Toronto date spots to unleash your inner nerd

These days, glasses and checkered shirts are in, so why not impress your date by combining romance, fun, and knowledge in an epic outing at one of Toronto’s many nerd-friendly establishments.

Toronto date spots to unleash your inner nerd
Laura Dunford By

See-Scape

1
2840 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6P 1Y7

Everyone knows about Snakes & Lattes, but have you heard of See-Scape? It’s a board game-café-meets-bar-meet-art-gallery celebrating geek culture with an emphasis on sci-fi. With steel walls and tables lined with caution tape, the interior looks like the inside of an industrial spacecraft. An open space includes a couch and comfy chairs so you’ll be ready to get your game on. If you’re looking for something a bit more secluded, See-Scape also offers private booths where your server won’t disturb you unless you signal them with your service light.

Mystery Room Ltd

2
422 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G7

If you and your date fancy yourselves a modern-day Holmes and Watson duo, you’ll want to try out the Mystery Room. You’ll be put in a room outfitted to match a specific scenario, from breaking out of prison to escaping a vampire’s trap. You are given a series of clues you need to solve in order to open the locked exit. You have one hour to accomplish your task and, depending on which room you choose, this could be the most high-pressure date you’ve ever experienced.

Bean And Baker Malt Shop

3
326 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M6G 1H1

If you’re all about the retro-vintage vibes, bring your date to Bean & Baker and they’re sure to have a peachy keen time sipping on a root beer float made with handcrafted soda and Kawartha Dairy ice cream. The malt shop has a clean and cozy 50s interior with a comfortable neighborly vibe. Our pick? Sample one of their pastry pockets and try not to fall in love, we dare you.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

The Lockhart

4
1479 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1Y8

The instantly famous Harry Potter inspired pub in Little Portugual made headlines when it opened in 2014. Refined in its nods to the international bestselling series (think: exposed brick interior, a potions and elixirs, and hidden references to the novels that only a true fan will notice). The “apothecary” offers a selection of scrumptious cocktails, but don’t forget to dabble in the delicious tapas on offer. The baked Brie paired with a flaming Bufuddlement draft never fails to please.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Tranzac Club Arts Entertainment And Bar

5
292 Brunswick Ave, Toronto, ON M5S 2M7

If you and your date like Ted Talks and beer, this monthly event is an ideal destination. Nerd Nite is held at the Tranzac, a legendary Annex spot complete with a red curtained stage and intimate two-person tables arranged throughout the room. Past guests have varied from inventors designing portable 3D printers to magicians explaining the science behind their tricks. It’s the perfect opportunity to show your date what a great listener you are.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

The Addisons Residence

6
456 Wellington Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 1E3

Harken back to the days when you used to play board games at your friend’s house? Or maybe you’re a secret bingo dabber. Don’t shy away from sharing these proclivities with your date; instead come to the Addison’s, a bar pretending to be a house where the family is never home. The concept is just weird enough to be cool. Wednesdays are musical bingo, Thursdays are board games, Fridays are live music, and Saturdays are house party nights with games like air hockey and foosball. Take your date back to high school, just without the zits and the braces.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:
More from Laura Dunford Laura Dunford
A master of awkward social encounters, Laura spends most of her spare time trying to get dog hair off her pants and searching for the perfect beer. She’s spent most of her adult life under the tutelage of esteemed intellectuals but the meaning of life without coffee still eludes her. A chronic nomad, she has made camp in Toronto because it’s like living in a hundred different places at once.
7 places to take a beer lover on a date in Toronto

7 places to take a beer lover on a date

So you’ve finally gotten up the nerve to ask your crush out for a drink, but you don’t want this to be just like any other first date. You need the best pub experience Toronto has to offer and we’re here to help. [Feature image: Amsterdam Brewhouse]
Dog-friendly spaces and activities in Toronto

Dog-friendly spaces and activities for you and your pooch

One thing’s for sure: Torontonians love their dogs. With an array of leash-free parks and the dog-friendly TTC, us urbanites can explore the entire city with our four-legged companions. But if you want to do more than just walk, we know where you can go. Here are some of the best dog-friendly activities in the city. [Image credit: iStock.com/vgajic]
Pooch pals: Dog walking services in Toronto

Pooch pals: Dog walkers of Toronto

We all love our dogs and want to keep them happy and healthy, but it can be hard to find time to give them the exercise they need, especially for city-dwellers. Not to worry; Toronto has plenty of certified and reliable dog-walking services ready to take up the reins and make sure your pooch is thoroughly pooped! [Image credit: iStock.com/andykatz]
Close menu