Long gone are the days of meeting in a dark bar for a first date. I HOPE by now that my male readers are dating to legitimately find someone they can spend more than just one night with.
No matter your age, welcome to 2018 where swiping to get laid on Tinder is a fashion faux pas…. like Crocs.
What’s sexy is an honest, confident guy that knows how to treat a lady properly. Romance and chivalry are always in style.
And guys I totally feel you, you want to meet a girl that isn’t cray cray! So I understand that dating is a careful dance when meeting people in Miami. TOTALLY GET IT!
So how can a guy test the waters without turning off his dream lady? First impressions count and so do first date spots.
Swipe right on these venues and you’ll be sure to impress while getting to know your lucky lady… sans reggaeton blaring in the background.
Sugar at the EAST Hotel
I know, I know soooo Brickellista of me to suggest this spot. What I love about Sugar is that it’s a beautiful cocktail venue situated atop Brickell. You guys can view my kingdom AND share a cocktail – woo!
I would suggest taking your date on a Sunday afternoon or a weekday before 8pm for a drink. The music isn’t too loud during these times, so you can actually talk and hear your lady.
If the date is going well, offer to grab a snack along with your drinks and keep the conversation going. My favorite are the Lamb Satay Skewers.
788 Brickell Plaza
Miami, FL 33131
WEBSITE
MO Bar at the Mandarin Oriental (outside area)
MO Bar is a great after work date spot if you are looking to meet someone for the first time and don’t want to bump into everyone from the office. #Tinytownproblems. The outside area is perfect this time of year and provides a nice sunset view of Brickell.
The best part is the people watching! So if the conversation is at a lull you can always point out the guy with the neon short-shorts and laugh about it together.
Caveat: if you see ME running around the Key during your date, feel free to point out that my stride is Olympic ready. I actually run like a girl, but I’m preparing you with a compliment.
500 Brickell Key Dr
Miami, FL 33131
WEBSITE
Perricone’s
A baked Brie and Sangria date is always a first date winner. I have yet to hear of any lady turning that down! If she does, she’s not the girl for you.Perricone’s has a nice outdoor bar area with full menu service and it’s casual enough for a first date. If you’ve been chatting with your lucky lady for a while this place serves as a romantic dinner option.
Please don’t go there on Pasta Thursday’s for a first date. Unless you guys have talked about your love of coupons and saving money, I suggest you aim for another night of the week.
15 SE 10th St
Miami, FL 33131
Baby Jane
Bring your new dumpling to grab dumplings at Baby Jane. It’s a casual spot with super dim lighting which makes it the most intimate spot on the list. Get there early because the music can get quite loud in the evening. I would suggest a corner booth for privacy as this hot spot can get quite packed.
My favorite part of Baby Jane is that their cocktail list is decently priced and they have edamame. What chick doesn’t love edamame!
500 Brickell Ave #105E
Miami, FL 33131
WEBSITE
Edge at the Four Seasons
I haven’t been here in agggeeeessss, and it’s such a hidden gem that I can’t believe I don’t visit more often. Edge has a beautiful bar area and don’t let looks deceive you, it’s actually affordable. The restaurant exudes elegance and relaxed comfort, so it makes for a perfect first date spot.
One of my favorite attributes of this spot is the super comfy bar chairs (and their fries). I would suggest getting there a bit earlier than your date to make sure you snag a chair for your lady.
Meet for a quick happy hour drink after work and if the evening is going well, order an appetizer to share.
1435 Brickell Avenue
Miami, FL 33131
WEBSITE
River Oyster Bar
This is hands down one of my favorite spots in Brickell for a first date. It’s cozy with an upscale casual vibe. Plus the happy hour scene there is always packed. It’s a great way to impress a date while nibbling away on oysters and vino.
650 S Miami Avenue
Miami, FL 33130
WEBSITE
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Dating Tips
- Start your first date early this way you avoid beer goggles and poor decisions.
- After a date make sure you walk the lady home or back to her car. But don’t be a creeper and linger longer than necessary.
- If your date isn’t going well kindly let the girl know that you had a nice time but didn’t feel a connection. This way there are no expectations for a second date.
- If you liked her, ALWAYS send a follow up text thanking her for a wonderful time with an open invitation to do it again soon. (Hopefully she responds positively!)
- If you didn’t click, and she reaches out to you try this:
Thank her for meeting you and politely let her know you didn’t feel a connection.
Example: “Hey Brickellista, it was great meeting you last night. I enjoyed our conversation and meeting someone else in the area. To be honest, I didn’t feel a connection. In any case, I wanted to let you know so you can meet the perfect man!”
Sincerity and honesty go a looonnngg way nowadays, so if you’re not interested you communicate this properly and politely. Remember, Miami is super small so make sure you date smart, and treat girls in a way that would make your momma proud.
XO
EV
As one of Miami’s top bloggers, Evelyn Torres has become one of the leading voices in fitness, fashion, and Miami. Brickellista started as a Twitter alias in 2009 and has expanded to become a lifestyle blog capturing a Miami girl’s perspective. Evelyn is a businesswoman, entrepreneur, brand ambassador and on the pulse of the Miami social scene.
Today as founder and Managing Director of BrickellistaFiles.com, Evelyn is not only the face of BrickellistaFiles, but oversees the strategy and direction. She is the driving force behind the brand and has built the go-to site for everything Miami.
