9 Best First Date Locations in Iowa!

If you are looking to make a good impression on a first date, there are many restaurants and places of enjoyment across Iowa that can help you do that. From the perfect restaurant to a fun activity, the varieties of date options in Iowa are endless. These 9 best first date locations in Iowa can provide a setting that will surely lead to more dates to come. 

SoHo American Kitchen and Bar, Sioux City, IA

For a lively restaurant that serves up all sorts of fun for your first date, the SoHo American Kitchen and Bar provides a full menu to satisfy any appetite. Located on historic 4th Street of Sioux City, SoHo provides awesome ambiance both inside and outside the establishment, providing just the right scene to make that first great impression.

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Brenton Ice Skating Plaza, Des Moines, IA

For a great, activity-based first date, the seasonal Brenton Ice Skating Plaza in downtown Des Moines is the perfect option. Low cost and with a great downtown backdrop, Brenton Ice Skating Plaza can be accessed throughout the winter and between learning how to skate, you can spend time enjoying each other’s company.  

Centro, Des Moines, IA

If you want to impress your first date right off the bat, then Centro of Des Moines is the place to be. Well reputed in the metro for being a great place for first, second, and many dates, Centro is an urban Italian eatery that serves up the food fresh and fun atmosphere. Combined with a sleek ambiance and easy access to other Des Moines attractions, Centro will surely set the bar high for all your next dates to come. 

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Codfish Hollow Barnstormers, Maquoketa, IA

If you want an Iowa experience to always remember, the live performances and shows at Codfish Hollow will surely fit the ticket. Featuring local, regional, and national touring acts, all shows at Codfish Hollow take place in an incredibly cool converted barn. The excitement doesn’t end off stage at Codfish Hollow though, and with different activities throughout the year and an always festive crowd, even if your first date doesn’t go well, you’ll still have a good time at Codfish Hollow Barnstormers. 

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Zeke's Island Cafe, Bettendorf, IA

For an Iowa island-getaway, Zeke’s Island Cafe in Bettendorf serves up the casual setting and great food for a first date. Affordable, fresh, and with an inviting interior, Zeke’s Island Cafe can provide the perfect setting to get to know each other. 

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Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio, Cedar Rapids, IA

To do something creative on your first date, visiting a spot like the iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio of Cedar Rapids is right for you. With adult pottery classes available, including drop-ins, this art studio provides a great way to relax and chat. 

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Rubaiyat Restaurant, Decorah, IA

Featuring a long list of appetizers, entrees, cocktails and drinks, Rubaiyat Restaurant of Decorah provides a classy beginning to a potential romance. After dining at the Rubaiyat Restaurant just once for a first date, between the succulent entrees and friendly service, don’t be surprised if Rubaiyat becomes your place for future dates.

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Preparation Canyon State Park, Moorhead, IA

For an adventurous first date into an Iowa landscape, Preparation Canyon State Park on the east side of the state is a great place to view. As part of the Loess Hills State Forest, Preparation Canyon tours the undulating hills that define the region, and provide just the right amount of sunshine, fresh-air and beautiful settings for a first date to always remember.

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Eatery/A, Des Moines, IA

Serving as a great mid-day or late evening first date location, Eatery/A on Ingersoll Ave in Des Moines is the spot. Sleek and urban, yet comfortable and relaxed, it’s not just the long list of menu items and cocktails that set the mood right at Eatery/A, it’s the overall environment. If the first date goes well at Eatery/A, then the surrounding Ingersoll neighborhood is a great place to go afterwards. 

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