Pittsburgh has been recently voted as one of the best cities for singles, and that’s great news!
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!
Mt. Washington
Grandview Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15211
This is a classic, traditional first date in Pittsburgh.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 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.
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?
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!
Downtown
943 Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-339-0608
Arcade Comedy Theater is another relaxed way to spend your first date.
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.
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?
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
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.
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!