix of vegetarian and meat options that satisfy both. The spot suits quick bites and relaxed evenings with outdoor seating under the stars.

People are saying

"I thought the food was amazing and delicious."

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is fantastic and delicious."

"The food at this Date Spot was amazing and always on point."

Good to know

1

Nacho Taco is takeout only, with no dine-in service available.

2

They offer a variety of vegan options that cater to different tastes.

3

Parking is limited, so plan accordingly when visiting.

11
Riverside Arts Market image 1
Farmers' market

Outdoor market sits under a bridge next to a river, offering beautiful river views and a tiered amphitheater with live music performances. The atmosphere is family-friendly and lively, with unique local art and a variety of vendors creating a vibrant scene.

Walking through various vendors offers a relaxed way to spend time together. The market features amazing food and a lively atmosphere that suits both first dates and casual outings.

People are saying

"This local spot has amazing art and fresh produce."

"I loved trying all the different food trucks here."

"It's a great spot for date finds and amazing food."

Good to know

1

The Riverside Arts Market is held every Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm.

2

Parking fills quickly, so arrive early for a spot.

3

Expect a variety of unique vendors and food trucks at the market.

12
HolySmoke Barbeque image 1

Barbecue restaurant with a laid back atmosphere and a backyard BBQ family vibe. Music plays softly while people enjoy their meals, creating a chill and welcoming energy. Known for perfectly smoked ribs and brisket, it often sells out of popular items by day's end.

Food stands out for being consistently amazing, tender, and juicy with high quality and freshness. Service complements the food well, creating an overall phenomenal dining experience.

Food sparks nonstop praise with flavorful BBQ that stands out. Couples find it a solid choice for a memorable meal together.

People are saying

"The brisket here is smoked to perfection and incredibly tender."

"The pulled pork here is tender, juicy, and melts in your mouth."

"I found the food here to be amazing and outstanding."

Good to know

1

Ribs cost $4 each.

2

We waited no longer than 10 minutes for our food.

3

There was limited parking available.

13
Carolina Jax image 1
American restaurant

Small, crowded restaurant with cozy, tight space and fun pig decor creates a relaxed, family-friendly vibe despite a loud, bustling atmosphere. Sidewalk seating offers an alternative to the cramped interior. Walls display art and history, adding unique character to the old building setting.

Food stands out for its delicious taste and consistently great burgers. Meals always come out well-prepared and satisfying.

Burgers come perfectly cooked and well seasoned, with options like the Hurricane Burger and Black Mountain. Staff remember orders and offer friendly service that makes the experience smooth.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and always seasoned perfectly."

"I thought the burgers here were the best I had."

"The burgers here are cooked to perfection, with crispy edges."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so expect to walk if you canโ€™t find a spot.

2

Dining during lunchtime on Fridays is nearly impossible due to long lines.

3

Expect about 15 minutes in line to order and another 30 minutes for food.

14
Don Eduardo Cocina Mexicana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with beautiful flowered ceiling and large paintings creates a calm yet lively atmosphere enhanced by live music. The space feels like a little transport back to Mexico with fresh, vibrant decor. It attracts those seeking an enjoyable dining experience with a fun vibe.

Authentic Mexican dishes come out fast and taste excellent. Food and drinks show great flavor and true Mexican style.

Cleanliness stands out right when you walk in. The menu offers large, delicious burritos and well-seasoned chicken, making it a solid choice for a date night or casual hangout.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"I thought the salsa was amazing and one of a kind."

"The food here is huge, flavorful, and really good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $2 off house margaritas until 7 pm on Saturdays.

2

Latin nights occur every Friday with live music and dancing.

3

The restaurant has a 20% auto gratuity added to the bill for larger parties.

15
904 Tacos Five Points Jacksonville image 1

Open patio with covered seating and live music creates a vibrant yet comfortable atmosphere. Interior features authentic Mexican decor with a calm, creative diner style. Space suits both family gatherings and casual dates, with lively energy balanced by quieter moments.

Mexican food stands out with great flavor and high quality. Service is prompt, delivering food quickly and efficiently.

Calm interior decor sets a relaxed mood for dates. Menu highlights include the Birria Pizza and Quesadilla Campechana, both praised for flavor and portion size.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is the best I ever had."

"I thought the Mexican food here was the best I ever had."

"The birria tacos here are juicy and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features 2-for-1 margaritas and $3.99 tacos.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere on Taco Tuesdays with special drink offers.

3

Parking is generally easy to find in the area.

16
Kickbacks Gastropub image 1

Gastropub combines steampunk cathedral design with dimly lit speakeasy vibe and unique penny wall decor. Basement features private liquor lockers and a spiral staircase leading to secluded booths. Patio welcomes dogs and offers a fireplace and smoking area.

Food here stays consistently excellent with creative twists like Krispy Kreme donuts as burger buns. Service helps guide choices, making the dining experience smooth and enjoyable.

Late night scene offers a relaxed vibe for dates. Food includes great cheesesteaks, fish skewers, and burgers paired with bitter beers.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was amazing and tasty."

"The atmosphere here is so cool and relaxing."

"It's always a great date night spot with an amazing vibe."

Good to know

1

Kickbacks Gastropub stays open until 3am, making it a late-night option.

2

A 20% gratuity is automatically added to bills after 10 or 11 pm.

3

The gastropub has a large selection of tap beers and food options.

17
S & R Dim Sum image 1
Chinese restaurant

Dim sum and Chinese dishes come fresh and authentic with rich flavors and perfectly steamed dumplings. The space feels relaxing and set up for family-style meals, creating a no-rush vibe. It connects to a milk tea spot, adding a casual touch to the experience.

Food here is consistently delicious and phenomenal, with a strong focus on Chinese and Asian dishes. Large portions come at a reasonable price, making the wait worthwhile.

Serving area creates a cozy atmosphere ideal for dates. Pineapple bun stands out as a favorite treat enjoyed during visits.

People are saying

"The dim sum here is amazing, truly a hidden gem."

"Donald's humor makes the fried rice experience hilarious."

"The food here is authentic and really good."

Good to know

1

Parking at S & R Dim Sum is often full; the store across the street has plenty.

2

Reservations are not needed unless you have a party of eight or more.

3

S & R Dim Sum offers vegan choices on the menu.

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