There’s nothing worse than running into your fellow tutorial members while you navigate a brutal Hinge date. While bars like Ale House are the perfect breeding ground for running into friends and meeting new people, they’re not the ideal place to go on a date.

I’ve been on the hunt for spots around campus to go on an awkward first date, free from the added stress of being on display for your peers.

It seems like people either go to Brass or Olivea for dates, but if you’re looking for a quieter and more intimate spot that’s also student-budget-friendly, here are some options for you.

The BSE Coffee Shop

Crave, Coffee and Company, and Balzac’s are great places to study and go for a quick coffee with friends, but they’re busy, popular, and loud—not an ideal spot to get to know someone.

There’s a great coffee shop behind the BSE Skateboard Shop on Princess St that’s a perfect hidden spot. They have a gorgeous patio with twinkle lights which is an ideal, private location for the warmer months, and their iced mochas are incredible.

Kingston Brewing Company

With their funky interior decoration, draft beers, and delicious burgers, KBC is the perfect place for a dinner date or for grabbing drinks.

Located far from the ghetto but still downtown, it’s much quieter than the bars closer to campus, attracting more Kingston locals and couples than students. They also have killer burgers, fries, and salads if you’re opting for a dinner date.

Fort Henry for sunset

A completely free date spot is Fort Henry, which is a short drive or bus from campus. While the transportation is a pain, the privacy and beauty makes it worth it.

Perfect for a long walk, picnic, or watching the sunset, Fort Henry is much quieter than the pier and gives a gorgeous view of Kingston. 

There’s also a coffee shop with outdoor tables and a patio on top of the hill—but with COVID-19 restrictions and the winter weather they have inconsistent hours, so be sure to call before you go.

Musiikki Café and Whiskey Bar

The final date spot is my personal favourite. In their hidden outdoor patio, covered by huge trees and twinkle lights, Musiikki hosts live musician and visual artists every night.

Their picnic tables and tables outside are the perfect place to order one of their cocktails. They don’t serve food but allow their customers to bring in takeout from other restaurants.

This unusual spot is ideal for a discreet date, as most people don’t know about it. The patio is relatively quiet and empty, particularly on weeknights. They’ve hosted some incredible blues bands, visual artists, solo singers, and many other performers. They post a their weekly lineup on their Facebook, so pick your favourite, grab some takeout, and head on over.