Well, well, well – look at you go hot stuff! You’ve managed to secure yourself a first date and are now one step closer to deleting Grindr forever – go you!
If you’re like us, indecisive AF, or just cannot fathom where to go, then boy are you in the right place. We’ve done the painstakingly difficult task of blindly trying out some first date venues.
Spread across Sydney, here are our top six…
The Winery // Surry Hills
We’re not gonna lie, we’re a pretty big fan of this place. If you’re looking for a classy little date spot in the heart of Surry Hills, you’ve definitely found it. The winery has that dim-lit, charming, cosy, intimate vibe, with a downright bustling atmosphere, so you’ll never be left sitting in silence. Being based smack bang in the middle of Surry Hills, you know these guys are pretty LBGTI+ friendly. The Winery offers over 30 meticulously selected wines by the glass and really is known for its sophisticated, yet relaxed drinking and dining culture. If you’re out Sunday – Wednesday, you can even score some of their sensational wines for just $9 a glass…but if you’re not paying, let’s pop that Moët boi!
Location: 285A Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
ReccoLab // Rozelle
ReccoLab literally knows what’s up. If you do your dates on school nights, then look no further and head to this 10/10 authentic Italian spot in the heart of Rozelle. Schedule your date in on a Tuesday and you definitely won’t regret, as they’ll be offering the same menu as heaven: unlimited pizza. ReccoLab make it a decision-free night by simply bringing out their 20 different wood-fired pizzas all night, while you sit back and relax, eat till you can’t and try not to let your date see you undo your zip. It’s a large space with a friendly vibe on this popular night, so your date night nerves should fade away quick-smart! And expert advice – don’t you dare visit without trying their focaccia col formaggio di Recco – it’s a traditional dish available nowhere else in Sydney and is made up of paper-thin dough and looooads of creamy stracchino cheese. Even if the date is a bust, this dish will make the night worth it, cause after all, sweet dreams are made of cheese.
Location: a4/120 Terry St, Rozelle NSW 2039
The Temperance Society // Summer Hill
This one is for you small bar lovers. An inner-west gem that is all kinds of charming, the Temperance Society is a date night dream. It’s super cosy but there is space to cater to whatever kind of date you are on; by the window people watching, courtyard chills or intimate upstairs convo. It is a neighborhood favourite and it’s easy to see why – especially on a Thursday when they have live music from great local folk/jazzy pieces. This one’s a no fuss cocktails and snacks winner, that feels as comfortable as your living room, but obvs way nicer.
Location: 122 Smith St, Summer Hill NSW 2130
Whitewater // Manly
Okay, real talk. If we had to describe our ideal date, it would sound something along the lines of ‘sipping espresso martinis whilst downing delectable deserts, just a stones throw from the ocean, with a 10/10 male-model like date’. Well guess what, aside from ensuring your low-key catfishing tinder date is a 10, Whitewater will deliver everything else! We hadn’t heard of Whitewater until recently, which blew our minds because we thought we’d sipped espresso martinis almost everywhere Sydney had to offer. We are however glad that we’ve only just discovered this Manly gem, as it meant we got to try their sensational new menu, which just launched last month. We ate ourselves into a food coma with the risotto, and then topped it off with an Apple Dome, and guess how many regrets we had? Absolutely zero. As for our choice in Tinder date? Yeah look we had a couple…#SeeYaNeverTim.
Location: 35 S Steyne, Manly NSW 2095
The Foxtrot Inn // Crows Nest
Looking for a date spot on the North Side? You really can’t beat the Foxtrot Inn. It’s essentially like walking into a friend’s living room…if your friend’s a little dark, and in a low-key gothic phase. The main bar is cosy couches, dark tones, dim lighting and a warm fire kinda vibe, perfect for an intimate, yet casual date. If airy, light spaces are more your thang, then the Foxtrot still has you covered, with their open aired upstairs terrace, with plants-a-plenty, exposed brick and super relaxed atmosphere. The famous house-made spiced rum with fresh pear juice comes second to none, and their food menu is right up there too. Think simple, casual, delish menu – we’re talking sliders, burgers, pizzas and you get the gist. If you’re out and about on a Wednesday tacos are three for $10. Try to fault this place – we dare you.
Location: 28 Falcon St, Crows Nest NSW 2065
Palmer & Co // Sydney CBD
Palmer & Co is delectably different. It’s the sort of place that’s more of an experience than a bar. It’s a super busy, underground spot with an electric atmosphere. They pride themselves on being a prohibition-style bar, celebrating a time when booze was banned, yet free-flowing. The theming is done incredibly well, with the staff dressed in the styles of yesteryear, with decor to suit, down to the finest details. We definitely endorse this bar – the perfect Sydney CBD location!
Pro Tip: Getting to this bar could come across as a little bit suspect, so if it’s a blind Grindr date, could definitely be worth giving your date the heads up!
Location: Abercrombie Ln, Sydney NSW 2000
There you have it ladies and gents, six of our absolute faves. Now it’s over to you to narrow it down to just one, woo your date your with your incredible charm and charisma, and live happily ever after!
If your date turns out to be a total flop – stress less, and come join us at our next gay speed dating even instead! For more info, see here!
