Level Up Your Date Night at These 6 Spots
BY TIA BALLARD
It’s the season of love, RVA, and if you’re looking to have a fun and impressive date night at any stage of your relationship, let me introduce you to (or remind of!) some local spots that offer you the opportunity for much more than “just going to dinner.”
Image Source: Triple Crossing Beer
When it’s the first date
Triple Crossing Beer - Fulton
Triple Crossing’s Fulton location is the ultimate first-date spot because it removes the intimidating feeling of a formal dinner; you get to keep things very casual but still enjoy all the fun of a date night. The brewpub has vintage board games, craft beer, and cocktails, plus a menu of interesting takes on pizza — my personal favorite is the Hot Honey Pepperoni. For pet lovers, Triple Crossing has a dog-friendly patio complete with fire pits, and Skip the Small Talk even hosts dedicated social nights for those who want to meet other Richmonders. It’s also one of the few breweries in Richmond with ample parking, so you don’t have to circle the block pre-date; you need that time to check your lip gloss!
Location: 5203 Hatcher St (Fulton)
>> Learn more <<
Image Source: Lillie Pearl
When it’s that someone (really) special
Lillie Pearl
When you’re ready to show someone you’re serious about your relationship, take your date to Lillie Pearl. The staff is fun and vibrant, and the creative cocktail names (like Nearest Two Street and Sweet Thang) set a fun tone ahead of your order from the “modern Southern” food menu. Lillie Pearl makes the kind of dishes you’ll be talking about on the car ride home, and the playlist the spot has on in the background will have you singing your favorite songs to each other at dinner.
Location: 305 Brook Rd (Jackson Ward)
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Image Source: Linden Row Inn
When it’s your anniversary
Linden Row Inn
For a particularly special celebration or a night when you want the rest of the world to disappear, Linden Row Inn is the place, hands down. The boutique hotel is located in downtown Richmond, but its historic feel and secret garden gives you that tucked-away vibe for such an occasion. Go full ~quiet luxury~ with a parlor suite featuring a king bed, sitting parlor, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Or try the Staycation Package and enjoy a $100 gift certificate to Evermore Garden Bistro with your overnight stay. Or up the ante and book the Poe Experience Package, which includes a stay in a Main House room or Parlour Suite, two passes to the Poe Museum, a copy of Edgar Allan Poe Complete Tales & Poems, and a keepsake Linden Row Inn mug filled with chocolate truffles.
Location: 100 E Franklin St (Monroe Ward)
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Image Source: Blue Willow Tea Room
When you’re looking for something outside of Richmond but still damn good
Blue Willow Tea Room
Browse unique antiques and have a full afternoon of English tea at the cutest tea room ever!
Location: 104 W Old St (Petersburg)
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Fine Creek Brewing Company
Take a ride through the countryside and enjoy amazing food, and stay at a cottage for a quick overnight getaway, if you’d like.
Location: 2425 Robert E Lee Rd (Powhatan)
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Wabi-Sabi
Live music and hand-rolled sushi at this Old Towne Petersburg staple? Yes, please!
Note: Wabi-Sabi had to temporarily close in December 2025 after a kitchen fire. The spot plans to reopen at the start of this year, but check with the restaurant itself before heading over.
Location: 29 Bollingbrook St (Petersburg)
>> Learn more <<
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
RICHMOND’S "LOVE CONSULTANT”
OWNER OF HELLO LOVE & Founder (Co-Owner) LUCKY IN LOVE Tia is a Richmond-based chapel owner, licensed officiant, and elopement specialist dedicated to creating intimate, meaningful love stories. Through her businesses Hello Love and Lucky in Love, she has helped hundreds of couples navigate the city’s most romantic corners.
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