San Antonio Date Night 2.0: Beyond Dinner and a Movie

Let’s pretend for a minute we live in a universe where babysitters are plentiful, and we go out with our significant other so often that we are bored. Even here in the real world, my husband and I, with our once-a-month date nights, tend to go to the same few places over and over (ours is Alamo Drafthouse). If you’re looking to spice up your date nights a bit, here are some new places to try.

Top Golf (5539 N. Loop 1604 S, San Antonio, TX 78249)

Even if you’re not a golf enthusiast, you will love Top Golf (pro tip: so does everyone else, so be prepared for a long wait). Top Golf is a three-story driving range, complete with several bars, a restaurant, and a game room. You and your party will be given a bay to rent where you can choose from a variety of games to play while a server brings you food and drinks. It’s a blast.

Top Golf is also fun for kids! But leave them at home on date night.
Top Golf is also fun for kids! But leave them at home on date night.

Gustology (1856 Nacogdoches, San Antonio, TX 78259)

Located in Alamo Heights, Gustology is a cocktail class in which a trained bartender provides you with the tools, recipes, and ingredients to make three cocktails. Don’t worry—the cocktails are small and not so strong that you’ll be dancing on the bar. Each class is 90 minutes long, and you leave with souvenirs and the recipes for your next party.

My husband and I making Moscow Mules at Gustology.
My husband and me making Moscow Mules at Gustology.

Cooking Classes

There are several places in San Antonio to take cooking classes with your significant other, where you can make anything from Italian food to pastries. Check out Sur la Table’s schedule here ,Williams Sonoma’s schedule here, and Central Market’s schedule here.

Floore’s Country Store (14492 Old Bandera Rd., Helotes, TX 78023)

If you haven’t made the journey down Bandera Rd. to Floore’s, you’re missing out. The small, honky-tonk cafe has hosted many big-name artists (Willie Nelson plays there often) as well as local favorites on the Texas music scene, and also has a bar and restaurant. Before the concert, make a trip across the street to Wine 101, where you can sample some great, unique wine and snack on tapas.

Sip and Paint Classes

I’ll be honest: I’m the least artistic person on the planet, so this idea holds little appeal to me. However, sip and paint classes have become very popular lately, and San Antonio has many to choose from. Check out Painting With a Twist, Whimsy Art Studio, Pinot’s Palette, and The Royal Canvas.

Local Sports Teams

You’ve heard of the Spurs, but did you know that San Antonio has several minor league teams? Minor league tickets are less expensive than Spurs tickets, and since venues are smaller, you can typically get better seats. Our minor league teams are the San Antonio Scorpions (soccer), the San Antonio Missions (baseball), and the San Antonio Rampage (ice hockey). Also check out the San Antonio Silver Stars, our WNBA basketball team, if you’re craving some basketball action before Spurs season starts!

Tejas Rodeo (401 Obst Rd., Bulverde, TX 78163)

Saturday nights from March to November are Rodeo Nights at Tejas Rodeo, where a $12 ticket gets you into a 90-minute rodeo. After the rodeo, stick around for live music. Tejas Rodeo also has a saloon and an award-winning steakhouse.

Bowling

Nothing’s more romantic than wearing sweaty old bowling shoes and listening to the YMCA and the Cupid Shuffle, right? Bowling is actually a fun way to blow off some steam with your partner and enjoy a little friendly competition. My family likes University Bowl, but Main Event is also a great place to go bowl or play arcade games. Bowl and Barrel just opened at the Rim (I-10 and La Cantera Pkwy.) and is touted as an “upscale bowling alley.” Besides 15 lanes, it also has a beer hall and full tavern with pub food (think meat and cheese boards and upscale appetizers).

bowl
The dude abides.

Comedy Clubs

When we first moved to San Antonio nine years ago, my husband and I saw Cleto Rodriguez (now of News 4’s “Where’s Cleto?” fame) perform stand-up, and we laughed so hard I almost wet myself. Laugh Out Loud comedy club next to North Star Mall and Rivercenter Comedy Club at Rivercenter Mall will both leave you laughing (both serve food and drinks).

Plays

Besides the two most notable theaters (the Majestic and the Tobin Center), San Antonio has several venues where you can catch a play. Take your date to a show at the Woodlawn Theatre, the Cameo Theatre, or the San Pedro Playhouse.[hr]

Need a sitter for your next date night? Our partner, Time Out Sitters, is the service that my family uses. Use coupon code ACMB5 for $5 off the registration fee!

Kristin
Kristin moved to San Antonio from Baltimore in 2006. Although she had a brief 2 year stay in Fort Worth, the margaritas, breakfast tacos and the kind souls of our residents drew her back for good. She's a third grade teacher and group fitness instructor, and single mom to Molly (2009), Sadie (2011), Daisy (dog) and Charlie (cat). When she has free time, she's either training for a half marathon or on a patio somewhere with a Titos and soda. Favorite Restaurant: Sustenio Favorite Landmark: The Pearl Brewery Favorite San Antonio Tradition: The Elf Movie parties at Alamo Drafthouse