Best Date Night Spots for the Different Stages in Your College Relationship
Places to keep in mind for V-Day and cuffing season
—By Kate Levy, Kailey Lashbrook, Grant Wakeland, and Kylee Groves
While attending the University of Michigan, students can expect complex courses—and even more complex relationships. It can be challenging to navigate a difficult course load, various clubs and activities, and think of creative date ideas. Fortunately, Ann Arbor is home to a variety of restaurants and attractions perfect for whatever kind of relationship you might be in.
Stage 1: Just Talking
Place: University of Michigan Museum of Art (525 State St.); Price: Free; $
Got a new Hinge match? Or maybe your cute classmate finally snapped you back? When it comes to a date night, you’re likely looking for a casual spot where you can get to know your date better. We’ve got the perfect place for you!
Located right off the Diag, UMMA boasts over 20,000 pieces of art that are sure to impress your date! UMMA’s art collection features everything from Asian art dating back to the early 1800s to breathtaking photographs of Yosemite, California. The spacious exhibits, along with the inviting environment, provide the perfect space for you to get to know your date better and look at some cool art. If the date goes well, you can head down to the lower level of the museum and stop by the UMMA cafe for a tasty beverage/snack and more time to talk. UMMA cafe offers a variety of coffee and non-coffee beverages at an affordable price and has special food offerings such as macaroons and bento boxes No spark, no problem! You can leave this date without having to break the bank. Rumaisa Wajahath, a UMich sophomore, says, ”It’s good for when you’re talking to someone so you can see how pretentious or ignorant they really are.”
Stage Two: “The Situationship”
Place: NYPD (605 E William St.); Price: $
Prefer to keep things without labels? Or maybe you are just still trying to figure out what you are looking for? You are likely looking for a spot where you can hang out and keep things simple!
Nothing is as simple as a slice of good pizza! At NYPD you don’t need to worry about limiting yourself or your situations to one type of food. You can keep your options open with the numerous menu items from over 30 different flavors of ridiculously good pizza to massive calzones and hearty burgers. NYPD is a cozy spot that offers lots of choose-your-own seating options. With minimal to no wait times, and hours until 3 AM, this date would require minimal planning. And, if you prefer to keep your relationship more private, NYPD offers a take-home make-your-own pizza kit that makes two 14” pizzas that you can customize to your liking for only $29.99!
Stage Three: Newly Dating
Place: The Last Word (301 W Huron St); Price:$$
Many partners new to the dating world are likely looking for a place where they can spend quality time with their significant other that goes a little beyond a casual night out. You need somewhere fun where you can make memories. We’ve got the perfect place for you (if you’re over 21)!
Located under the nightclub LIVE, The Last Word is tucked away and offers a secluded speakeasy vibe for an end of the night drink. Enjoy delicious cocktails from a diverse menu after your short walk from the downtown restaurant scene. The menu is structured as your guidebook taking you through its various categories of drinks inspired by the prohibition era in Detroit. The Last Word is the perfect place to continue to get to know your partner while sharing a special experience at one of Ann Arbor’s most beloved locations. Be sure to plan in advance and make a reservation as The Last Word is a popular after-dinner location. You can expect to spend about 14 dollars per cocktail with other less expensive alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available. The “Rosie” and “It Slaps” are two favorites known for their citrusy taste and unique ingredients like elderflower and rose-infused gin. The drinks and atmosphere are well worth the splurge and make The Last Word the perfect way to spend date night!
Stage Four: Long-Term
Place: Dixboro Project (5400 Plymouth Rd.); Price: $$$$
If you’re in it for the long haul, you might be willing to spend a little extra for a special occasion. We’ve got the perfect place for you lovebirds. Even though it’s a short ride away, The Dixboro Project is the perfect restaurant to celebrate an anniversary, or better yet, Valentine’s Day, with your special someone. Its modern and cozy atmosphere with exquisite dishes flavored to match the time of year, takes you on a unique dining experience. The ideal place to share some of your favorite classic dishes but with a more elegant and flavorful spin. You definitely don’t want to miss out on the chance to share their truffle risotto or mushroom pizza. Although it is definitely on the pricey side, you will not get this dining experience from cocktails to delicious desserts anywhere else. It is the definition of a perfect date night.
Stage Five: Galentines/Malentines
Place: Savas(216 S State St); Price: $$$
Does the idea of a relationship repulse you? Maybe you have sworn off dating, are in a long-distance relationship, or are just wanting to spend time with your friends. Regardless, there are still tons of spots around campus that you can enjoy surrounded by your closest pals!
Grab a few friends and walk over to State Street for a fun and enjoyable brunch or dinner at Savas! Share your favorite memories, reminisce on funny stories, and just catch up while sipping from their wide selection of Napa Valley wines, eclectic cocktails, or fruity mocktails. This contemporary spot also offers modern twists on American favorites and unique Asian-fusion dishes all made with locally sourced ingredients. Their famous double-stacked burger and filet mignon are deliciously indulgent and never disappoint! Or, stay on the lighter side, and share their crispy and spicy bang-bang shrimp or their fresh tuna tartare with friends. If you have a late-night club meeting, stop by and try their brunch instead! It will have you falling in love…with their fluffy blueberry pancakes! From savory eggs benedict to fresh fruit and granola, Sava’s has something for everyone! The bohemian-meets-rustic interior provides two levels of comfy seating, and a sleek bar that’s at the center of the restaurant. Who said Valentine’s Day has to be spent with a significant other?
Feature Photo by: Rinck Content Studio on Unsplash