First dates are like holiday gift exchanges: either too extravagant and you risk overwhelming the other person, or too casual and it screams “I remembered this three hours ago.”
Whether getting back out there after a recent breakup or dipping your toes in the world of dating for the very first time, the initial outing can be daunting.
But it doesn’t have to be.
I can’t promise that your date will go perfectly — there is no guarantee against awkward pauses, unexpected confessions or a sudden inability to find the right words — but there is one thing I know will help tip the scales to your favor: the location.
In my experience, first dates tend to fall into three distinct categories: the “liquid,” the “solid” and the “activity.” Lucky for us, our beloved Westwood has a little something for each.
The “liquid” date is the appetizer of first dates: low stakes, easygoing and perfect for testing the waters without committing to the full three-course meal of emotions.
Espresso Profeta is the ideal place for this. Nestled near the corner of Kinross and Glendon , this tucked-away café feels like a warm hug. With its brick patio, glowing string lights and cappuccinos that are so velvety they might as well be flirting with you, Espresso Profeta is a place where first date jitters can fade into laughter and latte foam.
If you are looking for something later in the day — or just need a bit of liquid courage — Broxton Brewery has you covered. With its vast selection of craft beers, specialty cocktails and a menu that practically begs to be shared, it’s the perfect mix of “liquid” and “solid.”
The laid-back yet romantic atmosphere created by the palm trees wrapped in twinkling lights set the stage for an evening where you can let your guard down, laugh over a plate of fries and maybe even discover you have the same drink of choice. Broxton will leave you both wanting more — of the food and, hopefully, the company.
Our second category includes the “solid” date – the backbone of the first-date culture. The beauty of this sit-down, food-focused outing is that it can be as casual or as refined as you want it to be.
For a daytime twist, The Hideout by STK should be your go-to. Hidden in the newly refurbished W Hotel , this is the perfect spot for brunch or lunch, as the chic outdoor seating paired with the heavenly buttermilk pancakes will do half the work for you.
If you want to step it up a notch and lean into a little more romance and sophistication, you should head over to Violet Bistro — a Westwood gem that takes the “solid” dinner date into a whole other level. The candlelit ambiance and European-inspired dishes make this place ideal for impressing your date without being over the top.
Beyond its romantic dinner vibes, Violet also offers “date night” cooking classes, which you can find and register for online.
Which brings me to the third and final category: the “activity” date.
The wildcard of the trio, this kind of outing is perfect if you’d rather skip the intensity of “across-the-table” eye contact and instead break the ice by creating a shared experience. On December 6, The Bruin Flea is teaming up with Westwood Village for a day of vintage shopping, food, and live music.
If that date doesn’t work there, then there is always Westwood’s Farmers Market on Thursdays . Strolling past colorful stalls, sampling treats and maybe picking out a quirky keepsake together can be a delightful way to bond.
For those who prefer a more intellectual vibe, the Hammer Museum offers free admission and rotating exhibits sure to spark conversation — and maybe even a debate or two. And finally, for all nature lovers, the Mathias Botanical Garden provides the perfect peaceful backdrop for an easygoing stroll. Quiet, lush, and beautifully serene, it’s an ideal spot to talk without the distractions of a screen.
Of course, regardless of where you go or what you do, no date would be complete without a sweet treat to wrap things up — and there is no better place for that than Westwood’s iconic staple, Diddy Riese.
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Featured Image: Whether it’s a first date or just a casual outing, Westwood’s mix of city energy and cozy charm makes for the ultimate romantic vibe! Photographed by Emily Chandler/BruinLife.
