First dates can be awkward, and first online dates can be even more awkward. I mean you are meeting with a complete stranger! So if you're meaning to meet with someone you probably might be racking your brain for the perfect date that will be fun but also worry-free. Lucky for you, these dates are the perfect options that will give you date ideas perfect for your situation- so get planning!
What Are You Looking For?
Chill Date
Fun Date
Restaurant Date
For 'Chill Date,' click 'Next.'
Chill Date
Snakes and Lattes // 600 Bloor St W
Who needs to worry about awkward silences when you're playing a board game?! This staple date spot is popular for first dates in general let alone online first dates for good reason! You both will be too focused on the game you're playing to worry about any possible awkward moments. Plus prospective couples who board game together stay together!
Riverdale Park
Riverdale Park is a great spot to choose if you and your Tinder/ Bumble/ Plenty of Fish/ J-Swipe date are the outdoorsy types. It's got one of the best views of the skyline in the city and a really relaxing ambiance. If your date has never been there before (or even if they have) they'll definitely be impressed by your choice!
Art Gallery of Ontario // 317 Dundas St W
Is your online date an art buff? The AGO is the perfect spot to go. Whether you choose to go to one of the limited edition exhibits or just tour around the permanent collections of art. You'll have all the art in the building to talk about and the vibe of the venue will definitely lay you at ease if you had any nerves going in!
'Pedestrian Sunday' in Kensington
Kensington is full of things to talk about, especially on Pedestrian Sundays. Not only do you get the luxury of being able to walk through the adorable neighbourhood without worrying about cars but from food spots to people watching you and your date don't have to limit yourselves to just doing one thing the first time you both meet!
5 Drive In // 2332 Ninth Line Rd
Want to take an original twist on a classic date? Everyone loves a good drive in and if they haven't been before, trust me they'll be excited. All you'll need are some pillows, blankets, a good movie and yourselves for a great night!
For 'Fun Date,' click 'Next.'
Fun Date
Track and Field // 860 College St
If you want to take your date out for a drink but don't want it to just be a drink date, check out Track and Field! Not only does the spot offer a great bar and ambiance but they've got field games for you and your date to face off on. Whether you choose bocce ball or shuffleboard you won't regret visiting!
Apt 200 // 1034 Queen St W
Apt 200 is the perfect place to go if you and your online date like to party. Not only is the set up inside one of the coolest in the city, but the venue itself makes for the perfect place where you can dance and have fun but also have a conversation with your date if you want to.
Nuit Blanche // Downtown Toronto (Sept 30th)
If your online date is approaching soon and you've got no idea where to take them, look no further than not only a great event but a free one! Nuit Blanche is this Friday and it's the perfect spot to take someone you are just meeting for the first time. Plus with all the exhibits being placed all over the city, you can choose which ones to visit and which ones to skip while you grab dinner if the date is going well!
Lipstick and Dynamite // 992 Queen St W
Everyone loves a good dive bar, and if you plan on taking your date to one then you should definitely consider Lipstick and Dynamite. The spot has an eccentric but lovable vibe to it that your date will definitely be impressed by. So schedule that date and prepare to order some pints and have a great time!
Laser Quest // 1980 Eglinton Ave E
Who doesn't love laser tag? This is a great date idea if you and your date are both into adventure or being active. Whether you choose to team up or face off it'll be a great way to bond and not have to worry about the pressure of making up conversation on the spot!
For 'Restaurant Date,' click 'Next.'
Restaurant Date
Tennessee Tavern // 1554 Queen St W
Tennessee Tavern's patio should be reason enough why you would want to take any kind of first date there. If your prospective date is a foodie or loves Instagram, take them here and they will be floored. The best part is that the tavern isn't just aesthetically pleasing, the food is will please your stomach as well!
The Anne Boleyn // 287A Richmond St W
If you are thinking of taking your date somewhere with more of a pub vibe, The Anne Boleyn is the place to go. They do pub food to a T and the ambiance is the perfect balance between old and new, looking like a classier more cleaned up version of a pub you might find in Britain!
WVRST // 609 King St W
Want to give your date not only a great night but a unique one? Take them to WVRST! The spot replicates German food halls so you'll be sat with tons of other people, so don't worry about making conversation- a lot of it will be made for you! Plus the food is absolutely incredible and a must-visit if you are a hot dog or sausage lover.
El Catrin // 18 Tank House
Tacos on a first date is never a bad idea. Especially if you are taking them to a place as cool as El Catrin! I mean the photos of the spot speak for themselves, the inside of the resto is loaded with character as well as the exterior! So whether you opt to eat on the patio or inside you won't be sacrificing a killer ambiance with either decision!
The Drake Sky Yard // 1150 Queen St W
Take advantage of this gorgeous weather and extend #PatioSZN with your date! The Drake Sky Yard is always a great idea considering the always impressive menu and equally as impressive decor.