The Perfect Date Night

Downtown Date Night: Start the night with a painting party at Be Shabby where you and your significant other can take home your own ceramic masterpiece. Afterwards, head over to Joe's Italian Restaurant for a delicious Italian dinner. For dessert, stop by Polar Xpress for some delicious froyo that you can customize to perfection. While you eat, you can walk around and check out downtown Ottumwa and even see some of our local street art. Once you're done eating, challenge each other to a friendly game of pool at Snookered Pool Hall. Finally, end the night with a drink at Tom-Tom Tap. With its historic decor and lively atmosphere, it's the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy each other's company.

Date Night at the Mall?: No you haven't gone back to the 80's, Quincy Place Mall is a great location for a fun-filled date night. To start off your evening, head over to Bubba-Q's and indulge in some of their award-winning barbecue. Whether you're in the mood for ribs, brisket, or pulled pork, they've got you covered. After dinner, head over to Ashby's and treat yourself to some hand-scooped ice cream. With a wide range of flavors to choose from, you're sure to find something that satisfies your sweet tooth. Finally, end your night at Old School Entertainment, where you can challenge your date to some friendly competition. Whether you opt for laser tag, old school arcade games, or mini golf, you're guaranteed to have a blast.

Dinner and a Show: Spend your night with a show at Bridge View Center, the largest performing arts venue in Southeast Iowa. Before your show, grab dinner at the Wissota Chophouse located just across the parking lot. They are known for their high end steaks and have 20 Iowa craft beers on tap. After dinner, take a stroll around the Bridge View Center and admire the stunning views of the Des Moines river. You can also take in some of the beautiful artwork that is housed around the building, adding to the ambiance of the evening. Finally, enjoy the show! Bridge View Center has a full calendar of world-renowned performers, national touring shows, and featured local musicians.

A Sporting Night: Start the night at Mike's Pizza and Steakhouse. This local favorite is known for serving up some of the best pizza around. And if you're not in the mood for pizza, their steak and pasta dishes are also top-notch. Once you've filled up on delicious food, drive over to Indian Hills Community College and take a stroll around the grounds and admire the beautiful scenery. Next, the real highlight of the evening is the game at the Hellyer Center. Indian Hills has one of the top junior college basketball teams in the country, and watching them play is always a thrill. After the game, wind down at Godfrey's Ale House. They have a wide selection of drink options and always have a game on.

Visit our explore and dining pages to plan your own date night!