First dates… you don’t want to commit to dinner, but you also don’t want to accidentally drink too much, or wind up starving, scavenging your kitchen for dinner at midnight. The ideal first date spot is somewhere you can grab a drink that also has excellent food. You could easily just have a quick drink and go your separate ways, or stay for longer without getting too “hangry.”
Take advantage of the seasonal deals at many of Jackson’s best restaurants, and finally ask that special someone out!
Bin 22 is the perfect date spot, with a great selection of craft beer and wines by the glass that is ever-changing. You could order a cheese or charcuterie board to share, or make a complete dinner of delicious shared plates. Plus, there is no corkage fee for bottles from the adjacent bottle shop, so the entire shop is essential your wine list. Bin 22 will operate with no closures this mud season, and if you pop in for lunch, enjoy one plate with the second for only $2. The $2 will go to a local nonprofit, changing weekly.
Share the duck rillettes, a Bin 22 shared plate classic.
Head to Hatch for fabulous tequila cocktails. Try the spicy hatch, made with Tanteo jalapeno tequila, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar. Or, for something smokey and sweet, the vanilla bean Mezcal mule. Hatch is open daily for lunch and dinner this April, with two for one entrées starting at 5 p.m. and $3 tacos all day. Extend that drink into dinner for two, without worrying about breaking the bank!
Having reopened this week for the spring, Sidewinders is the spot for a casual drinks date at a great price point. With a huge selection of beers and creative speciality drinks, there’s something for everyone. Try the Georgia lemonade: peach vodka with lemonade, soda, and a squeeze of lemon – the perfect drink to get you in the mood for spring! When hunger strikes, fill up on starters to share like the famous “S”idewinder pretzel or the parmesan truffle fries.
If you’re looking to seriously impress your date without breaking the bank, head to Blue Lion, currently serving two for one entrées all night. Start with a bottle of wine to share, and move on to Blue Lion’s famous roast rack of lamb or huckleberry buffalo tenderloin. For those averse to red meat, try the lobster and shrimp scampi, served with white wine, butter, garlic and herbs over fettuccine. Top it all off with a gooey mud pie.
Rack of Lamb from Blue Lion
