City Guides

23 Most Memorable Date Ideas in Cleveland for 2024

Published on May 24th 2024
date ideas in Cleveland

Whether you're on the lookout for winter date ideas, first date ideas, indoor date ideas or chill date ideas, the opportunities for fun date ideas in Cleveland are endless.

If you've been wondering, what can you do for fun on a date in Cleveland? Where can I go on a romantic date in Cleveland, OH? This list of 23 Most Memorable Date Ideas in Cleveland will help you romanticize and prioritize your love life this year.

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Best Dinner Date Ideas in Cleveland

1. Cooking Classes

Dynamic and informative, cooking classes in Cleveland offer a culinary experience like no other. They say food is the language of love, so why not cook with the one you love?

Whether you’re looking to have a fun first date or you’re hoping to spice up an existing relationship, this date idea in Cleveland is perfect for couples just starting out and couples that have been together forever. With the help of world-class chefs, you’ll create world-class dishes. 

cooking classes in Cleveland
via Classpop!

2. Thyme Table

As far as Indoor date ideas in Cleveland go, Thyme Table is a local favorite offering an unforgettable ambiance with equally unforgettable food.

Thyme Table is a charming neighborhood tavern located in the Bay Village serving up tasty dishes, specialty cocktails and boisterous desserts. As the mural on the restaurant front states, “Good Things Take Thyme,” so let your relationship flourish at this date idea in Cleveland.

3. II Rione

Located in what is fondly referred to by locals as “the West Side Little Italy,” II Rione is a legendary pizzeria dishing up stellar NYC-inspired pies. II Rione set up shop in a renovated 1917 pub, paying homage to those who came before them and those who built the charming neighborhood in which Rione thrives. 

4. The Judith

Andrew Worm and Jennie Doran are partners in both life and business. Their restaurant, The Judith, is named after Andrew’s mother - a fitting name considering the restaurant is inspired by family.

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, this French-inspired cafe is the perfect date idea in Cleveland to make those “remember when” memories. 

5. A Viking's Love Story

Channel your inner Viking with this date idea in Cleveland. LBM is a locally loved bar that serves up good grub and spirited beverages with equally spirited titles like Ocean of Wounds, Hellhound, Blood Eagle and King of the Rumba Beat.

So if you’re in the mood for “weird cocktails, dope food and loud music,” as their website so declares, check out this date idea in Cleveland.

LBM cocktail bar date idea in cleveland
via LBM

6. Alea

Travel to the heart of Ohio and visit Alea for Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant is constructed around a wood fired hearth and seats only 33 people, making it the perfect romantic date idea in Cleveland.

Share a few small plates of castelvetrano olives, grilled oysters and tinned sardines before moving onto a tasty plate of chicken milanese or whole roasted branzino. 

7. Blue Pointe Grill

Get a taste of the ocean thanks to the high-quality seafood being served at Blue Pointe Grill in Cleveland’s downtown Historic Warehouse District. Since opening, Blue Point has shucked more than two million fresh oysters, so you know they’ve perfected the craft. Blue Pointe Grill only works off of the highest standards only serving the freshest of seafood flown in daily. 

8. Soho Chicken & Whiskey

Get a taste of the South in the North at Soho Chicken & Whiskey. Located along West 25th, Soho serves upscale southern twists in a relaxed atmosphere. Start with some deviled eggs, gumbo or corn tots before moving on to a chicken feast.  

Creative Date Ideas in Cleveland

9. Cleveland Paint and Sip

Paint like nobody is watching with paint and sip in Cleveland. This date idea in Cleveland for couples involves your favorite drink, your favorite hobby and your favorite person.

Team up with your partner to finish a painting together or work separately while enjoying some time together as a team of passionate local artists guide you each step of the way. 

couple on date cheers in paint and sip class
via Classpop!

10. Walk on the Water's Edge

Edgewater Park is made up of 147 acres of romance and should be at the top of your cheap date ideas in Cleveland list. Walk along serine beaches, to the edge of a quiet pier or grill at one of the many picnic areas. Hold hands and get to know eachother while getting to know the city in this date idea in Cleveland.

A study reported in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships experience not only a heightened mood while excercising, but a heightened mood throughout the day. Although a walk may seem like a simple form of excercise, any excercise is good excercise and why not make it more fun by walking with your partner?

11. The Cleveland Museum of Art

Explore art through galleries, crafting, lectures, artist talks and more at the Cleveland Museum of Art. General admissions to the museum is always free, making this the most economical date idea in Cleveland. The impressive collection at the Clevelan Museum of Art spans various art forms and periods, so you and your date will always have something to talk about.

12. Superelectric Pinball Parlor

Games? Cocktails? Food? The Superelectric Pinball Parlor has it all. The story of Superelectric began with a few college friends and an obsession with collecting pinball machines. Soon their beloved “freeplay” events turned into a storefront and a bar expansion. Now, the Superelectric Pinball Parlor stands proud on Detroit Ave.. And for only $6 you can enjoy an all-you-can-play experience. 

13. Coffee & Table Games

Enjoy a sandwich, stone oven panini or a flatbread pizza all while playing an assortment of board games at the Tabletop Board Game Café. With over 1,200 games to pick from, choosing the perfect one for your date may seem daunting. Luckily, they can choose for you! So sit back, eat and enjoy playing a game or three. 

table games café date idea in Cleveland
via Canva

14. An Out of This World Gallery

Showcasing artists from around the world, SPACES gallery is “the resource and public forum for artists who explore and experiment.” The gallery is dedicated to challenging the status quo and has been since 1978 when its founder James Rosenberger gathered the first cohort of SPACES artists.

This date idea in Cleveland will help you and your partner explore and understand timely issues through art. 

Unique Date Ideas in Cleveland 

15. Astoria Café & Market

Take your love for charcuterie to the next level with this unique date idea in Cleveland. Located a short walk from Edgewater Park, Astoria Café and Market offers a tempting Mediterranean-inspired menu of charcuterie, cheeses, Mediterranean platters, tin fish and other specialty platters. Try a little bit of everything with this first date idea in Cleveland.

16. The Cleveland Bagel Company 

Indoor date ideas in Cleveland are bountiful, but a Cleveland-style bagel is a must-try. The Cleveland Bagel company is on a mission to define the Cleveland bagel. Choose from an assortment of traditional, hand-rolled bagels like plain, sesame, sea salt, poppy seed, rosemary sea salt and so much more. Pair your bagel with an equally delicious schmear. 

17. Walk Among the Botanicals

A visit to the Cleveland Botanical Gardens always makes for  a charming date idea in Cleveland. Its tranquil atmosphere, jaw-dropping landscape, seasonal displays and diverse plant collection never fails to impress.

And if you’re looking for date ideas for married couples, the Cleveland Botanical Gardens is a wonderful place to take a trip down memory lane. 

Cleveland botanical gardens
via Canva

18. What's Better Than a Bagel?

Swap out a bagel for its distant cousin — a donut! Every day the pastry experts at Goldie’s Donuts & Bakery create specialty batches of donuts for all to enjoy. From Apple Raspberry to Vanilla Fluff, the donuts at Goldie's are to die for. 

19. Rock Your Heart Out

Hop into a unique and immersive experience with this date idea in Cleveland. At the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, you and your date can explore the history of some of the world’s most renowned musicians all while exchanging your own musical interests. Spark conversations, create lasting moments and above all, rock on. 

Winter Date Ideas in Cleveland

20. A Christmas Story

As far as winter date ideas in Cleveland go, nothing quite compares to the famous House from A Christmas Story. Restored to its movie days, the House from A Christmas Story offers a nostalgic atmosphere, allowing you and your date to share in the joy of a beloved movie. Right across from the house sits the Christmas Story Museum containing original props and behind-the-scenes photos.

21. A Trip to the Spa

Date ideas in Cleveland for couples often involve a trip to the spa, and for good reason. There’s nothing like sharing in a relaxed experience that also promotes intimacy and renewal.

Book a couples massage and enjoy the soothing atmosphere together. Or schedule some time to create your own at-home spa and take turns massaging each other. 

couple in robes at the spa
via Canva

22. Wade Oval

Known as one of northeast Ohio’s premier public spaces, Wade Oval is a seven acre park full of festive fun all-year round, offering summer activities and winter activities alike. Check out Wade Oval’s upcoming events to discover a vibrant atmosphere full of outdoor activities from live music to ice skating.

23. Brew Haul

Breweries in Cleveland are boundless so take a tour of some seasonal ales for an unforgettable first date idea in Cleveland. Learn about the craft of distilling beer while tasting a few delightful glasses for yourself.

Take a trip down Detroit Ave. and let the wind blow you from one brewery to the next or sign up for a distillery tour and combine education with entertainment. 

From a vibrant art scene to a diverse culinary food network, Cleveland has much to offer the world of romance. The city boasts renowned museums like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the SPACES art gallery, so there’s always somewhere spectacular to visit.

The list of date ideas in Cleveland is a long one for a reason, but hopefully this list of 23 sparks both inspiration and intimacy.

For even more fun date ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!