I think we can all agree – the ultimate date is one where you just don’t want it to end. Where you find yourself going from place to place, with drinks and convo flowing, and lots of laughter in between. For me, exploring an area I don’t always get to is also key, so making special plans to run around in a new neighborhood totally makes these special date nights a dream.
I have been to a variation of the date I’m about to share with you twice now, and I knew it was a must for the blog. It’s honestly the perfect mix of cool new Philly places, activities that are a bit outside the ordinary, and just unreal food. So whether you know the human you’re dating quite well, or you want to impress a new beau you think the night could go on with, check out these three stops for an amazing date night out!
Part 1: Drinks at Federal Distilling Room
1700 North Hancock Street
Start off your date night with some drinks at Federal Distilling Room, home of Stateside Vodka. The brand was started by two brothers, and they did an awesome job on the place (and the vodka!). The distilling room is open Thursday through Sunday, and it’s the coolest spot to grab some cocktails (I’m sure you’ve seen their glowing sign on Instagram before). If you want to add an activity to stop #1, the distillery has tours running Friday night and Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Groupon usually has a discount, so just grab a voucher (and don’t mention it to your date ;), otherwise, tickets are $10 each.
Part 2: Mini Golf & Games at Keystone Mini Golf & Arcade
161 Cecil B Moore Avenue
After you’re loosened up from some craft cocktails, head around the corner (literally, steps away) to Keystone Mini Golf. This place is the star of my date night. Keystone is a big room filled with 12 holes of mini golf (they have an additional six outside if it’s warm enough out) and old school arcade. For $12, challenge your date to a round of mini golf while you drink – it’s BYOB! (You may even be able to grab some drinks from Stateside, but I can not verify this) There’s change machines for the arcade games – basketball, air hockey, pinball, and more – and so much fun to be had. And, if you love golf so much, it might even convince you to visit The Indoor Golf Shop for some ideas for an in-house golf setup! PS: Did you know that the arcade is also open Thursday to Sunday – v convenient.
Part 3: Dinner at Wm. Mulherin’s Sons
1355 North Front Street
So yes, Mulherin’s is technically in Fishtown, I know, but it’s a quick Uber ride away, so I’m including it in this date.
The restaurant is open midnight or later most nights (with the kitchen open til 10pm Sunday & Thursday and 11pm Friday & Saturday), so make a late night reservation (bar tables are just as cool as the dining room seats) and be ready to get wow’ed. The entire restaurant is gorgeous, and they may even set you up in front of the fireplace while they’re getting your table ready! For food, Mulherin’s is the perfect place to share. The Speck & Egg Pizza (caramelized onion, egg, speck, potato, fontina – pictured above) is unreal, and I pretty much get it every time. I can also honestly call the Brussels Sprouts (brown butter, stracciatella, pine nut breadcrumb) one of my favorites dishes of all time. And you certainly can’t go wrong with any of the pastas. Just make sure to save room for the coffee pots de creme for dessert!
There you have it – the perfect Kensington date night! Speaking of dates – I am also excited to share Thrillist recently asked me to update my Philly Date Ideas post for the colder months. I added some more things that make each date idea special, took out the ones that would be just irresponsible to attempt in this arctic weather, and added in FIVE brand new date ideas for your viewing pleasure. Happy dating!
