Making a good first impression can be challenging, and doing that on a first date to boot? Whew, talk about anxiety-inducing. After all, what foods will they like? Do they have any dietary restrictions or allergies? Will they prefer casual dining, or are they expecting to be wowed with fine dining? It’s all excruciating but oh-so-exciting, especially here in Spokane, where plenty of first-date-worthy restaurants are sure to cater to any anticipated needs and even secure you a second date!
Chaos Arcade
1020 W Francis Avenue, Spokane
509.866.7417
There’s plenty to do on a first date at Chaos Arcade, one of Spokane’s favorite places to experience virtual reality gaming, enjoy interactive arcade games, and chill out with craft beers or freshly brewed espresso. Hit the game floor for fast-paced favorites like Mario Kart and Guitar Hero, old-school classics like pinball and Street Fighter, or explore their new machines like those of Minecraft and Jurassic World.
Collect your tickets and head on over to the prize booth to let your sweetie pick up that special memento to commemorate your first outing together. Afterward, enjoy a delightful meal at their Chaos Café, which features bubble tea, pizza, savory bites, and sweet treats.
Luna
5620 S Perry Street, Spokane
509.448.2383
For over 30 years, Luna has been making quite the impression as far as first dates go with their seasonally-inspired fare surrounded in chic, French décor. From the bread made at the in-house bakery to the desserts, everything is made fresh daily in what was once a historic, old post office.
It has since been converted into a quaint ambiance with a soft, warm, and inviting interior where they serve up delicious Northwest-inspired cuisine. Come dinnertime, the romantic experience is further enhanced as Luna lights the candles and prepares for the evening of fine dining.
Satellite Diner
425 W Sprague Avenue, Spokane
509.624.3952
Offering a more casual and laid-back first date experience for new love is Satellite Diner in the heart of downtown Spokane. Here, you can plan for a breakfast date and enjoy their delicious classic breakfast club or make it a late-night meal with their mouthwatering burgers and sandwich options.
Pair your meal with some of your top-shelf favorites, or try their award-winning Bloody Mary. With both domestic and craft-brewed beers in bottles and on tap, it’s the perfect place to keep the good times rolling well into the night.
Italia Trattoria
144 S Cannon Street, Spokane
509.459.6000
A trip to Italy is more than a little over the top for a first date, but you can give your first date a taste of Italy at Italia Trattoria. The colorful, stylish spot with an enclosed, heated patio, upmarket Italian dishes, creative cocktails and imported wines in the heart of Spokane’s historic Browne’s Addition has been a local favorite since 2010.
The menu changes almost daily and features house-made pasta, fresh seafood, naturally raised meats, and seasonal vegetables spiced and grilled to perfection, with plenty of vegetarian options on the menu as well. Their commitment to cooking with seasonal, local produce and top-quality Italian products has differentiated the restaurant from any other in the Inland Northwest, so much so that you might have to return for date number two!
Flatstick Pub
618 W Main Avenue, Spokane
509.368.9477
Spend the night getting to know each other over some fun and games and good eats at Flatstick Pub. Mini golf, pockets, a duffleboard, and wickets are just some of the fun gaming experiences they offer. An extensive tap list further compliments the good times, and their made-to-impress menu features brick oven pizza, Bavarian pretzels, and a variety of other snacks and salads.
Mizuna
214 N Howard Street, Spokane
509.747.2004
In the heart of downtown Spokane is a quintessential dining experience that is sure to set the mood just right for any first date known as Mizuna. Since its opening in 1996, the focus has been sourcing the freshest ingredients and keeping the food simple to let the quality of the ingredients shine, using organic produce whenever possible and all-natural, sustainable meats.
Since vegetarian cuisine has always been a primary focus of the restaurant, they offer a full vegetarian menu, and their bar features an extensive wine list, craft cocktails, and microbrews. A cozy seasonal patio tucked away in the alleyway next to the restaurant provides an intimate feel and proves to be a lovely outdoor dining experience for first dates.
Don’t let first-date jitters get the best of you with the help of these fabulous first-date restaurants and many more here in Spokane. And don’t forget to top off the evening with some perfect date night activities here in Lilac City as well!
