This week our couples embark on the daunting first date! We’ve all had that ‘awkward encounter’ but to ease the nerves a bit OutInCanberra has teamed up with the best restaurants in town to create the perfect first date experience for our lucky Singled Out couples. We’ve counted the votes, and your Round 1 couples are, drumroll…
We’ve counted the votes, and your Round 1 couples are, drumroll…
Dave and Keilani at Public Bar
In other words, ‘Manuka’s pub’, Public Bar gives the classic pub experience a run for its money. Manuka’s nightlife scene generally begins and ends a Public. The warm energy and friendly atmosphere provides the perfect lively bar space and intimate dining area. Public’s contemporary menu, again sets it apart from the typical pub and it’s clear much effort has gone into the menu choices. Even the drinks selection is just as diverse with signature cocktails, craft beers and boutique wines. Dear singles, if you’re on a date here get ready to feel classy and comfortable.
One of Canberra’s favourite inner-city bars nails that streetwise feel everyone is after. Whether you’re looking for after work drinks, a catch up lunch with a friend, hearty burger and fries, Sunday sesh or Saturday night fun, Shorty’s is the place for you. With a relaxed vibe and environment in turn with a quality, simple but fun menu during the day will make our singles feel relaxed and right at home. If the night continues after dinner, there are eight drink options on tap, including cider, while also providing crazy cocktails and funky tunes as the night continues. By providing all these elements, Shorty’s is one of the best all round venues.
Andrew and Tess at Jones & Co.
Jones & Co, located in Canberra’s foodie haven, Kingston has a different kind of ambience for our singles to experience. This venue is super trendy and has an industrial look and feel. Providing the best of Canberra’s regional wines, Jones & Co is perfect for a special occasion. If you’re ready for a seafood adventure, this is the place for you with oysters and sashimi on offer as well as an array of Mediterranean dishes. The back-lit bar, along with the formal but casual menu, gives the venue a New York bistro atmosphere.
Tristan and Joss / Michael and Olivia at the Meating Room
Café, bar and grill – the perfect threesome! You must be a meat lover to dine here; it’s all in the name. Juicy steak dishes are a must on its menu as well as showcasing the finest quality meat from the Canberra region. Ladies, you mustn’t be afraid to get down and dirty, with the finger-licking beef ribs in front of your date at the Meating Room, it just can’t be avoided. If you’re looking for something a little different but still awesome food and service, this venue is for you. The space is fitted with milk crates over the bar, graffiti on the walls and it’s located in an underground location in Western Creek. This modern Australian venue has it all.
Canberra’s newest addition to the ever-popular Lonsdale Street in Braddon, Zaab’s Thai street food has been a hit. Ever since it opened, it’s always been busy and it’s always poppin’. The long list of Asian beers and its alfresco noodle cart is enough in itself, but they also offer late night DJs and, of course, a dance floor. Zaab’s focus is on the authentic food they serve with a unique twist. The intensely flavoured dishes will definitely get the taste buds working and will be a great venue for our Singled Out couples to get to know each other in a fun and trendy way.
This new retro chic restaurant serving Korean/Japanese/Americana food describes itself as fast, loud, rebellious, upbeat and confident. Located on Lonsdale Street, Lazy Su is a fun ‘60s to ‘80s inspired pop culture environment. Fitted with neon lights, waving lucky cats and ‘80s ad posters this is the perfect destination if you’re looking for something different, cheeky and fun. Our Singles will feel relaxed at this Asian eating house and are sure to get an interesting, yet delicious feed.
Stewart and Katherine at Hale + Mary
After a last minute drop-out of one of our Singled Out guys (…cough, James), Stewart was our knight in shining armour and gladly stepped up to take blonde babe Kat out on a night to remember at Hale + Mary in Kingston. With over 20 screens playing sport 24/7, Hale + Mary gives a new perspective on the sports dining experience. Featuring the best American-style eats including cheesy fries, buffalo wings, mac and cheese and Philly cheeseburgers, this sports restaurant in Kingston is the new go-to casual but entertaining venue. Even if sport isn’t your thing, the Australian take on the classic American style sports bar has a sophisticated setting and is a great place for a drink or two.
Damien and Tara at Capitol Bar & Grill
Hotel dining at its best, Capitol Bar & Grill at QT Hotel Canberra serves up a delicious menu that celebrates the region’s finest local produce and rivals that of any coveted restaurant in town. With a concept created by acclaimed Australian restaurateur Robert Marchetti, Creative Food Director of QT Hotels, the lunch and dinner hotspot features an Italian theme with signature antipasto table mix of refreshed Italian favourites teamed with prime cut steaks on the wood-fired grill.
