Whether you’re like me and on the apps, or meeting people out in the wild, choosing a place for a first date can add a lot of pressure to getting together. Dating is already hard enough, this guide is here to make the first date a little bit easier!
Written by Corinne Hastings, DSMG Contributor
Drink Dates – N/A or Alcoholic
The classic first date of choice, grabbing drinks. I’m a lover of a fun little drink, but not every bar is great for a first date. It has to be somewhere with seating options and an environment good for conversation. I personally don’t want to lose my voice from screaming “so do you have siblings?” These Des Moines bars are as cute as their drinks are, and they all have scrumptious mocktail options! Check out our mocktail guide for more.
Secret Admirer
Photo: Secret Admirer Facebook
- 110 SW 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Open Tuesday – Saturday
I mean, with a name like that, Secret Admirer is begging to be your next first date spot! If the weather is nice, it’s the perfect place for a patio date downtown.
The New Northwestern
- 321 E Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Open Tuesday – Saturday
Inside of a historic 1916 building in the East Village, The New Northwestern has a great drink menu including enticing seasonal drinks and gin and tonic flights.
The Bartender’s Handshake
- 3615 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
- Open Monday – Sunday
Tasty drinks with clever names, and they have yet to make me a drink I didn’t like. The Bartender’s Handshake is another great patio option, but the seating inside is just as charming.
Casual Dinner Dates
I love a cute dressed up dinner date, don’t get me wrong, but I am already going to be overthinking what to wear no matter where or what a first date is. Keeping it a little more laid back and casual makes choosing an outfit a little easier and keeps the vibes more comfy and fun. Plus, why not save the cute dressed up dinner dates for someone you know a little better and maybe like a little more? These are some of my favorite places in Des Moines to grab a casual dinner after work or before a night out with friends.
Cheese Bar DSM
- 3615 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
- Open Tuesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
My love affair with cheese is the closest thing to a successful long term relationship that I’ve ever had, so I couldn’t leave my favorite place for mac & cheese off of this list! Here is a link to Cheese Bar’s menu
The Walnut
- 3615 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
- Open Monday – Sunday
A cute spot that I think is overlooked downtown, The Walnut has great sandwiches and starters and an inviting energy.
Big Grove Brewery
- 555 17th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Open every day, Kitchen from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
There’s tons of drink options for every palate, truly delicious food, lots of space to spread out, sports on the tev, and if the weather is nice, yard games! The perfect set up for a first date. Just a drink can be just a drink, or can turn into a fun night of food and games!
Coffee Dates
I don’t know about you, but a coffee date felt so grown up to me (and maybe a little bit foreign) at first. It only took one, and now coffee dates are my favorite kind of first dates. They’re typically during the day, so I don’t feel like I have to choose between my friends or a person that I am just starting to get to know on any given night of the week. If the date is a flop, which they so often are, I always have an easy out of running errands or plans that I have to get to. Also, coffee dates aren’t ever too long, most people just want one coffee, maybe two, but that helps me keep it short and sweet! There are a lot of great coffee shops around the Des Moines metro, but these are my favorite for sitting and getting to know someone over a cute coffee or tea.
Hobknob Coffee and Wine Bar
- 1000 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309
- Sunday – Saturday 6 a.m. – 2 p.m. / Wednesday – Saturday 5 p.m. – 12 a.m. for wine bar service
Tucked next to the lobby of the Hotel Fort Des Moines, this is a hidden gem downtown. Hobknob’s coffee is almost as cute as the coffee shop itself.
The Slow Down Coffee Co.
- 3613 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
- Monday closed, Tuesday – Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday – Sunday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Located in Highland park, a cute area to wander around and shop post date, the Slow Down is a cozy spot for a coffee date. You can also browse tons of items from other local businesses and artists in the Des Moines area.
Chain & Spoke
- 515 28th St Unit 102, Des Moines, IA 50312
- Coffee Daily: 7 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
A new addition to the Des Moines coffee scene, just off of Ingersoll, Chain & Spoke’s space is warm and welcoming.
Sweet Tooth Rec
Creme DSM
- 543 28th Street, Des Moines, IA 50312
- Sunday – Monday: Closed / Tuesday – Thursday: 11 a.m . – 5 p.m. / Friday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – midnight
We couldn’t love Creme and Midnight Munchies more. So excited to see this late night dessert bar option with great sweets and drinks. We also love Creme in the daytime for a quick day date and loading up on local sweet.
Dear DSM Girl
If you’re looking for more advice on dating, Des Moines living, or just general life advice, write into Dear DSM Girl. we’ve given Dear DSMGirl it’s own Instagram account so that it’s easy to slide into the DMs to ask your questions. Think of this as a channel you can write to for “big sister vibes” for any/all relationship and lifestyle questions. Submit your questions directly to the DMs.
