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Top Locally-Owned Date Night Destinations Around Ann Arbor

February 10, 2023

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, many of us are trying to come up with special date night plans and itineraries—and as tempting as it may be to stay in the comfort of your Norfolk home, there’s truly no better time to hit the town and browse the local scene. As a trusted homebuilder in the Greater Ann Arbor area for 30 years now, our team at Norfolk Homes knows the area through and through, and we’re here to help you plan the perfect date night excursion. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner, a cozy cocktail bar, or a fun activity, read below to find a few of Ann Arbor’s plentiful locally-owned spots that will make your date unforgettable.

The Earle

An elegant and intimate restaurant, The Earle is a highly-regarded local spot that serves French and Italian Country cuisine with a contemporary twist. The wine list offers over 1,200 selections and has received the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence for 35 consecutive years—and the live jazz music will prove to make this Ann Arbor restaurant the perfect spot for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner. They’re also accepting reservations, so it’s a good idea to book this popular restaurant sooner than later! 

The Raven’s Club

The Raven’s Club is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor that’s perfect for an evening out in the city. The atmosphere is cozy and sophisticated, and the drinks are expertly crafted with locally sourced ingredients. This is a great spot for a fun, unique Valentine's Day celebration—and the phenomenal cocktails pair perfectly with the seasonal, farm-to-fork food menu they boast.

The Chop House

Recognized for its unparalleled ambiance and astonishing steaks, The Chop House is a local favorite here in Ann Arbor—and it undoubtedly serves as the perfect date night destination for couples this Valentine’s Day. Serving up the ultimate prime dining experience with fresh ingredients and exceptional cuts, this incredible Ann Arbor steak house is sure to impress your date—especially with the exclusive Valentine’s Day menu they’re offering, which includes premier dishes like flavorful Surf & Turf, perfectly-cooked Wagyu Tomahawk and decadent Raspberry Red Velvet Cake. 

The Ark

Whether you’re eating at home or need a fun activity to do after going out for dinner—The Ark is a great spot to be this Valentine’s Day. Each year on the day of love, this music venue in downtown Ann Arbor presents a few of the region’s top musical couples to create an event called “My Folky Valentine.” The hosts, Annie and Rod Capps, invite some of their most talented friends from around the region to share the stage and give Ann Arbor residents an incredible live show—and it definitely provides an unforgettable, lively date night experience. If you’re interested, it’s a good idea to purchase your tickets now before this highly-anticipated show is sold out! 

Support local while staying in

Even if you’d rather stay in the comfort of your own Norfolk home this Valentine’s day and have a DIY dinner, movie marathon or at-home wine tasting—there are still many ways to support local businesses around Ann Arbor and elevate your date night inside. Pick up a Valentine’s Roll from Cinnaholic or the iconic Chocolate Covered Cherries from Cherry Republic for dessert—and don’t forget to grab a stunning bouquet from Saline Flowerland or Hearts and Flowers in Dexter. 

Enjoy the Ann Arbor area

The wonderful places above are just a few of our favorite locally-owned spots for date night in Ann Arbor—and no matter what you choose, the hundreds of local gems around the area are sure to make your Valentine's Day special, exciting and memorable. Regardless of the holiday or occasion, this phenomenal region is sure to exceed your expectations for things to do, see and explore—and we couldn’t be more proud to build our high-quality homes and desirable communities in this area. From Ann Arbor to Chelsea, Dexter to Marshall and Saline to Jackson—there’s truly no other place we’d rather build, and we’re honored to be a part of this amazing community. 

For more information about our mission and trusted expertise, be sure to wander through our selection of move-in ready homes in our communities throughout the Ann Arbor area, and don’t hesitate to give us a call at (734) 336-1912 or contact us online for any additional questions.