There’s something about summer that makes us feel less guilty about enjoying a leisurely dinner date on a weeknight and staying out past our usual bedtime. Refreshing cocktails and outdoor patios are calling our name — even in 90+ degree temps! We’ve been trying out some new spots around town to update our Houston guide for you, and wanted to share our 10 favorite date night spots right now. Read on below and let us know if we missed your favorite romantic go-to!

Coltivare

Coltivare is one of our date night standbys. The atmosphere, food, and cocktails are always spot on. We don’t mind the wait because that means time to enjoy a cocktail in the bistro light-strung vegetable garden. We love sharing plates here — an appetizer, pizza, pasta, and their cauliflower and brussel sprouts are divine!

Night Heron

This cozy spot near the Menil has a fun tropical atmosphere with beach-y cocktails and small Asian-inspired shared plates. In the evenings the restaurant is dimly lit with candles and has a few seating vignettes that are perfect for pre-dinner drinks. They also have plenty of patio seating if it’s not too hot outside. We think a perfect date night is dinner at Night Heron followed by a nightcap at Light Years natural wine bar.

Nancy’s Hustle

We love posting up at the bar at this EADO hotspot for date night. Making a reservation can be tough, but if you don’t mind waiting put your name down and grab a drink. Nancy’s Hustle has a fun natural wine selection, cocktails, and Lone Star beer if you want a no-frills evening. We usually want to try everything on the menu and order a bunch of plates to share. The staff is warm and friendly and will make you feel like a regular even if it’s your first night in.

Squable

Squable is the newest restaurant from Bobby Heugel and Justin Yu located in the Heights. The menu is “Modern European” and divided into small plates and big plates.  Everything we tried on our first visit was delicious. If there’s a wait, grab a cocktail and a table on their covered patio.

UB Preserv

We love sitting at the bar on date nights, and UB Preserv has a small bar that is perfect for dinner for two. The menu has Asian-inspired dishes like pork dumplings and crispy rice salad, as well as seafood entrees like pan seared red fish. If you’re feeling really hungry, go for the “Tour of Houston” tasting menu that is $55 per person (without beverages) — it’s totally worth it!

Dolce Vita

This oldie-but-a-goodie Italian restaurant in Montrose is great for a relaxed, casual date night. Located in an old house, Dolce Vita has a spacious patio as well as two floors of dining tables. We love their charcuterie, pizzas, and homemade pastas. It’s the best pizza we’ve had since leaving NYC!

Roost

A true neighborhood restaurant, Roost is a cozy bistro tucked away on a street in Montrose that is perfect for an intimate date night. Don’t miss their famous fried cauliflower and “In the Mood for a Burger”.

Nobie’s

If you and your date are looking for a lively dinner, head to Nobie’s and enjoy their eclectic vinyl collection while sharing plates like Texas tartare, bolognese pasta, and steak with chimichurri. It’s a tiny restaurant that actually use to be a house so you may have to wait, but the quaint atmosphere is one reason we love it!

Better Luck Tomorrow

For a casual patio date night, head to Better Luck Tomorrow in the Heights. It gets packed on weekends, but on a weeknight you’ll be able to snag a table outside and enjoy their elevated bar bites from Chef Justin Yu – like wagyu beef salad. On Tuesdays they serve Coltivare’s famous pastas.

Kata Robata

If you’re a sushi couple, Kata Robata is hard to beat. Like many Houston restaurants, it’s in a strip center and doesn’t look too exciting from the outside, but inside you’ll find fresh fish that is totally worth the splurge. This is one of our most frequented spots because it is just so darn good!

BCN

For a special occasion, get dressed up and head to BCN Houston, a fine-dining Spanish restaurant set in a 1920s house in Montrose. Sip their famous G&T’s and splurge on tapas in a romantic atmosphere.

Uchi

Another fine-dining destination, Uchi is a stylish sushi restaurant in Montrose that is incredibly tasty but pretty pricey. If you aren’t looking to splurge, we recommend perching at the bar and enjoying a selection of bites during their daily “sake special” happy hour from 5 to 6:30 p.m.