In a college town, or anywhere you can find thousands of teenagers/early twenty-somethings, dating is a hot topic.
Therefore, date spots are always a good conversation topic. Where to go for which occasion can seem like a major decision for the date-planner. So I’m sharing my top 5 recommendations for date restaurants in the Auburn/Opelika area.
Let’s start the countdown.
(For price, the scale is as follows: $-low-moderate; $$-moderate-expensive; $$$-expensive)
Most people in Auburn have heard of this long-time town favorite. It’s well-known as a nice date spot. The prices aren’t terrible and the food quality is great. It also has a diverse enough menu to please most any palate, from the simple Rustic Burger to the Duck Duck Cous Cous.
Atmosphere: Nice casual
Price: $$
Cuisine: Updated southern, American
Perfect for: Special occasions, graduation, birthday dinners
My dish recommendation: Shrimp & Grits. This so-called appetizer is actually plenty to count as a meal for the normal person (or maybe just the normal female). It’s creamy and delicious, with the shrimp cooked and seasoned perfectly.
4. Ma-Fia’s Ristorante & Pizzeria
Located on the currently reviving Railroad Avenue in Opelika, this Italian restaurant offers low-lighting, friendly waiters and excellent food. The bread basket is fantastic, the dishes are elegant and tasty and the ambience makes for a cozy setting. The menu has everything you could want: pasta, pizza, antipasti and entrees with Italian flair.
Atmosphere: Romantic
Price:$$
Cuisine: Italian
Perfect for: Anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, romantic date night
My dish recommendation: Seafood Limoncello Pasta. When people think of Italian food, pasta is usually one of the first dishes that pops into their heads. This pasta dish has a wonderfully creamy, limoncello-infused sauce that covers shrimp, scallops, mussels and a mound of pasta. My compliments to the chef.
Just down the avenue from Ma-Fia’s sits this cozy little pub. If you like good, hearty food with a little UK tradition, this place is for you. The pub itself is a very casual setting that allows for conversation, yet has enough noise that a break in the conversation doesn’t feel quite so awkward (hello, first date). As far as the food goes, it’s just plain good. It’s not too fancy, but it’s definitely a step above the typical pub fare.
Atmosphere: Casual and loud
Price: $
Cuisine: Irish-inspired pub fare
Perfect for: relaxed first date, group dinners, birthday dinners, winter date nights
My dish recommendation: Coleraine Pork Tenderloin (Or anything doused in the Guinness BBQ sauce). The pork is tender and juicy and–with a side of grits and veggies–this dish hits the comfort-food spot. And being comfortable is what first dates are all about, right?
2. Acre
Newest to the list, Acre has made quite an impression since opening in the fall of 2013. The rustic-yet-classy interior of the stone-walled building makes for a sophisticated date night. This restaurant relies exclusively on locally grown produce and locally sourced meat, fish and dairy. The food tastes amazingly fresh and the menu changes constantly to keep up with ever-changing food stock.
Atmosphere: Rustic, yet nice
Price:$$
Cuisine: Farm-to-table fresh, southern influence
Perfect for: Impressive first date, girls’ night out, celebration date night.
My recommended dish: BBQ Brunswick Stew. All I can say is, I didn’t know rabbit tasted so darn good. This thick stew is full of flavor. Paired with a small salad and served with pimento cheese sliders, it’s the perfect size to indulge yet not end up in a food coma.
1. Maestro 2300
This is one of the nicest restaurants I’ve ever visited. The low-lighting makes it a romantic destination, so avoid this one for the first date. However, the menu will make you feel all grown up with its sophisticated dishes. From steak to seafood to fancy grains, this restaurant will definitely impress your date.
Atmosphere: Elegant, romantic
Price: $$$
Cuisine: “New World Mediterranean”
Perfect for: Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, very special occasions.
My dish recommendation: Lobster Risotto. This dish happens to be on the Valentine’s Day special menu, so it’s not an everyday option. But the richness of the risotto with crunchy leeks and juicy lobster bits made up just about the fanciest dish I’ve ever ordered. One thing that is a staple is the bread. If you aren’t careful, you’ll have no room for the entree!
There you have it! My top 5 date destinations in Auburn (as far as restaurants go, anyway).
But I’m not even done.
To kick up it up a notch, I’ve compiled a Google Map for you. Use it to easily find contact information and compare prices and locations of the restaurants I’ve mentioned above. Check it out here.
Here’s the full URL if the hyperlink is acting up: https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zRxQdUmm2aXQ.kLY-idk_9unw
A Taste of the Plains 