#10. Dinner and a movie 
I know it may sound a little conventional, but not when you're downtown. Start off with dinner at the Brewco. It's a fun environment and very casual. Sit upstairs or out on the patio if the weather is nice. Then walk down the street to The Moxie to catch a flic. The movie choices are a little unconventional and the theatre will definitely be a talking point. It will set this date apart from your typical run to the Olive Garden and the cinema 16. Parking is available all along Walnut street and The Moxie's website gives you some helpful parking tips. Total price: $30 for dinner and $16 for the movie.
I know it may sound a little conventional, but not when you're downtown. Start off with dinner at the Brewco. It's a fun environment and very casual. Sit upstairs or out on the patio if the weather is nice. Then walk down the street to The Moxie to catch a flic. The movie choices are a little unconventional and the theatre will definitely be a talking point. It will set this date apart from your typical run to the Olive Garden and the cinema 16. Parking is available all along Walnut street and The Moxie's website gives you some helpful parking tips. Total price: $30 for dinner and $16 for the movie.
#9. For the music lover
Up for a night of good conversation under dimly lit tables and great background music? Then this date is perfect for you. At Bijan's Sea and Grille you can turn up the charm and delight your senses with great tastes, great sounds, and great sights...including the knock-out sitting across from you! This date will challenge the conversation for first dates but is a favorite for many regulars. If the conversation starts to slide then step around the corner for some entertainment at the Dueling Piano Bar. This is best in the summer when the college crowds have faded. Grab a spot near the front and make yourself a part of the show. Total price: $60 for dinner and $20 for cover and drinks.
#8. A downtown drive-in
This can be done as a family or just the two of you. Dust your picnic basket off and fill it will your best picnic foods. Don't forget that bottle of wine that you have saved for a special occasion purchased from Vino 100. A good picnic blanket is one of the best investments you can make for such occasions. My personal favorite is my Mambe waterproof blanket. Head over to Jordan Valley Park located between Hammons Field and the Ice Park. There are plenty of spots to choose from whether it be out in the open or secluded on one of the hill sides. I would highly recommend getting online and finding the closest free public parking lot, otherwise you'll be stuck paying $5 to park near the ball field. Follow the trail just north of the Ice Park over to Jefferson Avenue which is about two blocks away. On Friday and Saturday nights in the summer you can enjoy a contemporary version of a drive-in movie at Founders Park. Movies start at sundown and complementary tickets can be picked up before hand. Otherwise it is $5 at the door. Go to http://www.itsalldown.com/ for more information. The viewing area is a collection of concrete platforms so keep that picnic blanket with you. You will enjoy snuggling under the stars as you impress your date with ingenuity and effort. Total price: $15 grocery bill.
#7. Tent Theatre
If you like theatre then you'll love the quaint feel of Missouri State's Tent Theatre. Most performances begin at 8:15 pm so you'll have time to grab a bite to eat before the show. I recommend Garbo's on National between Walnut Street and St. Louis Street. There is plenty of seating outside if the weather is nice. Total price: $30 for dinner and $26 for the show.
#6. The Flame
Go ahead...get dressed up and put on your best perfume. But if snappy-casual is not your style then worry not - this stylish downtown eatery is hip enough for jeans (but leave your t-shirt that says "You might be a redneck if..." at home). Perhaps the best steak in town, don't leave without ordering the filet. You will not be disappointed. If the conversation is going great then keep it going by walking across the street for after dinner drinks at Bijan's Under the Tower, or for a fruit alternative, grab a healthy treat at Planet Smoothie just across from the YMCA. Total price: $80 for dinner and $20 for drinks.
#5. Pizza and Mud
Who can pass up pizza? And no, not that kind of mud...the perfect cup o' java at the Mudhouse. Some of my personal favorite in town are the cheesy pies at South Avenue Pizza located on, what else, South Avenue. Just a few doors down is the charming caffeine hang-out pressed with Wi-Fi and all. This casual evening is perfect for spending time just getting to know each other. Total price: $20 for pizza and $10 for the mud.
#4. He's all hands
What a better way to exercise those fingers than finger foods and video games. Downtown's new Tapas and Wine Bar, Ophelia's, is a excellent change of pace and will bring you back for more. Just around the corner is a walk down memory lane to 1984. For just a $5 cover, you can have hours of unlimited play on some of the greats of arcade history. Pac Man is even projected on a big screen. Flirt a little by challenging her to a game. Total price: $40 for dinner and $10 for games.
What a better way to exercise those fingers than finger foods and video games. Downtown's new Tapas and Wine Bar, Ophelia's, is a excellent change of pace and will bring you back for more. Just around the corner is a walk down memory lane to 1984. For just a $5 cover, you can have hours of unlimited play on some of the greats of arcade history. Pac Man is even projected on a big screen. Flirt a little by challenging her to a game. Total price: $40 for dinner and $10 for games.
#3. First Friday
The first Friday of each month, the Urban Districts Alliance hosts the First Friday Art Walk. This is a great opportunity to get familiar with downtown by walking through all the exhibits. As you walk hold her hand. She will appreciate the attention. Stop in for dinner at Hickok's Steakhouse for a run-in with the wild west. Total price: $45 for dinner.
#2. Take me out to the ball game
How can you beat America's great past time? This sports-themed date can be so much more than Sports Center or Sunday afternoon football. Start the night off at Historic Walnut Street's famed sports bar and grill, Ebbets Field. You don't have to be a Brooklyn Dodgers fan to enjoy this great Springfield eatery. Wear your red and be prepared to rub elbows with the Springfield fans next to you...what a better way to test out your date's social skills. Try the chips and salsa (some of the best in town). After dinner, walk three blocks to Hammons Field to cheer on the Redbirds. I would recommend getting chair backs but if you bring a good blanket then general admission will be just as good. Treat yourself to some peanuts or crackerjacks and don't forget to hug Louie. Total price: $25 for dinner and $10 for general admission or $24 for dugout boxes. If you don't mind the walk, then parking can be free.
#1. Laughs and lamb chops
And my number one choice...nothing makes a date more memorable than a night full of tear-jerking, foot-stomping, knee-slapping, pee-your-pants laughter. Jeff Jenkins and the crew at The Skinny Improv are sure not to disappoint. This downtown comedy show is one of a kind and is taking the city by storm. Show times are 7:30 and 10:00. Just down the street you can enjoy some great Greek cuisine at Riad. Get a seat out on the patio and don't be afraid to try something different. Talk to your waiter to get tips on what to try. Free public parking is just one block north of the restaurant. Total price: $35 for dinner and $24 for the show.
And my number one choice...nothing makes a date more memorable than a night full of tear-jerking, foot-stomping, knee-slapping, pee-your-pants laughter. Jeff Jenkins and the crew at The Skinny Improv are sure not to disappoint. This downtown comedy show is one of a kind and is taking the city by storm. Show times are 7:30 and 10:00. Just down the street you can enjoy some great Greek cuisine at Riad. Get a seat out on the patio and don't be afraid to try something different. Talk to your waiter to get tips on what to try. Free public parking is just one block north of the restaurant. Total price: $35 for dinner and $24 for the show.
3 comments:
These all sound like lots of fun...some other great places to eat downtown are Bruno's, St. Michael's and Maria's. I hear the second Haruno location is now open downtown...yummy! And, my favorite date that can be dinner alone is Gilardi's...an experience in itself...wonderful food, wine and of course hopefully intriguing conversation.
A NEW thing to do downtown is called "Dive In" Theatre...it's where The Skinny Improv used to be and is filled with couches, comfy chairs, etc. and you can buy all kind of snacks and beverages of all kinds (including beer and wine)...sort of like watching a movie in your living room with about 40 other people...sounds fun.
Patton Alley Pub often features fun local artists if you're in the mood for some delicious better than bar food, one of their 100+ brews and good music...a nice casual evening out.
p.s. I concur that the Mambe waterproof blanket is a must for any outdoor activity - good purchase.
Waiiiit a minute there slickster...have you actually been to all these locations that you tout? I'll give you 1 chance to fess up before I label you a snake-oil salesman.
I realize that this is a little late coming but Kai is now open. I've heard wonderful things. I'm a new fan of sushi, and Haruno so I'm going to give it a go.
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