Meeting up with a new guy or girl can be daunting – especially if it is a first date. So before committing to an drawn-out meal or a lengthy, potentially expensive night out, test the waters at a cozy local coffee shop. That way, there’s no pressure if the connection isn’t right. But you also can feel free to stay and talk for hours if the conversation keeps flowing. One of Dallas’ many coffee shops is the perfect atmosphere for getting to know someone without the weight of a full date. We highlighted a few dynamic spots that are perfect for a quick chat or a full-on date.
This coffeehouse is a must for all Dallas caffeine consumers with its superb drink selections and calming, creative ambiance. Enjoy a cup of coffee while looking over the diverse food menu. They have something for every part of your day: brunch, lunch, dinner, and desserts. If you and your date’s banter persists after you finish your coffee, stay until Ascension’s mood shifts into a wine-bar and order another tasty drink. But if your date looks nothing like the provided picture or can’t carry a conversation, at least you got to experience a perfectly roasted cup of coffee.
Matching the local rhythm and feel of Knox-Henderson, Houndstooth Coffee’s cool setting will impress your new, potential significant other. The ambiance will amp up any average first date and upgrade it to an extraordinary experience. This Texas-born-and-raised coffee shop will help you stay relaxed while pursing your new connection. Because it’s easy to be comfortable when you are biting into a flakey, delicious pastry. If all goes well, just think about how cool you will sound when describing your meet cute at Houndstooth.
It’s easy to feel tucked away and focused on the person sitting in front of you at one of Mudsmith’s cozy wooden tables. This coffeehouse has it all – coffee, tea, juice, beer and wine – so you will feel taken care of as soon as you walk through the door. This prime coffee shop could be the perfect spot to enjoy your date’s company, as long as you are OK with a few furry friends joining you. (Don’t worry. They are all taxidermy animals!) And with specialties such as their New Orleans-style shaved ice with heavy cream, you will feel drawn back to the coffee shop, even if you leave your date at home next time.
For a local coffeehouse with great drinks and intimate seating, Oak Lawn Coffee can be the perfect setting for a 20-minute meet up or a lengthy, detailed conversation. Opened in 2011, Oak Lawn Coffee has made a name for itself by providing a friendly atmosphere and, of course, scrumptious coffee drinks. You can also appreciate the featured local artist of the month who has his or her work displayed in the shop. Get in your culture while grabbing a cup of carefully crafted coffee. And, if nothing else is going right on your date, 10 percent of the coffee shop’s profits go to local non-profit organizations, so you can at least feel good about contributing to the community!
With both live music and tasty, free-trade coffee, Opening Bell Coffee can provide all you need for a successful meet up. And if the coffee isn’t enough (which it will be), the fantastic food provided by local vendors will make you stop and linger with your drink. If you are planning a weekday date, head to OBC’s “Open Mic Tuesdays” for a taste of local musicians. It’s always a safe bet to shape your date around entertainment, just in case you need a distraction from forced discussion.
For a great coffee worth sharing with someone new, stop by Weekend Coffee. This foodie favorite located in The Joule Hotel can be a pit stop for the rest of your afternoon or the best start to a day spent exploring downtown. This tucked away stop can help you feel like the larger Dallas community, so it might be a good option for meeting an online date in person for the first time! And, if things really pick up, you can continue your date at one of the restaurants located in the hotel’s lobby.
Ashley Madonna is a D Magazine intern.
