After getting through a long week and dealing with all of the stressful day-to-day activities, an impending date night out on the town sounds amazing! People wait all week for date night, but when it actually gets close, they are often at a loss for ideas. In a town like Venice, you have lots of options to keep you and your honey amused, so plan ahead! Whether it be an old favorite dining spot or a new exciting activity, go out and enjoy the nightlife.

How Do You Spend Date Night in Venice?

1. Venice Theatre

140 W. Tampa Ave., Venice, FL 34285

When is the last time you saw a play? It’s time to put on that little black dress you’ve been saving for a special occasion, grab your date and go experience the performing arts at this historical local gem. The Venice Theatre is one of the most active community theatres in the US, so they always have something interesting on stage! Some of their productions feature full-scale musicals, cabarets, comedies, dramas and more. Check out the Venice Theatre website for a schedule of productions and box office information to get an idea of what you may want to go see. and box office information to get an idea of what you may want to go see.

After your show, have dessert and a glass of wine at Made In Italy, located only a block away. The pasta combinations and wood fired pizzas are out of this world delicious. If you’re lucky enough to be there on a Friday night, there may even be live entertainment! Don’t forget to save room for dessert, the cannolis are a treat you won’t want to pass up.

2. Daiquiri Deck

300 W Venice Ave., Venice, FL 34285

You’re ready for a fun, fruity blended drink to start out your weekend, right? Why not make date night a staycation, and go check out Daiquiri Deck’s wall of colorful daiquiri options. Located in historic downtown Venice, you don’t have to go far to experience one of their unique daiquiri flavors like Fudgesicle, Electric Lemonade, or Southern Peach. In addition to their extensive drinks menu, the food isn’t too shabby either. Word out on the street is that the crab cake sandwich is pretty exceptional! Check out their food and drink options.

3. Chaz 51 Steakhouse

549 US 41 Bypass North, Venice, FL 34285

Now in a brand new location, Chaz 51 has gone from a tiny hole in the wall to a big time steakhouse. With a happy hour menu to satisfy those with champagne tastes on a beer budget and a fine dining menu that will make you swoon… this is exactly what a romantic evening looks like. Keep in mind that happy hour is exclusively in their lounge area from 4:00pm – 7:00pm. This lounge also has its own separate menu with fine dining plates like jerk shrimp flatbread, mini beef wellington, filet mignon carpaccio or crab martini. For those looking for more comfort food flavors, there is also burgers, fried fish sandwich or a philly cheesesteak. Coming soon, Chaz 51 will be debuting a new restaurant experience they are calling “After Dark”. I personally can’t wait to see what they have in store!

4. The Zebra Lounge

217 Miami Ave., West Venice, FL 34285

If you are looking for something a little different for your date night, look no further. Take delight in the relaxed atmosphere and charming decor of The Zebra Lounge while listening to some engaging piano music. This piano bar offers fabulous light fare and delicious desserts that perfectly complement their extensive wine menu, featuring wines from around the world! Have a couple of glasses of wine, share a pizza, and don’t forget cheesecake, because it’s date night, after all.

5. Sharky’s On The Pier

1600 Harbor Dr. S, Venice, FL 34285

Do fresh seafood and a picturesque sunset overlooking the Gulf sound like a perfect date? Sharky’s is your spot for a fun and festive atmosphere with live music near the bar and idyllic views. Plan ahead, because this place is popular and there could be a wait, but it’s definitely worth it. Sharky’s is located right off the beach making it an ideal spot to take a romantic walk along the beach and to the pier.

6. Bodrum Restaurant

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225 Miami Ave W, Venice, FL 34285

Probably one of our favorite restaurants for date night… Sometimes you just want to enjoy good company and delicious mezes safely away from your kids — at least for an hour or two. The menu is filled with delicious Turkish and Eastern Mediterranean cuisine. Any of the choices promises to be a culinary masterpiece that will dazzle your tastebuds. Make sure you save room for dessert! We recommend the carrot tarator, any of the kebabs and the kazandibi for dessert (with a Turkish tea or coffee to finish your meal).

You can also order online for takeout and bring it home for a quiet candlelit dinner!

Read about our experience at Bodrum

What adventures have you found in Venice?

Check out all the ways to have a staycation just hanging out locally!

Guest Post Written By:
Stefanie Resciniti is a graphic designer and marketing professional with a passion for learning, traveling and trying new things. She is excited about any opportunity to inspire creative content.