Local Resources
Best After Hours Place
Five & Diner 5220 N. 16th St., Phoenix
(602) 264-5220
This '50s style diner with its mini jukeboxes on Formica tables, serves up comfort food like chicken fried steak and butterscotch milkshakes.
Best Cheap Date
Picnic at Arizona Falls
Northeast corner of Indian School Rd. and 56th St., Phoenix
Park at G.R. Herberger Park, 5802 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix
This century old spot has been converted into an inviting design of industrial materials, sinuous curves, and cooling waterfalls. This is an unusual, romantic spot for a picnic.
Best Club
Marco Polo Supper Club 2621 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix
(602) 468-0100
A classy throwback to the Art Deco era, Marco Polo attracts a crowd old enough to appreciate it, yet young enough to get down and boogie.
Best Creative Date
Drive-In Movie at Scottsdale 6 Drive-In
8101 E. McKellips Rd., Scottsdale
Other locations: Glendale 9 Drive-In, 5650 N. 55th Ave., Glendale
(602) 949-9451
The only armrest you have to share is the one in your car. Pop some popcorn and snuggle up. Maybe you will even watch the movie.
Best Place for a Laugh
The Improv
930 E. University Dr., Tempe
(480) 921-9877
When top tier acts like Jerry Seinfeld and Kathy Griffin come to town, this is where they perform.
Best Place for Coffee and Dessert
My Florist Caf
530 W. McDowell Rd., Phoenix
(602) 254-0333
Open until midnight, this sophisticated spot is a lovely place to stop for homemade desserts, a cappuccino, dessert wine, and live jazz.
Best Place To Buy a Gift
Louis Vuitton
Scottsdale Fashion Square, 7014 E. Camelback Rd., Scottsdale
(480) 946-1700
Luxury monogrammed leather goods, including handbags and wallets, are always a stylish and sought after gift.
Best Restaurant for a Second Dinner Date
Va Bene Ristorante
4025 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix (Ahwatukee)
(480) 706-4070
Ill meet you anytime you want in our Italian Restaurant. This family owned restaurant could have inspired the Billy Joel song, with its generous portions and warm atmosphere.
Best Restaurant for First Dinner Date
Tarbells
3213 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix
(602) 955-8100
With a pleasing open layout and contemporary art, the low key atmosphere and moderate prices at Tarbell's are perfect for a relaxed and casual first date.
Best Restaurant for Lunch or Brunch First Date
Barrio Caf
2814 N. 16th St., Phoenix
(602) 636-0240
Everyone loves Mexican food, but this neighborhoods gourmet version raises the bar. The cochinita pibil (chili-rubbed pork) is simply succulent.
Best Special Occasion Restaurant
T. Cooks at the Royal Palms
5200 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix
(602) 840-3610
Well reviewed and located in the beautifully refurbished Royal Palms resort, T. Cooks exudes a kind of graciousness that is rare in the Valley.
TOP FIVE DATES
Discover the Orient
Japanese Friendship Garden
Margaret T. Hance Park
1125 N. 3rd Ave., Phoenix
(602) 256-3204
Ichi Ban Japanese Sushi Express
2815 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
(602) 277-3559
On a Saturday afternoons, stroll the foot bridges, koi pond, and plants of the Japanese Friendship Garden. Then enjoy a tea ceremony in the tea house. Reservations are required. To continue the theme, go for sushi at a nearby restaurant, such as Ichi Ban.
Hold on to Each Other as you Brave the Local Haunt
Haunted Phoenix
San Carlos Hotel
202 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
(602) 253-6668
Visit some of the citys reputed haunted locales. The Boutique Hotel and Hotel San Carlos, claim they have many ghosts. Leone Jensen, a heartbroken young woman, fell to her death from the hotels high window in 1928. But not to worry, you will have each other to cling to if the ghosts make an appearance.
Nothin' Says Lovin' Like Somethin' in the Oven
Vincents
3930 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix
(602)-224-3727
Town & Country Mall
20th St. and Camelback Rd., Phoenix
Shop a local farmers market and prepare a meal together. Vincents on Camelback has a lovely Saturday morning market that includes cheeses, wine, and pastries. If you are inclined to cook from scratch, Town & Country Malls Wednesday market features produce and other ingredients from local farms.
Paddle Boats
Tempe Town Lake
Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe
(480) 984-8158
Encanto Park
15th Ave. and Encanto Blvd., Phoenix
(602) 262-6412
Go for low tech romance, rent a paddle boat at Tempe Town Lake or Encanto Park. Sitting side by side, paddle out to a quiet spot where you both can observe the shoreline at peaceful remove. Once you reach shore again, treat your date to ice cream or a sno-cone from a nearby vendor.
Vincents
3930 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix
(602)-224-3727
Town & Country Mall
20th St. and Camelback Rd., Phoenix
Shop a local farmers market and prepare a meal together. Vincents on Camelback has a lovely Saturday morning market that includes cheeses, wine, and pastries. If you are inclined to cook from scratch, Town & Country Malls Wednesday market features produce and other ingredients from local farms.