If you are getting a little bored with the typical dinner date, there are some ways of livening things up. In most medium to large cities there are places where you can go for dinner and enjoy entertainment at the same time.
An example of a unique dining experience is a Mystery Dinner. Some restaurants invite local actors to perform a murder mystery play in the midst of diners who are supposed to guess “who done it” by the time dessert is served.
Cigar/wine dinners are becoming a booming industry. Some of the finer restaurants are having several course pre-planned dinners with different exotic cigars/wines served throughout the evening. You will have to lay out a bit more cash than the average dinner but they make for a wonderful special occasion.
How about eating a meal while laughing hysterically? If this sounds like fun to you then you might want to look for a comedy club nearby that serves meals. I would recommend knowing a little about the comedian before you make reservations. Some can be extremely crude, which might not be the type of humor you or your date would enjoy.
Dinner and a movie seem to go hand in hand so dinner theaters are a natural fit. These movie houses usually show second-run films while you are enjoying your meal. The price
of admission is usually much lower than what you would pay to see a newly released film so it is even less expensive than your average “dinner and a movie” date.
making it romantic while eating out
For some people, the most romantic thing they do is taking someone out to dinner. That is a kind gesture; especially if the person you are taking out does most of the cooking and washing up afterwards.
I don't consider eating an ordinary meal at your average restaurant particularly romantic. Just because you take someone to a fancy or expensive restaurant, that doesn't make it romantic either. However, I do believe that dining at a restaurant (even your average chain variety) can be truly romantic with a little advanced preparation.
What makes dining out romantic are the elements of surprise, atmosphere and thoughtfulness. Below are some suggestions on how to make your next dining experience really romantic.
Bring flowers to the restaurant in advance and have waiter deliver them after dessert.
Arrange to have the musicians play "our song."
Pretend to go to the restroom and give the waiter some jewelry or other present to be hidden in the dinner rolls.
Go to the restaurant where you went on your first date (or proposed to her).
Have the host slip a special note or card in the menu.
Work with the chef in advance to prepare her favorite dishes (not all restaurants will do this).
Create a fake menu that includes made-up dishes that have some sort of inside meaning or funny story.
Arrange to have the waiter bring a small gift or card with every course.
