First dates are awkward enough; there’s no need to make them any more so than they need to be.

This means, of course, not going somewhere where you’ll bump into half the young professionals in the city. Not only do you not need loose acquaintances knowing your business, if you’re not into your date, it can get awkward when you discreetly try to convey to the people you run into that he/she is not your significant other.

In other words, as much as we love them, William’s Landing, Brazen Head, or the Local are probably out of the question (unless, of course, you’re hoping to run into someone you know).

If you’re staying local for the date, here are our top 5 options in Liberty Village.

Live on the Edge at Joe Rockhead’s Indoor Rock Climbing

Sometimes the best dates are those that facilitate interaction, as opposed to a typical across-the-table dinner or cocktail session that feels more like a job interview (you know, the ones where you leave knowing everything you could have found out with one social media scan or LinkedIn search). Interactive dates, on the other hand, have the ability bring out one another’s true character and raw personality. One way to do just that is to hit Joe Rockhead’s Indoor Rock Climbing for a challenging indoor rock climbing session that’s guaranteed to break the ice. If your date isn’t doing it for you, at least you get a workout in.

Keep it PG at The Perfect Scoop

If you have your sights set on a serious, slow-moving relationship, you may want to take the wholesome, old-fashioned route and opt for an ice cream cone (or fully-loaded sundae) and a summer walk. The brightly coloured, candy-filled The Perfect Scoop offers a chance to tap into your inner child (dates that are too serious can get awkward), and to indulge in that creamy Kawartha Dairy goodness you’ve been craving since the snow melted. If ice cream doesn’t loosen the mood, we’re not sure what will.

Get Deep in Convo at Balzac’s Coffee Roasters

There’s something about the relaxed vibe and comforting aroma of a coffee shop that settles your nerves on a first date much more than a bustling cocktail bar would. Not only that, coffee shops and deep conversation are pretty much synonymous (if that’s what you’re looking for), as you find yourself staying much longer than expected. But make it worth it; hit Balzac’s for some of the best looking cappuccinos and lattes in the city that taste as good as they look.

Do Dinner at Mildred’s Temple Kitchen

Though the beloved Mildred’s Temple Kitchen it known for its famous brunches, when it comes to a first date, it makes a better dinner option (if doing dinner’s your go-to). You’re less likely to run into someone you know (or awkwardly wait for a table) than during the restaurant’s packed brunches, who could in turn assume you spent the night together. Plus – if it’s those chicken and waffles you’re craving, they’re on the dinner menu too. With the other dishes just as consistently delicious, if your date has never been to Mildred’s, you know it’s pretty much guaranteed to win you major points off the bat.

Take in a TFC Game

Sporting events automatically relax the vibe of a first date before it even begins. This is further enhanced by the rowdy crowd, casual outfits, and, of course, beer. That’s why you may want to meet in Liberty Village and walk over to catch a Toronto FC game. You live so close, you may as well check out the newly renovated BMO Field at least once this season – make a (first) date of it.

Now, all you need is to find that date….

Michael Camber

Michael Camber is the #1 selling real estate salesperson in King West and Liberty Village. Since 2003 he has been helping his clients achieve all of their real estate objectives.

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