Dinner, Drinks & Flirty Glances: The Heights Edition
Image by Coltivare
Because love is alive and well… especially under string lights with a glass of wine in hand.
Whether it’s a first date, a Thursday night reset with your person, or a spontaneous “let’s pretend we don’t have kids for two hours” outing — the Heights makes date night feel fun, effortless, and way more charming than it has any business being.
In the Heights, date night doesn’t mean booking a table three weeks out or getting dressed to the nines (unless you want to). The dining scene here hits that sweet spot between laid-back and special — a mix of neighborhood favorites, walkable patios, chef-driven kitchens, and cozy corners that locals swear by.
It’s a place where you can split a bottle of wine, sit under twinkle lights, and flirt like it’s the first date all over again.
Whether you're slipping out for a no-kids night, celebrating something big, or just reclaiming a Tuesday — these spots prove the Heights knows exactly how to do dinner, drinks, and flirty glances.
Squable
📍19th Street
The lighting? Moody. The food? Unfairly good. The energy? That perfect hum of conversation and clinking glasses. Order the French cheeseburger (trust me), split a few small plates, and make intense eye contact over the baked oysters.
Her Tip: Share everything on the menu. It’s built for it. Add a cocktail and wear the earrings.
His Tip: Don’t skip dessert — the vibe says yes, even if she said she was full.
Why locals love it: It’s effortlessly cool but still cozy. Everyone goes for the food but stays for how not fussy it is.
Da Gama Canteen
📍M-K-T Heights
Start on the patio. End up sharing three plates because you “just wanted a light dinner.” The cocktails are botanical, the vibe is warm, and there’s a constant breeze of jasmine and good taste in the air.
Her Tip: The vibe is relaxed but chic — great place to reconnect without it feeling “heavy.”
His Tip: The lamb kofta is the move. Bonus points if you ask about the wine pairings.
Why locals love it: The Heights loves walkable, chill elegance — and Da Gama delivers with color, comfort, and flavor that doesn’t feel overdone.
Coltivare
📍White Oak
No reservations, but that garden? Worth every minute of the wait. While you sip something crisp under twinkle lights, you’ll forget you're still in Houston. Don’t skip the black pepper spaghetti — it’s practically a love language.
Her Tip: The garden makes it feel like a destination. Ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or “just because.”
His Tip: Grab a drink at Heights Beer Garden or Antidote while you wait. Hero move.
Why locals love it: Coltivare is part of Heights DNA — unpretentious, romantic, and locally iconic. It’s the restaurant people keep coming back to.
Postino Wine Café
📍Heights Mercantile
A whole bruschetta board, two glasses of wine, and nowhere to be but right there. It’s casual but still special, loud enough to laugh, quiet enough to flirt.
Her Tip: Don’t overthink it. Split the board, sip something sparkling, and wear sneakers if you want.
His Tip: Brush up on your wine lingo. “Bright, juicy finish” goes a long way.
Why locals love it: Walkable, lively, and consistently good — this is the Heights' go-to for last-minute but still cute plans.
Jun
📍Yale Street
A newer gem serving Asian-American dishes that are bold, smart, and full of flavor. The space is modern and dreamy, with just enough edge to feel different.
Her Tip: Dress up a little — the lighting and décor are very “soft glam.”
His Tip: Order something unfamiliar. She’ll love that you took the risk.
Why locals love it: It’s creative, fresh, and has serious chef cred — Jun makes a weeknight feel like a special event without all the fuss.
The Heights Knows Romance
Here’s the thing about date night in the Heights: you don’t have to try that hard. The charm’s built in. Whether it’s a wine bar walk-in or a pasta moment under the stars, this neighborhood just gets it.
Flirty glances encouraged. No babysitter? There’s always a stroller stroll + Postino in your future.
