9 Picture Perfect Places for a First Date in Pittsburgh

That means there’s tons of things to do and interesting people to meet in the Steel City.

It doesn’t matter if you’d prefer a traditional dinner date or something more out of the ordinary-- Pittsburgh has more than a couple of venues to choose from. So whether you’re new to the ‘Burgh, or just new to dating, we’ve put together a list of places that are sure to offer a good time and come with a little bit of local Pittsburgh flavor as well.

If you know someone new to the dating scene or returning after a long hiatus, why not send them a personalized GiftYa virtual gift card?  It’s accepted at any of the places below, so they can treat their date to a great time. We can’t guarantee the first date will lead to a second one, but it’s a good start!

1. Dinner on Mt. Washington

Mt. Washington
Grandview Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15211

This is a classic, traditional first date in Pittsburgh.

At the top of Mt. Washington are the best views of all of Downtown Pittsburgh, which is a beautiful City...

If you want to impress them with the view-- or perhaps just the elegant dining-- then this is a great option! Boasting of some of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh-- such as Monterey Bay Fish Grotto, Altius, and the Le Mont-- any of which would be a great date option.

Afterwards be sure to take a stroll down Grandview Ave. and take some pictures from any one of the “mushroom” look outs that jut out over the cliff. There are bars and ice cream as well, if you’d like a nightcap or an after dinner treat.

“...You can park at the bottom and take the Incline up (that is very cool) or drive to the top (and also take the Incline round trip) and park and walk a bit. The views really are splendid.” - Yelp Review

2. Cool Springs Sports Complex

Bethel Park
1530 Hamilton Rd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15234

Mon-Sat 8am-10pm
Sun 10am-8pm

Cool Springs is a great idea for a casual-- and perhaps a little competitive-- first date.

Cool Springs is newly renovated and has become a great place to hang out...

It was recently renovated and now offers even more options, especially if you’re looking to have some fun and grab a bite to eat afterwards. Be sure to try your hand at some mini golf or one of their new sports simulators which offer golf, baseball, and football.

When you’re done there are a couple of restaurants on the site so you can chat it up afterwards.

...There's now a giant indoor sports complex, mini golf, putting green, multilevel driving range, ice cream shop and restaurant! - Yelp Review

3. Hollywood Theater

Dormont
1449 Potomac Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15216

412-564-1225

The Hollywood Theater is a classic little theater in the heart of the vibrant Dormont business district.

Hollywood Theater is a Top 3 movie going experience in Pittsburgh!!! It almost reminds me of combining a church basement with a movie theater, in the best way possible. - Yelp Review

If either of you is a cinephile, or even if you’d just like to catch a movie in a historic building, the Hollywood Theater is a great first date option. They’re always offering special showings too, so depending what time of the year it is, you could possibly catch your favorite Christmas flick or Halloween thriller.

Afterwards, there are all kinds of eclectic shops in the area to browse while you chat about the movie.

4. Gaynor’s School of Cooking

South Side
309 E. Carson St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

412-325-2703

Mon-Sat 9am-10pm
Sun 12pm-10pm

Cooking is a great life skill to have, and if either of you are lacking it, you should check out the classes available at the Gaynor School.

We went for couple's night....The entire evening was wonderful... - Yelp Review

Or maybe you really do like to cook but still want a low key date idea-- then this is a fun option for people just starting to get to know each other.

There are classes specifically designed for couples, or you can take a themed one such as Italian or Thai cooking. The best part is you get to eat what you cooked!‍

5. Pittsburgh Zoo

Highland Park
7370 Baker St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15205

Mon-Sun 9am-4pm

The zoo is definitely not just for kids! Animals are a wonderful way to keep those awkward pauses filled, and the Pittsburgh Zoo boasts of a wide variety sure to keep you busy.

Buy a GiftYa To Pittsburgh Zoo >

...it's very nice and has some unique charm to it that you don't get everywhere... - Yelp Review

It’s also a lovely way to walk and talk, and ask all those “get to know me” questions without being in the spotlight.

Go a step further and take your date to one of their adult events, such as Zoobrew or a wine tasting event.

Make sure to check out the exhibits at feeding time, as this can be as funny as it is entertaining.

6. Carnegie Museum

4400 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Sun-Mon, Wed, Fri-Sat 10am-5pm
Thurs 10am-8pm

If your date is big into history or art, why not spend an afternoon at the Carnegie Museum?

This is a fantastic museum!...saw a really nice selection of a lot of different types of art. - Yelp Review

Even if they’ve been there many times, there are always new exhibits and new art on display.

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, why not schedule your first date on one of the many over 21 nights at the museum? They always have a fun theme that ties in with some of the exhibits and they offer a bar, music, and munchies. Plus you get to tour the museum after dark!

7. Arcade Comedy Theater

Downtown
943 Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412-339-0608

Arcade Comedy Theater is another relaxed way to spend your first date.

Wow, color me impressed! What a fantastic venue for comedy, improv and all things in between...This venue is fresh! - Yelp Review

When you’re laughing at the hilarious comics on stage, it’s hard to show your nervousness! Also, laughter is a great ice breaker and will help you get past any lingering butterflies.

They offer stand up, improv, and sketch comedy shows, sure to have you bursting at the seams.

8. Ice Skating

Downtown
Pittsburgh Ice Rink at PPG Place
Third Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

412-394-341

If you’re looking for a fun outdoor option for a first date in the Pittsburgh winter, why not check out the gorgeous rink at PPG Place in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh?

This is a great activity for day or night! Family friendly, and good for couples...

Or check out one of the other rinks available in Pittsburgh, like Schenley Park, the Mt. Lebanon Rink, or the Ice Castle in Castle Shannon.

And don’t worry if you haven’t skated in a while-- it’s like riding a bike, and it’ll come back to you in no time.

...The workers are extremely nice, and one went out of his way to take a picture for my girlfriend and myself! - Yelp Review

9. Urban Air Trampoline Park

Cranberry Township
351 American Way
Cranberry, PA 16066

412-261-0604

Release the inner kid in you and check out Urban Air Trampoline Park for an exciting first date option.

This place is AMAZING and definitely lived up to the hype!! For kids and adults. It's not cheap, and it's always crowded, but it's worth it. - Yelp Review

They have trampolines, a rope course, climbing walls, and even a warrior course to test your strength.

This is a fun option that is anything but traditional!

Pittsburgh has so many options when it comes to having a first date. Depending on what you’re looking for, you can find dining, outdoors, or cultural activities that are sure to please any date-goer.

What was your favorite first date you had in Pittsburgh and how did it go? Tell us in the comments!