Date night in Bowling Green: dinner at 440 Main, Hickory and Oak or Toro, shows at SKyPAC, The Capitol and the Phoenix Theatre, wineries and free planetarium nights.

Last checked Oct. 16, 2026. Every place below is listed from its own website or the Bowling Green Area Convention and Visitors Bureau’s listing, with a link to check current hours. We do not rank restaurants or quote reviews; book ahead on weekends.

The easiest date night in Bowling Green starts downtown: dinner around Fountain Square or Circus Square Park, a show at SKyPAC or The Capitol, and a walk around the square, all without moving the car. Here are the pieces to build it from.

Plan the night

Dinner

Restaurant Why couples go Where Phone
440 Main A dining room for “special, lingering dinners” beside a bar, in a historic building overlooking Fountain Square; Tuesday to Saturday from 4 p.m. 440 E. Main Ave. 270-793-0450
Hickory and Oak New Southern cuisine, more than 125 bourbons, a patio over Circus Square Park and a Chef’s Table for up to eight 705 State St., Unit 54 270-715-9268
The Bistro Dinner Tuesday to Saturday from 4:30 p.m. in the 1893 Fletcher House, two blocks from Fountain Square 1129 College St. 270-781-9646
Gerard’s 1907 Tavern American gourmet food, craft beer and cocktails in the historic Gerard Building 935 College St. 270-904-8133
Toro Spanish tapas and entrees from Chef Sasa Mandrapa, cocktails and desserts; limited reservations 1760 Scottsville Road 270-418-2708
Tony’s of Bowling Green Steaks, seafood and Mediterranean dishes in the Embassy Suites, with live music Friday and Saturday evenings 556 Hub Blvd. 270-288-8669
Anna’s Greek Restaurant Greek dining in the restored 1905 Century Palace 1202 State St. 270-846-2662

Descriptions are from each restaurant’s website or visitors bureau listing.

A show

  • Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center (SKyPAC), 601 College St.: touring concerts, Broadway tours and Orchestra Kentucky (events). SKyPAC enforces a clear bag policy at ticketed shows. 270-904-1880.
  • The Capitol, 416 E. Main Ave.: a historic theater on Fountain Square for concerts, plays, speakers and free movies (events). 270-904-6040.
  • The Phoenix Theatre, 545 Morris Alley: the 146-seat home of the Public Theatre of Kentucky, with local productions and new Kentucky plays (listing).
  • Van Meter Hall, WKU, 1906 College Heights Blvd.: university orchestra, jazz, choir and band concerts (Van Meter Hall).

Wine, bourbon and a pour

  • Purple Toad Winery and Distillery, 6245 Cemetery Road: a tasting room less than 10 minutes from I-65 Exit 26, with a fireplace, according to the visitors bureau. 270-554-0010.
  • Bluegrass Vineyard, 5016 Smiths Grove-Scottsville Road, Smiths Grove: daily tastings of more than 25 wines in a Tuscan-style winery with outdoor seating. 270-853-1718.
  • Hickory and Oak’s bourbon list, and Shake Rag Bar and Lounge, 315 State St., for cocktails and mocktails. More in our nightlife guide.

Something different

  • Mini golf at The Shack, 1110 Three Springs Road: 18 holes with waterfalls, a cave and a river (listing).
  • A class together: candle pouring at Candle Makers on the Square, 415 Park Row, or a cooking class at The Food School, 348 College St., Suite 150 (events).
  • Escape game at Conundrum Workshop, 1901 Russellville Road. 270-282-0792.
  • A ghost walk: the Hilltop History and Haunts Tour on the WKU campus in fall, for ages 16 and up. See our Halloween events page.

Low-cost nights

  • A free show at the Hardin Planetarium, 1501 State St., at 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
  • A free movie at The Capitol.
  • A walk around Fountain Square Park and the Riverwalk, then coffee or dessert downtown.

For Valentine’s weekend plans, see our Valentine’s Day page.

Frequently asked questions

Where should I go for a romantic dinner in Bowling Green?

Options downtown include 440 Main, whose dining room overlooks Fountain Square, Hickory and Oak on State Street with its patio over Circus Square Park, and The Bistro in the 1893 Fletcher House on College Street. Toro on Scottsville Road serves Spanish tapas with limited reservations.

Where can I see a show in Bowling Green?

SKyPAC, 601 College St., hosts touring acts and Orchestra Kentucky; The Capitol, 416 E. Main Ave., hosts concerts, plays and free movies; and the 146-seat Phoenix Theatre, 545 Morris Alley, is home to the Public Theatre of Kentucky.

Is there a winery near Bowling Green?

Yes. Purple Toad Winery and Distillery is at 6245 Cemetery Road, less than 10 minutes from I-65 Exit 26, and Bluegrass Vineyard, 5016 Smiths Grove-Scottsville Road, is open for daily tastings.

What is a cheap date idea in Bowling Green?

A free show at WKU’s Hardin Planetarium at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, a free movie at The Capitol, or a walk around Fountain Square followed by dessert.