Best Places In Sydney For A Tinder First Date
Jayne Gorman
First dates are nerve-wracking, especially when you’re meeting a stranger off Tinder. You’ve all these emotional factors to consider – will I like them, will they like me and what on earth shall I suggest we do that’s going to make me sound super awesome?
To make sure you’re not just another forgettable (or regrettable) Tinder date, we’ve researched the coolest places for a first date in Sydney. We’ve also got your back with a few escape options, just in case things start going downhill quickly.
Archie Rose Distillery, Rosebery
Archie Rose Bar, courtesy archierose.com.au
If you’re worried about being stuck for conversation, take your Tinder date for a tasting at Archie Rose Distillery and that should loosen things up a little! Experiences at this boutique distillery in Rosebery include a lesson on how they produce their vodka, gins and whiskies, plus a guided tasting of their 4 core spirits afterwards. If the dates going well, you can pull up a stool at the whisky barrel-backed bar and soak up those sexy, low-lit surroundings. But no worries if there’s no spark either, just make your excuses and treat yourself to a consolation dinner at nearby Da Mario followed by dessert at Gelato Messina.
Archie Rose, 85 Dunning Ave, Rosebery, 2018
Escape The Date: Head to Da Mario on Morley Ave for some of Sydney’s best pizza and stop at Gelato Messina on Mentmore Ave for salted caramel and white choc ice cream (never a regrettable decision).
Art After Hours, Art Gallery Of NSW
Art Gallery of NSW, courtesy Jacquie Manning
Impress your date with the high-brow suggestion of enjoying art after hours at the Art Gallery of NSW. The gallery is open until 10pm every Wednesday and hosts a series of cultural talks, live music and guided tours in addition to allowing late (free!) entry. Enjoy conversations with legendary artists like John Olsen and then, all being well, dissect what you’ve learned as you stroll hand-in-hand through the Botanic Gardens.
Art Gallery NSW, Art Gallery Rd, The Domain, 2000
Escape The Date: Say you’ve got an early start the next morning and retreat to the comfort of Ovolo Woolloomooloo – just a 5-minute walk away.
Underground Cinema
Underground Cinema, courtesy Paul Benjamin Photography
This is one for the risk-takers as if you take your date to Underground Cinema you won’t exactly know where you’re going or what sort of night you’re in for. The concept is that they take cinema out of the cinema, popping up in abandoned warehouses, ballrooms and car parks instead, and offering an immersive movie experience with live performances before the screening. You’re given the theme (think: Fantasy, Zombie, Film Noir), dress code (see theme), and date in advance but you won’t know the location or movie until the day of the event. It sure makes an intriguing proposition for a date who may be prone to flaking.
Escape The Date: You’re in fancy dress so surely you’ll be forgiven if you confuse your date with someone else. Wouldn’t you?
Secret Foodies Surprise Dining Events
Another date idea for those who like surprises is the Secret Foodies Surprise Dining Events, which, as you probably guessed, are secret dining events for foodies! You can choose from a range of themes such as Japanese Garden, Secret Cellar and Dinner Under The Stars but the exact details of the dinner won’t be revealed until you sit down to eat it. (The location is sent via SMS the same morning.) Known for their sociability this is a great event to take a date if you don’t mind sharing (or showing them off) with other people.
Escape The Date: It’s also a great place to mingle with other foodies so keep your eye out for any potential singles.
Golden Age Cinema and Bar, Surry Hills
Golden Age Cinema and Bar, courtesy Tim da-Rin ©
For more of an old-school cinema experience visit the Golden Age Cinema at Paramount House. Movie geeks will be blown away by the thoughtful renovation of the former screening room of Paramount Pictures, which screens a mix of “classics, cults, creepies, cheapies and the best new releases”. Come early to grab a drink at the old Hollywood-esque bar; if you visit on a Thursday or Saturday they’ll also have live music.
Golden Age Cinema and Bar, Paramount House, 80 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills
Escape The Date: You’re in Surry Hills so there’s bound to be plenty more Tinder opps within a 25-feet radius!
Jayne Gorman is a freelance travel writer and award-winning travel blogger who blogged her way around 40 countries before her 30th birthday. Now Sydney-based you’ll often find her sniffing out the latest street art and sweet treats around the city.