Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but there is always love in the air. One of the biggest challenges when it comes to date night is figuring out where to eat. I’ve decided to help make that decision easier, so here are 10 restaurants that are perfect for your next date no matter your food preferences.
- Tellers Gallery & Bar-$$
Tellers is hands down one of my favorite restaurants in Columbia. Not only does it have great food, but it also has a delightful atmosphere with lovely employees. Almost every time someone comes to visit me from out of town, I take them to Tellers because it is also within walking distance of Sparky’s. There are a wide variety of options on their menu, so you can find something that even picky eaters will like. Personally, my favorite thing on their menu is the cajun pasta, but my boyfriend is partial to the buffalo chicken wrap. If you want to eat here on the weekend or with a large group, I highly recommend making a reservation.
- Sycamore-$$$
Sycamore is a bit on the pricier side, but the vibes are immaculate. The restaurant is decorated with fairy lights which make the whole place feel straight out of a fairytale. It is important to note that their menu changes daily. However, several items, such as the sourdough bread from Uprise Bakery, are always the same. Certain menu items are pricier but Sycamore offers small plate options that will make dining there more affordable. Sam’s Sliders are an excellent example of this. Sycamore is the perfect spot to go to if you want to have a magical night with your date. Reservations are not required but you can make them via email or by calling 573-874-8090.
- Le Bao Asian Eatery-$
I absolutely love Le Bao. The first time I ate here was with my roommate after Pride and it was excellent. The food is super affordable with each bao only costing around six dollars, and all of them taste delicious. The menu has so many options to choose from. My favorite meals that I have tried are the pork and kimchi bao and the pork belly steamed bun. Le Bao is such a cute restaurant that everyone in Columbia should visit at least once. It would be the perfect place to take someone on a first date if you wanted to go to someplace that is low-cost and lowkey. Le Bao doesn’t take reservations, instead, you just order at the counter.
- CoMo Smoke and Fire-$$
If you or your date loves barbecue, the best place to take them in Columbia is CoMo Smoke and Fire. Even if you don’t like barbecue, their menu has so many options for you to choose from. I would recommend their barbecue nachos as an appetizer and they have grilled cheese mac and cheese sandwiches, which you can get with barbecue meats. It’s even better than it sounds. This would be a fantastic place to take any barbecue lover. The restaurant feels very warm and inviting and I have never had bad service there. CoMo Smoke and Fire doesn’t take reservations, but you can place an order to go if you don’t want to dine in.
- Flat Branch Pub and Brewing-$$
Flat Branch is the perfect place to take someone for a date, dinner or even for a friendly outing. Their menu has so many great options to choose from, and I would definitely recommend the stout brownie sundae with tiger stripe ice cream. It screams Mizzou. Flat Branch’s menu has plenty of options, so there should be something for everyone. It’s also located pretty close to campus so you and your date can go on a walk before or after your meal. Dining at Flat Branch is first come first served, so don’t worry about making a reservation.
- Pizza Tree-$$
Pizza Tree is an amazing restaurant that I highly recommend for any occasion, especially a date. One thing that sets Pizza Tree apart from other pizza places in Columbia is its unique menu. There are so many unique pizzas that you can get at Pizza Tree. This includes mac and cheese pizza (it’s amazing) and even a kimchi pizza. Because of this variety, I think that Pizza Tree would be a really wonderful place to take someone on a date. Pizza Tree offers pizza in a range of sizes and they even offer gluten-free crust. Pizza may seem like an unconventional option for a date, but I know it would be super fun, especially if you order to go and have a movie night.
- CJ’s In Tiger Country-$
I know a chicken wing restaurant is an unconventional recommendation for a date night, but CJ’s has sentimental value for me. It’s the place I went to on my first date with my boyfriend. Also, the wings are amazing! CJ’s is the perfect place to go with your date if you love wings. You could even go to hang out with friends or watch Mizzou basketball games. Their menu doesn’t have as many options as other restaurants that I have recommended but everything on it is delicious. They offer bone-in and boneless wings with a wide variety of sauces. Their best wing sauce is the sweet heat BBQ. I also highly recommend their curly fries!
- Shakespeare’s Pizza-$$
You can’t make a list of great restaurants in Columbia without including Shakespeare’s. Its menu is full of unique and amazing options for you and your date to try. I highly recommend The Masterpiece, but honestly, all their pizza is amazing. Plus, they have a gluten-free option! Shakespeare’s is the perfect place to go get pizza with friends or go on a date if you want a more lowkey night. My favorite thing about Shakespeare’s is the energy of the restaurant. I mean how many pizza places have a bar in them? Shakespeare’s would be a perfect place to go on a date. You can order a pizza, get a drink and play ping pong. Sounds perfect to me!
- Addison’s-$$
Addison’s is actually the first restaurant I ever ate at in Columbia! I went there with my mom before “Summer Welcome” at the start of my freshman year. It’s a beautiful restaurant that has great vibes. Their menu ranges from fancy to typical bar food, which means there is something for everyone. One item I recommend is the Thai chicken salad. Addison’s is a wonderful place to take your date without having to spend too much on dinner while still impressing them with a quality meal. Select items from the menu are available until midnight as well.
- El Oso Mexican Grill-$$
El Oso is incredible. I go all the time with my roommate. This beautiful restaurant has amazing Mexican food with a great atmosphere. It’s a perfect location to take your date if you prefer a sit-down experience that’s more on the casual side. It’s also a wonderful place to grab a meal with your friends. Their menu offers a wide selection of food to choose from. If you like burritos I recommend the burrito El Oso and the burrito fajita. If you like chicken, the pollo colombiano is amazing. El Oso is also a stunning restaurant with vibrant artwork and colorful floral walls, making it a gorgeous and romantic place to take your date without breaking the bank.
One of these restaurants is sure to work for you and a lover (or just a friend). Get out there and have a good meal. I know you’ll love it.