Where To Go On A First Date In Atlanta

Where To Go On A First Date In AtlantaPhoto: The Pinewood/Facebook
Allie Pape
Published on June 26, 2017

So you've both swiped right, and now it's time to pick a spot to meet for the first time. You're looking for something casual (in case things go off the rails), but still fun and sociable (in case they go better than expected). From an atmospheric cup of coffee to a low-pressure meal, here are five affordable spots in Atlanta that are perfect for those occasionally awkward initial meetings, no matter how they turn out.

After-Work Happy Hour: The Pinewood
Decatur

Make a weekday date delightful by meeting on a Wednesday night at this hip Decatur cocktail bar, where whiskey cocktails are just $5, all evening long. Sit at the bar and get to know each other over a first drink, and if things are going well, order up a second and some inexpensive snacks, like cheesy grit tots or fried brussels sprouts ($8 each). 

A Cup of Coffee: Revelator Coffee Company
Westside/Home Park

Photo: Revelator Coffee Company/Yelp

It's hard to imagine a coffee shop more sleek and chic than the original Atlanta outpost of this Southern coffee phenom, which offers cushy leather couches and lounge chairs for getting to know someone new over a nicely made latte. A low outlet count and weak wifi may be minuses for the laptop crowd, but they make Revelator great for dates—your conversation won't be interrupted by someone's clacking keys.

Playing a Game Together: Joystick Gamebar
Downtown/Edgewood Corridor

Photo: Byron H./Yelp

Pinball, Galaga, Street Fighter: everyone's got a favorite arcade game, and you can test your date's mettle at this lively bar, which has the bonus advantage of no tykes to compete with in the evening (it's strictly 21+ after 8pm). At a very affordable 25 cents per play, you can afford to go head-to-head with your date on a variety of machines, then unwind over a $5 draft beer or well drink made with above-average booze. 

A Fast-Casual Meal: The Roast
Midtown

Photo: Whole Foods Market

It might seem a little weird to go on a first date to Whole Foods, but The Roast—the grocery behemoth's first fast-casual restaurant in the Southeast—has surprisingly strong foodie cred, thanks to a rotating menu of dishes from top local chefs, like Kevin Gillespie of Gunshow. The subway-tiled space is chic, there's a big selection of draft beer, and since you order via iPad, there's no pressure to stick around longer than desired if a date isn't going well (unless you want to get some grocery shopping done). 

Dessert For Two: Sweet Hut Bakery & Cafe
Midtown/Duluth/Doraville

Photo: Daniel B./Yelp

Dessert makes a nice low-pressure alternative to coffee or a drink, especially on a mid-afternoon date. And you're sure to find something to like at this Asian-style bakery and boba tea shop, which has three locations around the city. You and your date can choose from a wide variety of cakes (ranging from black forest to red velvet to strawberry cheesecake), Asian-style buns, doughnuts, tarts, and more. Grab a boba tea, pull up one of the comfy armchairs, and get to know each other.