City lights are the perfect backdrop for a fun, romantic evening. Downtown Durham’s exceptional art and dining scenes, old-school architectural touches, and variety of cultural experiences make it a great place for a date night! Whether you’re meeting someone for the first time or celebrating an anniversary, you can’t go wrong in Downtown Durham. Here are some of our suggestions.

Dinner

If you’re looking to keep things lower key, you can’t go wrong with Luna. This South American restaurant focuses on rotisserie meats and empanadas, built with high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients that burst with Latin flavor. There’s also Dashi, whose housemade ramen is a great way to warm up in cold weather.

Looking for something on the fancier side? Rue Cler is a French restaurant with a interior that blends European style with the Industrial feel of Downtown Durham. While the staples are good French fare – steak frites, coq au vin – the prix fixe is where it’s at, with rotating dishes based on seasonally available local produce. Mothers and Sons, arguably the best Italian restaurant in the Triangle, is also a great choice for something more upscale.

Drinks

For date night drinks, it’s hard to do better than the rooftop bar at the Durham Hotel. The views of Downtown Durham are stunning, and entertainment runs the gamut from DJs to live jazz. Plenty of seating also makes it an attractive option for double dates.

For something a bit more relaxed, Bull McCabe’s is a Durham institution. The outdoor seating area has the comfy, low-key vibe of a German beer garden, with long, shared tables, overhead lighting, and outdoor games.

Activities

Looking to get a little culture? Every Third Friday, downtown Durham’s art galleries come together for a gallery crawl showcasing local and touring artists. The event also features street musicians you can listen to from the city’s restaurants and bars, all within easy walking distance.

Speaking of the arts, the Durham Performing Arts Center is home to touring Broadway shows, singers, bands, comedians, and lecturers. Broadway superfans can also purchase season passes so you never miss a show.

Located next to Durham Central Park, the Vega’s luxury condominiums put all this and more at your fingertips! Our floor plans range from one to three bedrooms, and every unit comes with a private terrace and beautiful modern touches. Contact us today and see why Downtown Durham is one of the hottest addresses in North Carolina!