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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Central West End

Date spots for cocktails

Made for those who want to impress a date with a sophisticated drink menu and refuse to spend their night in a loud, uninspired dive.

Based on 776 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Pagan Wine Bar image 1
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Small bar with intimate seating and modern decor creates a cozy, romantic vibe that suits quiet nights or casual socializing. Craft cocktails crafted by the bartender-owner stand out as a key feature. The space fills quickly and can get loud, adding energy to the otherwise chill atmosphere.

Cocktails here stand out for their unique flavors and top-notch craftsmanship. The gin selection includes Monkey 47, and servers show care by customizing drinks when needed.

Intimate setting creates a magical vibe for couples. Cocktails offer a great pairing for date night.

People are saying

"I found the cocktails here to be really, really good."

"This bar is so intimate, it's perfect for a date night."

"It's a charming and intimate spot for a magical date night."

Good to know

1

Parking in the area is generally difficult, which is common in the Central West End.

2

The place is small and fills up quickly on busy nights.

3

The bar can accommodate probably 25 people.

02
Lazy Tiger image 1
Cocktail bar

Cocktail bar offers an intimate, dark and sexy vibe with a bohemian, eclectic style and laid-back groove. Space feels chic and trendy but small, creating close seating and a cozy atmosphere. Music is consistently excellent, complementing creative, well-crafted cocktails.

Cocktails here feature fresh fruit flavors paired with selected libations for a unique taste. The menu offers creative, well balanced drinks that are both delicious and visually stunning.

Laid-back and fun atmosphere suits casual date nights well. It works great as a spot before heading to the Muny for some entertainment.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are creative, bold, and visually stunning."

"The seafood here is surprisingly innovative and well-balanced."

"The creative cocktails here are visually stunning and delicious."

Good to know

1

Getting a reservation is recommended because the place is tiny and hard to get a table without one.

2

Parking can be difficult; plan for extra time to find a spot.

3

Happy hour is only on Tuesdays and Thursdays with a special menu.

03
Stacked STL image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Hamburger restaurant offers build-your-own burger tablets and a diverse menu with standout options like bourbon bacon maple jam. Atmosphere suits sports watching and socializing, featuring good vibes and accessible space. Burgers receive consistent praise as some of the best in the region.

Cocktails here are exquisite and delicious, pairing well with the food options like burgers.

Regular fries come out perfectly cooked and not too salty. The GOAT burger with crispy bacon adds a satisfying touch. Many choose this spot for weekly date nights to enjoy a relaxed meal together.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were the best in St. Louis."

"The dinner staff here are great and attentive."

"Victoria was so sweet and knowledgeable about the menu."

Good to know

1

The menu offers a variety of specialty pre-created burger options.

2

You can build your own burger with a selection of toppings.

3

There are paper order forms and pencils available at each table for ordering.

04
Dressel's Pub image 1

Pub space combines classical-literary theme with cozy yet spacious upstairs bar and on-site brewing equipment. Atmosphere stays warm and quiet, inviting for craft beer lovers and families alike. Crowd enjoys incredible brewed beer alongside exceptional food like lamb burgers and soft pretzels.

Well-crafted cocktails show balanced flavors and careful preparation. They suit both casual drinks and special occasions like wedding welcome cocktails.

Dimmed lights create an intimate vibe for date nights. Fish tacos stand out as a memorable dish. The spot suits both early dating and long-term couples.

People are saying

"The house-made craft beer here is great."

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"I thought the cocktails were pretty well done and balanced."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but expect a wait during peak hours.

2

The menu includes limited vegetarian options, primarily a grilled cheese and an Impossible burger.

3

Kids are welcome, making it a family-friendly dining spot.

05
The Scottish Arms image 1

Cozy pub setting with dim lighting and a friendly, warm atmosphere transports guests to the UK. Live small ensemble music often plays jigs, enhancing the retro vibes. A backyard patio offers a relaxed space for dining and socializing.

Cocktails feature great flavors and include options like the Sea Legs and Scottish Gin and Tonic. Drinks come with a good selection of whiskey and beer, all at affordable prices.

Cozy atmosphere suits a date night well. Fish and chips with onion soup stand out as a comforting meal for couples.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was really good."

"The food at these Date Spots is so tender and delicious."

"I enjoyed the cocktails here."

Good to know

1

Live music happens every Thursday night in the dining room.

2

Happy hour is available on Sundays with special drink prices.

3

Reservations are recommended for Thursday nights due to live music.

06
Edera Italian Eatery image 1
Italian restaurant

Outdoor seating includes a beautiful patio with a garden wall and winter igloos, creating a cozy and festive atmosphere. The vibe suits intimate gatherings and relaxed evenings with drinks. A top-class bar offers a variety of cocktails enjoyed on the patio.

Unique cocktails feature vermouth-based blends and smoked flavors. Enjoy drinks on the patio alongside excellent wine options.

The patio offers an amazing vibe ideal for a date or dinner with friends. Pasta dishes provide a cozy night out feel, fitting for a festive or intimate setting.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is really good, especially the pasta."

"The food here is amazing, especially the fig pizza."

"I loved their unique cocktails, especially on the patio."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for outdoor seating to avoid disappointment.

2

Parking can be challenging during busy hours, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant offers a Saturday night market with various vendors.

07
The Maryland House image 1
Cocktail bar

Speakeasy-style cocktail bar with chic decor and a rooftop patio offers an electric atmosphere that is lively and sometimes noisy. Large space includes communal seating and a bar with high-end cocktails featuring unique ingredients. Outdoor areas provide beautiful views and a photogenic, artsy vibe.

Cocktails feature unique whiskeys and creative mixes like โ€˜all carrot, no stickโ€™ and โ€˜Back to Kyotoโ€™. Drinks maintain a high-end quality and pair well with a view.

Hosts create a lovely atmosphere for special occasions like surprise parties. Prices stay reasonable, making it easy to plan a date night or hang out with friends.

People are saying

"This bar has a gorgeous, electric atmosphere and cool vibe."

"I found the cocktails here to be extraordinary and amazing."

"The Date Spots here have amazing vibes and great food."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to secure a spot at the Maryland House.

2

All transactions are processed on a tablet, showing only the final price.

3

The Thursday specialty Chef event features unique menu items.

08
Bar Italia Ristorante image 1
Italian restaurant

Outdoor seating features a beautiful patio wrapped in grape vines with quiet, elegant ambiance ideal for conversation. The atmosphere stays relaxed with live street music enhancing the experience. The space feels upscale yet slightly dated inside, with a preference for the patio's charm.

Fresh squeezed juice stands out in the cocktails here. The Bar Italia Citrus Rose martini scores a perfect 10, alongside espresso martinis and a hibiscus gin cocktail.

The second floor by the window offers a quiet, intimate setting for couples. Dinner includes dishes like seafood ravioli that add to a perfect date night atmosphere.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the pasta, is amazing."

"The Date Spots here have amazing, flavorful ravioli."

"The Beef Tenderloin was seriously so delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy weekends.

2

Expect higher prices, with meals averaging around $50 per person.

3

Parking is available on the street, but it can be limited during peak hours.

09
Cocina Latina image 1
Latin American restaurant

Bright, airy space with colorful Latin-inspired art and Peruvian dรฉcor creates a cozy, tranquil atmosphere. Live music adds to the laid-back vibe, making it suitable for family or friends. The setting balances romantic warmth with a festive, creative energy.

Holiday cocktail menu pairs well with food and desserts. Mixed drinks are good, with a Pisco Cocktail worth trying.

Pairs enjoy sharing ceviche and sudado de pescado dishes. Bills can be split easily, and tips may be included in the charge.

People are saying

"The rice pudding dessert tasted just like home cooking."

"The holiday cocktails were terrific and paired well with the food."

"You'll love the award-winning Peruvian cuisine at these Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Expect a 20% gratuity added automatically for parties of five or more.

2

Prices are considered high for the quality and portion sizes offered.

3

The menu features a variety of authentic Peruvian dishes.

10
Blue Strawberry image 1
Live music venue

Cozy live music venue with intimate atmosphere and great sound quality. Small, chic space features effective lighting and hosts local jazz bands. Tables sit close together, creating a personal setting for performances.

Unique cocktails like the Buccaneer and a banana cocktail stand out for their taste. The selection also includes wine and beer, offering variety beyond the cocktails.

Live jazz music creates a romantic atmosphere ideal for couples. The venue offers premium seating options suited for date nights or solo visits.

People are saying

"I loved the world-class jazz performances on Wednesday nights."

"The food here is a nice addition to the live music."

"It's a perfect spot for a date or a solo treat."

Good to know

1

Street parking is the only option available; arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Expect a $20 cover charge for seated performances and $15 for bar seating.

3

Food and drink prices are on the higher side, so budget accordingly.

11
Nixta image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers cozy, inviting atmosphere with charming, simple decor and indoor and outdoor seating. Live mariachi band adds authentic musical energy. Space feels neat and transports guests to a Mexican beach cantina vibe.

Mezcal cocktails stand out with interesting flavors that are both refreshing and strong. Some cocktails impress, but others leave something to be desired.

A spot with a lounge area invites moving after dinner. Servers notice details like a drink left untouched and offer to comp it. Food options include chicken tacos that can be ordered at the table or the bar.

People are saying

"I was impressed they didn't rush me out, even after closing."

"The guacamole here is heavenly good."

"I loved the cocktails; they were super refreshing and strong."

Good to know

1

Nixta charges $30 for a Cadillac margarita, which is smaller than a classic margarita.

2

All menu items are a la carte, which is uncommon for Mexican restaurants.

3

A 15% gratuity is automatically added to the bill.

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Central West End, St. Louis

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