If it's Friday or Saturday night and you're planning on sitting on the couch, binge-watching Netflix, and ordering pizza with your significant other, again, then it's time to rethink date night. Whether it's eating, getting outside, or experiencing the arts that you enjoy as a couple, you're sure to find it at one the best date night spots in Wilmington.

Le Catalan

This waterside wine bar with French-inspired casual cuisine is the perfect date night spot in Wilmington for wine lovers. Enjoy a glass of vino on the riverside patio overlooking the gorgeous Cape Fear River. A rotating wine list is available by the glass or the bottle and pairs perfectly with the delicious cafe menu. An on-site wine merchant is ready to help you find your perfect wine if you're not sure where to begin!

Catch Restaurant

Catch offers modern seafood cuisine with an international twist. Chef Rhodes has been voted the city’s best chef for three consecutive years and was even nominated by the James Beard Foundation as a finalist for Best Southeast Chef. His menu changes seasonally, featuring in-season flavors and locally-sourced fruits and vegetables. Every ingredient used in-house is consciously sourced from organic growers and local fisheries that support sustainable practices. Feel good about date night and what's on your plate at Catch!

Little Dipper Fondue

Located in historic Downtown Wilmington, The Little Dipper makes date night fun! This fondue-style eatery places one shared burner in the center of each table where you can experiment dipping in various oils and broths! From cheese to shrimp to veggies, you can try it all here. The cherry on top? They're known for their 17 different choices of homemade dipping sauces, the perfect finish for your meats, vegetables, and seafood after cooking. 

Noni Bacca Winery

Spend the night sipping on premium wines in the heart of Downtown Wilmington at the family-owned Noni Bacca Winery. Ken and Toni have a long family tradition of winemaking that they want to share with you! Tasting room tours are offered seven days a week with tours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. This warm and welcoming winery is the perfect romantic spot to bring your significant other for a unique date night!

Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Inc.

Come see a show at one of the most historic theatres in the country! Built in the Italianate Opera House style in 1858, Thalian Hall has been in continuous operation since its opening and undergone several renovations. The Hall hosts numerous attractions as well over 35 community-based theatre, dance, film, and music organizations. Check out a ballet, concert, or film festival for an entertaining date night in Wilmington.

Front Street Brewery

If your significant other is a beer lover, you can't beat Front Street Brewery for date night! Wilmington's original brewery and pub offers a wide selection of craft beers as well as whiskey. With half-priced appetizers from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and after 10 p.m. every day as well as varying beer specials, this is a great spot to kick back with your loved one and enjoy a brew!

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Port City Chop House

Located only minutes from Wrightsville Beach, the Port City Chop House is known for its steaks, seafood, and chops. They offer inside dining as well as an outdoor patio with a fireplace, making this an ideal spot to cozy up to your significant other for a romantic date night. They also have an extensive wine list and delicious shareable appetizers so you can try a little bit of everything. 

Dead Crow Comedy

Have a good laugh while enjoying finger foods and cocktails at Dead Crow Comedy Room. This laid-back theatre hosts both nationally-recognized and local comedians! Tuesday is comedy bingo night, Wednesday is improv night, and Thursday is open mic night. Think you've got a funny bone but aren't quite ready to take the stage? You can take stand up and improv comedy classes here as a couple.

Fort Fisher State Historic Site

Take date night outside and enjoy a relaxing night walk at Fort Fisher! You can bring a picnic to enjoy out by the beach as you hear the waves crash in and take in the sunset. Talk about romantic!

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Cape Fear River Boat Cruises

Take a boat tour through the beautiful Cape Fear River and enjoy stunning sunset views! These one-hour narrated tours will teach you about the history of Wilmington as you sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery. You're welcome to enjoy the River Grill and its selection of beer, soft drinks, and pub food before you board. The cruise is $12 per person, and it's definitely worth the view. 

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Horsedrawn Carriage Tours

Take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the historic and scenic Downtown Wilmington for a date that feels like a fairy tale. These 30-minute narrated tours are offered in six different routes, so you can go on multiple dates here and still see something new every time! The horses used for carriage rides have all been rescued, and ticket sales are used to care for them. Reservations are not required, and adults are $12 each. 

Need more ideas to spice up your date night? Register on 910area for even more Wilmington restaurants and fun things to do in Wilmington.

 

Cover photo courtesy of PxHere