Are you looking for some ideas for a creative date night in Council Bluffs? Well, look no further because I have lots of options for you! Starting with romantic dinner options, where to get drinks and what to do for fun and entertainment.
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Enjoy a meal at an romantic restaurant
Pizza King has the perfect bar area for dining with dim, romantic, warm lighting and a fire roaring in the fireplace all in a cozy space. Have a glass of wine or a cold pint as you select your dinner from their wide ranging menu.
Clearly with pizza in the name, you can deduce they have some amazing pizza pies. However, if you are looking for something more filling try one of their remarkable entrees. From filet mignon, to center cut pork chops, to fried chicken, they have something you’ll love. If you are a prime rib lover, like myself, you can get that on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Average Price for Entrée Ranges from $15 to $30 a meal.
- Pizza King, 1101 N. Broadway, Council Bluffs
360 Steakhouse at Harrah’s Casino sits upon the 12th floor of the casino and offers a spectacular view overlooking the Missouri River and downtown Omaha skyline. Begin the evening with one of their many cocktails or wines and splurge on a delicious appetizer, soup or salad (my personal favorite, the Wedge Salad). Offering a fine selection of seafood and grilled items you will have a hard time choosing which option sounds best. Sides are not included so be sure to plan ahead if you would like your steak or lobster to be accompanied with potatoes or vegetables. Reservations are recommended.
- Average Price for Entrée Ranges from $30 to $70. Sides and salads at an additional cost.
- 360 Steakhouse, 1 Harrah’s Blvd., Council Bluffs
Jack Binion’s Steak House is an upscale dining experience inside the Horseshoe Casino. Lush, red velvet round booths and soft lighting add to the ambiance of this fine dining establishment. Start off with a filling appetizer or one of their salad options (heads up the salads are huge – I recommend sharing!) Select a delicious meal of pork chops, pan roasted chicken, beer battered shrimp, or pick an appetizing choice off the grill. Sides are separate from your entrée, but again are large enough to share. Reservations are recommended.
- Average Price for Entrée Ranges from $30 to $70. Sides and salads at an additional cost.
- Jack Binion’s Steak House, 2701 23rd Ave., Council Bluffs
712 Eat + Drink is a locally-owned eatery offering contemporary American plates in a relaxed atmosphere. I definitely recommend beginning with one of their many cocktails, my personal favorite is The Golden Spiked.
Start your meal off with a local fav: Brussel sprouts or their delicious crab Rangoon fries. They offer everything from hand-held sandwiches to delicious entrees such as salmon, short ribs, steak and fries, seafood pasta and more.
Finish the night with a sweet dessert or even another cocktail. They also offer brunch on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. if you are looking for a great brunch date.
- Average Price for Entrée Ranges from $15 to $28.
- 712 Eat + Drink, 1851 Madison Ave., suite 700, Council Bluffs
Caddy’s Kitchen and Cocktails is located in the historic 100 block of Council Bluffs and offers a great place for a romantic meal. Starting off with some delicious starters or salads you will have your fill of char-buff chicken wings, artichoke spinach dip, a house salad or soup. Or if you want to get straight to the main course, you will be able to select from filet mignon (make it steak Oscar style if you like), chicken carbonara, Chilean seabass and more. They also offer brunch as an option on the weekend.
- Average Price for Entrée Ranges from $20 to $40.
- Caddy’s Kitchen and Cocktails, 103 W. Broadway, Council Bluffs
Sip some local craft beer (or cocktails) together
Looking for somewhere to catch a drink, sit and chat? Here are a local brewery and cozy spots in Council Bluffs that will offer you just that.
Full Fledged Brewery offers locally brewed craft beers in a taproom setting. Be sure to check out if they are offering trivia nights or special events for some added fun while you sip craft beer.
- Full Fledged Brewery, 40 Arena Way, Council Bluffs
Cellar 19 does offer food, but it also is a great atmosphere for having a glass of wine or cocktail and enjoying the small cozy space. However, if you get hungry I definitely recommend grabbing an appetizer.
- Cellar 19, 928 Valley View Drive, suite 19, Council Bluffs
The Historic 100 Block in downtown Council Bluffs is home to many locally owned business, including an array of places to stop and have a drink.
- Council Bluffs 100 Block, 100 block of West Broadway, Council Bluffs
Creative and fun date ideas
If you are looking for something on the artistic side of life in Council Bluffs be sure to check out one of these awesome options. From touring art exhibitions to catching a live show, to creatively thinking your way out of the room – you are bound to have an original time.
Hoff Family Arts and Culture Center offers a variety of fun. You can take an art class, take in a show from the American Midwest Ballet or Chanticleer Community Theater, tour the art gallery on the upper floor and have a drink at McCormick’s. Be sure to check out Fourth Fridays!
- Hoff Family Arts and Culture Center, 1001 S. Sixth St., Council Bluffs
Iowa Western Community College Arts Center stages numerous shows throughout the year, from live musical touring groups to theater. Be sure to check out their upcoming show calendar so you can plan ahead.
- Iowa Western Community College Arts Center, 2700 College Road, Council Bluffs
The Cryptic Room is home to five differently built in-house, unique escape rooms. Rooms are private, which means you won’t be locked in a room with strangers.
- The Cryptic Room, 523 S. Main St., Council Bluffs
AMC Council Bluffs 17 offers numerous screens to catch one of the latest films being released. Be sure to plan ahead and purchase tickets online early to get your perfect seats.
- AMC Council Bluffs 17, 3220 23rd Ave., Council Bluffs
Active and competitive dates in Council Bluffs
If you are looking to kick it up a notch and get a little more physical on your date here is a list of places to get you moving and having a good time.
Joe’s Karting is an indoor go kart track that helps you experience speed and thrills. Be sure to check online for different race options.
- Joe’s Karting, 2121 S. 32nd St., Council Bluffs
The Hub Axe Throwing offers five lanes with up to six throwers in each lane, a perfect double-date spot.
- The Hub Axe Throwing, 7 S. Fourth St., Council Bluffs
Pirate Putt offers some fun with 36 holes of putt-putt. Play 18 or all 36 while enjoying their pirate theme.
- Pirate Putt, 1718 Madison Ave., Council Bluffs
Take a stroll — or a hike — outdoors
Looking for a date spot that offers fresh air and amazing views while on a romantic walk? Here is a list of places to check out to get your fill of nature.
Ditmars Orchard and Vineyard, while only open seasonally, offers a great spot for drinks, a picnic or a walk along the orchards or flowers. Be sure to check out what events they have going during open season. Plus, they make and serve their own wine.
- Ditmars Orchard and Vineyard, 19475 225th St., Council Bluffs
Fish or have a picnic at one of the local fishing spots. Big Lake and Lake Manawa offer beautiful scenery and options when it comes to enjoying the outdoors.
- Lake Manawa State Park, 1100 S. Shore Drive, Council Bluffs
- Big Lake Park, 2600 N. Eighth St., Council Bluffs
Take a hike or bike along the many trails we have in Council Bluffs. Vincent Bluff offers spectacular views while hiking, while the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge (AKA, the Bob) has great views of the Missouri River while walking or biking.
- Vincent Bluff State Preserve, 2200 Thallas St., Council Bluffs
- The Bob at Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park, 4200 Ave. B, Council Bluffs
About the guest writer
Tiffany Nation is a full-time working mother and wife. In her free time she loves creating, doing yoga, spending time with her family and enjoying all of what Iowa has to offer.