We hope this series inspires you to spend a little quality time with your partner in our fair city. There are so many fantastic different places and wonderful different ways to make your night a special one. We’re going to explore a few over the next few weeks and share our experiences with you! (For more date night ideas, check out more of our series!)
One of my favorite parts of date night is the chance to let down my hair (No, literally. No sticky fingers or grabby toddler hands!), feel like an adult, and remember that there’s more to me than just “mama.” Nothing makes me feel like we’ve recaptured a small part of our before-kids life together like enjoying a happy hour with my husband. Since I stay home with our little one during the day, there are a couple of ways that we can accomplish this. Sometimes he’ll head straight to the restaurant from work while I orchestrate a childcare swap or set up the little man with a babysitter before heading out to meet him. Other times, we meet at home and make a mad dash for our destination. Either way, it’s nice to get out that door and enjoy a few hours of “grown up” time in Nashville.
It must be said that Pomodoro East is one of our favorite go-to happy hour spots. They have great drink specials and a selection of small plates that manages to please the palates of both my husband and myself. I’m an Italian girl with a penchant for whiskey, so I’m hard-pressed to find a small plate there that I don’t like (though my new favorite is the Eggplant Napoleon) and I start the evening with a Tipsy Apple (whiskey, apple juice, fresh lemon, and orange bitters). My husband—ever the carnivore—swears by the Crispy Polenta (which comes with a divine bolognese) and the Drop Kick (house-infused habanero vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup). The best nights for us are Tuesday through Thursday when their happy hour lasts from 4:30 to 6:30 and allows us a little more time to get there and enjoy ourselves.
Another fun place for happy hour action is Virago’s Make-Saki Monday. Trust me on this one—you need to make a reservation (yes, a reservation for happy hour) unless you have the time to wait an hour or more (which we don’t when we have a sitter) or are lucky enough to snag a spot at the bar. This is one hoppin’ spot, my friends. Fellow sushi lovers, take note: on Make-Saki Monday there are eight of their specialty rolls available for half-price (I do so love the New Moon and Dynamite rolls!) as well as a 2-for-1 sake and cocktails menu from 5-7pm. That’s a whole lot of deliciousness.
If you’re wanting to try a Friday night happy hour, my recommendation would be BLVD Nashville. From 2-7pm, they offer a “pick 2 for $8” menu that includes a variety of drinks (well whiskey and vodka, house wines, local beers, etc) and a tasty variety of small bites and snacks. Included in that list are their to-die-for fries. No, I’m not kidding. Seriously. Those fries = YUM.
More places to try include Sambuca, Eastland Cafe, Rumours Wine Bar, Mafiaoza’s (on Tuesdays), Antica, and Sunset Grill (on Sundays).
Do you enjoy a happy hour date night? What’s your favorite place in town?
