My husband and I had our first date at Calamari’s Squid Row nearly 20 years ago, and it’s still one of our go-to spots. Back when our kids were little, a solo trip to the grocery store felt like the closest thing we had to a “date.” Now that they’re older (and honestly, don’t want to hang out with us as much), we try to get out for a real night together a couple of times a month.
Lately, we’ve been hitting up the Y to take a class or play pickleball—a solid cheap date since we’re members! But sometimes, we want to do something that doesn't involve tennis shoes and workout shorts. If, like us, you’re looking to shake up your next date night in Erie, here are five ideas that go beyond the usual “dinner and a movie” routine.
Updated February 2025
1. Take an Erie Hike (Together, Not Literally)
Fresh air. A good walk. Zero kids asking for snacks. Sometimes, the simplest dates are the best. Whether you’re into an easy lakeside stroll or a more adventurous hiking trail, Erie has some great outdoor spots to explore together.
Best Trails for a Walk & Talk:
- Asbury Woods – Great in any season—summer hikes, fall leaves, and even winter snowshoeing (which, yes, is harder than it looks).
- Presque Isle State Park – The obvious choice, but there are so many trails here, you can always find a new one! Or just walk along the beach and hunt for beach glass.
- Headwaters Park – A quieter spot with eight different trails to explore.
Where to Refuel After:
After a scenic hike and some uninterrupted conversation (a rare luxury), keep the date going with a meal that’s just as satisfying as the time spent outdoors. Whether you’re in the mood for delicious sushi, yummy bbq, or waterfront dining, these spots make the perfect post-hike stop.
- Federal Hill Smokehouse – Lick your fingers good!
- Bay House Oyster Bar & Restaurant: Enjoy fresh seafood, steaks, fresh oysters, indoor and outdoor dining ... all while viewing the beautiful bay view of Lake Erie.
- Samurai Kitchen + Sushi — Hands down the best sushi in town.
2. Get Crafty (and Maybe a Little Messy)
Looking for an Erie date night that’s a little outside the box? Tap into your creative side! You don’t have to be an artist—just go in with a good attitude (and maybe a willingness to laugh at your own masterpiece).
Fun Creative Classes for Couples:
- Board & Brush Erie – Make a custom wooden sign for your home.
- RLB Art Studio - Take painting classes (private or group) and create a masterpiece together.
- Erie ClaySpace – Try tandem throwing on a pottery wheel.
Where to Eat After:
After channeling your inner artist, keep the creativity flowing with a meal at one of Erie’s most inventive restaurants—because a night like this deserves more than just a basic burger and fries.
- Bar RΕnin – Delicious Japanese Izakaya with an ultra-cool vibe.
- Sauce Erie—Try Erie's most talked about restaurant, where the dress code is black, no phones are allowed, and you are asked to call the owner "mistress."
- Lucky Louie's Beer & Wieners—Sure, it's 'just' hot dogs, but their inventive 'dogs (Nacho Average Wiener) make this a date night-worthy outing.
3. Blow Off Some Steam (Literally)
Life can be stressful, so why not let loose together? Whether you want to relax or throw sharp objects (safely), Erie’s got options.
Pick Your Stress-Relieving Adventure:
- Couples Massage – Book one at Panache Salon, Coventina Day Spa, or Monacella Massage.
- Stumpy’s Hatchet House – Channel your inner lumberjack.
- Archery Encounters – Test your skills with a bow and arrow.
Where to Eat After Unwinding:
Whether you spent the night throwing axes, mastering archery, or melting into a massage table, you’ve worked up an appetite. Now it’s time to wind down, refuel, and toast to a date night well spent at one of these Erie favorites.
- Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro – Laid-back Haitian-Southern fusion with the best fried chicken.
- Firestone’s – Whether you're in the mood to keep it casual with a shareable Pickle Pizza or indulge in a perfectly grilled steak cooked right before your eyes, Firestone’s is always a guaranteed delicious night out.
- Cork 1794 – Craft cocktails and a menu that never disappoints.
Do the fun stuff... without the kids!
Ever visited one of Erie’s best attractions and thought, This would be so much more fun without kids pulling me in five directions? Now’s your chance.
- ExpERIEnce Children's Museum: Erie's newly renovated children's museum is super fun with the kids ... and a different kind of fun on your own! Check their schedule for occasional adult-only nights for a great night out.
- Waldameer Park & Water World: Enjoy alllll the roller coasters ... and skip the kids' section!
- Presque Isle State Park: Enjoy a full day at Presque Isle ... without the kids! Actually read a book or close your eyes on the beach, rent bikes for a full ride around the peninsula, or rent kayaks to explore the lagoons.
Where to eat in Erie?
No sharing your pancakes. No wiping sticky fingers. Just a leisurely brunch where you can actually sip your coffee while it’s still hot. These kid-free brunch spots are the perfect way to start—or wrap up—your grown-up day out.
- Luminary Distillery — features brunch every Sunday, including a Bloody Mary that has no rival.
- Bakery on 5th — Quiche pie, unbelievable danishes, to-die-for coffee... one of the newest bakeries in town has quickly become our favorite.
- Main Street Cakery Cafe in Erie — avocado toast, 3-egg omelets, and an irresistible bakery counter that guarantees you'll be leaving with some items to go.
5. Throw It Back to the Good Old Days
Think back to when you first started dating. Where did you go? What did you do? Recreate one of your first dates or pick a classic throwback activity.
- Go bowling: Remember when you'd hang out with friends at the bowling alley? Take your partner back there — and perhaps meet your BFFs for a double date! Want to modernize it a bit? Go duckpin bowling at Quaker Steak and Lube!
- Play Port Arcade: Relive the good ol' days at Play Port, where you can play 100 video arcade games set on Free Play! You can even BYOB.
Where to eat in Erie?
If the restaurant you enjoyed on one of your first dates is still open in Erie, head there! Some of the great longtime restaurants and bars in town we love:
- Calamari's Squid Row: Near and dear to my heart as it was the spot of our first date (the third booth from the entrance) and Calamari's catered our wedding 18 months later.
- Plymouth Tavern: Who doesn't know a couple who met at Plymouth Tavern? Remember quarter draft nights? Ah, the good 'ol days. The popcorn machine is still there!
Go Plan That Date Night!
Whether you’re in the mood for adventure, relaxation, or a good meal, Erie’s got plenty of date night options. So book that babysitter, make some plans, and enjoy some much-needed kid-free time together!
π What’s your go-to date night spot in Erie? Let me know at karam@macaronikid.com. We're always looking for new ideas! β€οΈ
