Panther City's Top Date Night Destinations
Agustin Gonzalez
If you’re looking to make a great first impression, these Panther City destinations set the stage for a truly memorable date night.
We defy anyone not to have a good time at Jackie O’s Cocktail Club, where the bartenders are always chatty and friendly and the cocktails are expertly crafted. From the bar’s motto — a lil’ swanky, a lil’ stanky — to the innuendo-laden cocktail names and mystery sex toy vending machine, the vibe is playful and fun. We, um, think the No Cocaine in the Bathroom sign is jest?
If there’s one thing we can all agree upon, it’s tacos. Locals in the know hit up Los Taco H’s, which stays true to authentic Mexican fare and makes street tacos that (insert Jackie O’s cocktail name here) are pretty much the best thing you can put in your mouth. Any “must-try Fort Worth taco listacle” that doesn’t include Juanito’s Taqueria was probably written by some guy named Gregg in Delaware. If you don’t trust me, trust the glowing 2,500 Google reviews. Do yourself the favor of a lifetime and visit one of Panther City’s best taquerias, Guapo Taco. We hear Chef Angel Fuentes is going to give the West 7th area something to taco-bout this fall.
If swank is your thing, Bar Dryce, Blackland Distillery, Maiden, and Atlas Fort Worth should be on your date card. All four destinations offer pristine and well-lit environs, exceptional service, and an elevated experience.
What would a date night be without some group activities? When it comes to culinary classes, accept no im-pastas. The Kimpton Harper hosts pasta-making classes for groups of up to 12. The 1.5-hour class led by il Modo’s talented team goes in-depth into the history of pasta while teaching practical tips for hand-making noodles. Don’t lose hope. Patio season will return. And when it does, we highly recommend Branch & Bird, The Archibald, and Tinie’s. Each offers a rooftop experience par excellence.
You’re never too old to enjoy a friendly (or overly competitive) game of putt-putt or rounds of go-kart. Rockwood Go-Karts & Mini Golf on the North Side offers thrills via the racetrack and downtime for chatting with your date as you take a putt-putt swing, or two, or three at the windmill. If you’ve never played pickleball, think of it as a much more forgiving version of tennis. Even first-timers can jump right in with minimal explanation of the rules. With nine outdoor courts, there’s rarely a long wait at Courtside Kitchen. (No worries if you want to leave the serving up to the waitstaff.)