5 Fun and Creative Delco Date Ideas

If you’re looking to plan a special outing for you and your spouse, partner, new crush — or even a platonic friend that you need some one-on-one time with — there are so many great date spots right here in Delco! While you can’t go wrong with the classics, like a cozy meal in a romantic restaurant, or a relaxed afternoon at a local winery, sometimes it’s nice to think outside the box and get a little creative. 

 

To help you plan future date nights, here are five ideas to get you started! Each one pairs two great Delco spots for a memorable day or night of adventuring in your own backyard:

 

 

Try oysters and apps at At the Table + Live music at 118 North

The charming small downtown of Wayne has so much to offer, from boutiques and antiques to gourmet grocery destinations, like Di Bruno Bros. and the Lancaster County Farmers Market. The dining scene is also top-notch. For an entertaining night out, head to At the Table, a French-inspired bistro with a lovely cocktail program. Save the splurge-y six-course tasting menu for a big special occasion; instead, dive into its raw bar menu, and try a new-to-you oyster variety alongside a trendy “bump” of caviar. Round out your selection with a few apps; we like the French onion soup and the ATT caesar salad. 

Then, take a quick walk across the street to 118 North, a hip live music venue and restaurant. There’s something happening there nearly every evening, from ticketed concerts with homegrown and national acts and tribute bands, karaoke night, and a great open mic night. Plan out your night, or just stop in to see what’s going down!

At the Table: 118 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne; (610)-964-9700.

118 North: 118 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne; (610) 971-2628. 

 

 

Grab pints at 2SP Brewing Co. + Go bowling at Bowlero Boothwyn

For a more casual take, how about beer and bowling? This low-key (but super-fun) combination is also great for a double date or group date. Start things off at 2SP Brewing Co. in Aston; navigating to its off-the-beaten path location, tucked into an industrial park, feels like discovering a hidden treasure! While the tasting room is attached to the brewery, it feels warm and intimate. Grab a seat at the bar or one of the high tops and sample a few brews from 2SP’s lineup: perhaps something dark and malty, like the S.I.P. Imperial Porter, or something light and sessionable, like the 4% ABV Delco Lager. Craft beer lovers will appreciate that there are always interesting things to try on cask and nitro! Food trucks are usually stationed outside on Fridays and Saturdays.  

Just a 10-minute drive away, in neighboring Boothwyn, find Bowlero, a 32-lane bowling alley, complete with arcade, billiards table and a sports bar and lounge area. There are budget-friendly specials on offer almost every night, like half-priced arcade games to the $16.99 unlimited bowling “Night Strike” deal on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays!

2SP Brewing Co: 120 Concord Rd #101-103, Aston; (484) 483-7860.

Bowlero Boothwyn: 575 Conchester Hwy, Boothwyn; (610) 485-5220.

 

Take in a Show at The Media Theatre For The Performing Arts + Sip Cocktails at Two Fourteen

The nearly century-old Media Theatre (it was built in 1927 as a vaudeville house and cinema) is a local gem, located right at the edge of Media’s downtown. It’s a great spot to experience some culture; its calendar always has an interesting lineup of programming, including Broadway series, musical performances, children’s ensembles and candlelight concerts. Currently, the stage is hosting an experimental ballet show, Sleeping Beauty Dance & Light Show. 

Make date night extra special by indulging in a hand-crafted cocktail at Two Fourteen before or after a show. The menu at this sleek bar includes everything from classic favorites, like sazeracs and negronis, to housemade specialties, like the lychee-sweetened TwoFourtini, with a focus on housemade ingredients and local spirits. For a unique, interactive experience, order the Dice, Dice Baby, a “dealer’s choice” cocktail that lets the bartender make a custom concoction just for you.

The Media Theatre: 104 E. State St., Media; (610) 891-0100.

Two Fourteen: 214 W. State St., Media; (724) 904-9139.

  

Get Hot & Cold Cold Plunge Philly + Slurp Ramen at Momoyama Ramen & Hawaiian Barbecue 

Cold Plunge Philly is a brand-new wellness center in Havertown, featuring cold water immersion and heat therapy. Schedule a drop-in session (just $25 per person), and switch between one of three cold plunge tubs (37°, 45°, and 50°F or a standing ice barrel for the truly brave) and a steamy traditional hot sauna. Some wellness experts believe that contrasting between cold and hot can help boost your mood, improve sleep and flush toxins from the body. If nothing else, it’s a wild experience that will leave you feeling invigorated! 

To warm up afterwards, take a quick walk or drive down Darby Road to Momoyama for a soothing bowl of ramen. Choose from the four traditional broths (miso, shoyu, shio and curry) and your choice of toppings, like charsiu (pork), breaded and deep fried shrimp, chicken or oysters or go for a house special flavor, like buttered corn, kimchi or wonton ramen. There are plenty of Hawaiian-style barbecue dishes, as well, like garlic shrimp, BBQ chicken and short ribs.   

Cold Plunge Philly: 1213 Darby Rd., Havertown; (267) 306-7041.

Momoyama Ramen: 2305 Darby Rd, Havertown; (610) 881-5300.

 

Play mini-golf and arcade games at Putt Putt Fun Center + Indulge in coffee and treats at The Springfield Diner

Unleash your inner kid, and take your date out for an afternoon of wholesome, old-fashioned fun! On a sunny afternoon, head to Putt Putt Fun Center and challenge your boo to a lively nine holes on the mini-golf course. Then, head to the Game Zone, load up on tokens and play arcade games to your heart’s content. Shoot hoops at one of the basketball games, test your luck at the claw machines and go head-to-head on the race car driving games! Don’t forget to save your tickets to trade in for silly prizes at the end of your visit.

Hop in the car and drive a mile-and-a-half down Baltimore Pike to the retro-fabulous Springfield Diner for a cup of coffee and a slice of pie or cake, a huge cookie or an over-the-top pastry (or a double plate of fries, if you prefer salty to sweet). Perusing the bakery case, lined with colorful, mile-high desserts, is one of life’s small pleasures. Like many great diners, the baked goods at Springfield are made on-premises. Enjoy your free coffee refills and relax in the comfy booths for as long as you and your date like! 

Putt Putt Fun Center: 5300 W. Baltimore Pike, Clifton Heights; (610) 626-5766.

Springfield Diner: 720 Baltimore Pike, Springfield; (610) 338-0404.

 

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Want to know more about everything Delco? We’re more than just your source for good eats — we’re your source for where to stay, what to do and more in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA, and we’ve got you covered from Philly to the Brandywine. Find us at 1501 N. Providence Rd., Media, PA, 19063; (610) 565-3679 or online.

— Emily Kovach 

 

Featured photo: 118 North