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Where to go: Date night in Windsor

Linger a little longer at our favourite date spots.
Author: Katrina Manzocco
Photographer: Syx Langemann
5 years ago
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Valentine’s Day is almost upon us — if you don’t yet have plans for the occasion, have no fear! We’ve compiled a winning line-up of the best food and beverage spots around the city to show the important people in your life that you care. After all, what’s more romantic than ensuring they don’t have to do the dishes?

1. THE COCKTAIL DATE: MAIDEN LANE

Maiden Lane Wine & Spirits
Maiden Lane Wine & Spirits

While having opened its doors only recently in summer 2019, Maiden Lane has quickly become a destination for Windsor’s cocktail connoisseurs and design enthusiasts.

Maiden Lane’s adorable, string-lit European patio that faces onto its namesake might not be open for Valentine’s Day, but its interior is absolutely alluring. The locale could easily be Windsor’s chicest—the space features a stunning emerald green tiled bar area, complimented by ultra-moody lighting and décor. The ambience mixed with Maiden Lane’s incredible beverage and snack program makes for the ideal recipe for intimate conversations.

Enjoy a shared small plate with that special someone—Maiden Lane offers a cold kitchen that specializes in charcuterie that includes a host of surprising additions, like Spanish tinned squid accompanied by gourmet potato chips and a decadent duck terrine.

Above all else, come for Maiden Lane’s stunning and storied selection of wines and cocktails both historic and new  — all of which are guaranteed to impress.  Whether it’s pre- and post-Prohibition-era classics or the latest and greatest in beverage trends that you’re thirsty for, you’ll find it here.

2. THE BREWERY DATE: SANDWICH BREWING

Sandwitch Brewing
Sandwitch Brewing

Old meets new in this west-side destination. Sandwich Brewing offers a gorgeously rustic environment for beer lovers and the ones they love.

The brewery is hosted in a perfect example of one of Windsor’s historic heritage buildings. The space boasts exposed brick walls, pressed tin ceilings, and a lofted ceiling — all complemented by the impressively exposed brewing kit located behind the bar.

The candlelit tables and bar area offer a supremely cozy place to enjoy Sandwich Brewing’s exceptional offering of exclusive craft micro-brews. If you can’t decide which brew to try, why not try them all? Linger a little longer here over a flight or two — you’ll be glad you did.

3. THE ROMANTIC DATE: NICO’S

Nico’s Taverna on Erie Street
Nico’s Taverna on Erie Street

Located on Erie Street, Nico’s Taverna is the quintessentially perfect date locale.

Identifiable by the fragrant smoke of its wood-fired ovens, Nico’s Taverna greets you even before you’re through its doors, and what a welcome it is. Whether seated in a table of your own or at the bar, there isn’t a bad seat in the house—the chicly lit surroundings manage to offer upscale comfort that’s both friendly and unassuming.

A romantic take on Italian classics accompanied by new culinary perspectives, Nico’s vibrancy extends through the atmosphere into its food and drink programs. Whether its crowd pleasers like arancini and pillowy gnocchi to visually stunning mains like grilled whole branzino—Nico’s offers a very special something for anyone lucky enough to secure a reservation.

4. THE SPICY DATE: GRAND CANTINA

Grand Cantina
Grand Cantina

What says love like carnitas or carne asada?

Ford City’s favourite taco spot offers a fun take on Valentine’s Day. From its Miami Vice–inspired neon sign to its very chilled out décor, Grand Cantina’s vibrant space gives us the feel of being on a vacation somewhere warm—a welcome thought during the chilly winter days here.

Grand Cantina’s menus include fresh takes on Mexican classics—think craft tequilas, a Korean-inspired gochujang chicken taco (affectionately called the ugly delicious), and even vegetarian delights like their jackfruit taco.

Whether it’s friends, family, or that special someone, show them you care this Valentine’s Day with a Grand Cantina margarita or two and some very delicious churros.

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