Best for Date Night? (Durham, Cary: appointed, chapel, live in)

[trayandtom]

Which of these restaurants would you say is best for a rare date night with the hubby?(we have kids-good cocktails a must)

Four Square
Nanas
Watts Grocery
Magnolia Grill
Metro 8
I have been reading tons of restaurant reviews and just looking to see what you guys think. We rarely get out-so I definitely am not looking to be disappointed by a bad meal/poor service.

Any input is much appreciated! Other suggestions welcome also. We live in Cary but will travel anywhere in the triangle area. Not looking for a place that skimps on serving size.

[danwilsonbsee]

I love Magnolia Grill - not at all what you expect on the inside compared to the outside decor. Highly recommended and the food was great (not too crazy expensive either). Perfect for an anniversary dinner with me & the chica. Hope the same for you.

[dcgrl]

I think Piedmont in Durham followed by (and/or preceded by) cocktails at Whiskey would make for a fantastic date night (it's one I've enjoyed myself!) The two spots are less than .5 mile apart, so they're walkable. You might also enjoy Revolution, located just a block or two from Whiskey.

[ntchanga]

I second Magnolia Grill. I thought the food at Piedmont was good, but the portions were tiny. Watts Grocery is a good choice, too.

[Bmateo]

My info is VERY old (It's been years since we've been out due to our own "rare date night" schedule)

But Nanas was incredible when we went. And Maximillions in Cary used to be good, but I know they went through at least one period of time with service issues AND I don't hear them mentioned much any more.

[CHTransplant]

My first choice is Nanas - wonderful food and it is small and intimate. The best of those listed for a nice date environment with very good food.

Metro 8 is also very nice. A good place for steaks in a nice environment.

Magnolia Grill is nice but it can be LOUD when busy. Horrible place for a date, in my view - or any meal in which conversation is desired. But if you and your husband have forgotten how to talk about anything but the kids, and you tend to just watch each other chew, the food is wonderful.

Elaine's on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill would be another good choice for an intimate setting with very good food. For something a little more fun in Chapel Hill, if you're adventurous, is the Lantern restaurant - especially the bar in the back (but it can be crowded).

Crooks Corner is also quite nice for a date.

[skaternum]

I agree that Magnolia is really loud on weekend nights. I wouldn't go there for "date night."

[bullcityculture]

From your list I have been to Magnolia Grill and Watts Grocery. Personally, I enjoyed both, maybe Watts Grocery a little better (guess just the overall atmosphere). I would also say check out Revolution as it was really nice and the service and food were excellent. Have fun

[jln69]

On your list, I've been to Magnolia Grille and Four Square.

Magnolia Grill was excellent. Great food. It does get crowded on the weekend so I don't think you would get that intimate feel for a date night. You won't regret it if you do go.

Four Square I wouldn't recommend. We didn't think the food was very good at all.

It wasn't on your list but Elaines on Franklin in Chapel Hill was very good when we went. I think Magnolia Grill was better but Elaines might have a better atmosphere suited for a date night.

[toot68]

Magnolia Grill is my favorite restaurant, but I agree it is not a great "date" restaurant due to the noise on the main floor. If you are going to hit it for a date, I'd suggest sitting at the bar, that way you'll be able to hear each other.

Four Square and Nana's are on a par with Mag Grill, and have a much better date atmosphere.