By Katrina Tomacchio // @thenortheastginger
Looking for unique, memorable date ideas in Pittsburgh that don’t involve alcohol?
Whether you’re testing the waters with a new crush, or reviving the spark with a longtime love, Steel City has plenty to offer away from the typical bar scene.
Here are 15 creative ways to spend quality time together, sans alcohol.
1. Contrast Therapy at MindFuel Method
Pittsburgh’s Social Wellness Club—Mindfuel Method—is perfect for couples who want to relax, recharge and enjoy a little guided wellness adventure together.
A contrast therapy session involves alternating between MindFuel’s traditional Finnish sauna (the largest in Pittsburgh!) and professional cold plunge tubs (with precisely controlled temperatures between 36°F and 56°F) to build resilience and ground your nervous system.
MindFuel is a social space to shift your state, with a mission of empowering you to live with vitality and experience the joy of feeling your best. Why not enjoy that with your partner?
Author’s Note: My husband and I have enjoyed many dates here, and personally recommend this business.
Find more information and booking options online at mindfuelmethod.com
MindFuel Method
The Strip District | Pittsburgh PA
2. Infrared Sauna & Functional Mocktails at AURA Sauna Studio
Unlike traditional Finnish sauna, infrared sauna therapy heats the body directly rather than simply warming the air. This raises the core body temperature and produces a deep, detoxifying sweat at the cellular level, where most toxins reside. All the saunas at AURA offer full spectrum infrared offering nir, far and mid rays.
An optional add-on service to enjoy at AURA is a round of Hiyo Non-Alcoholic Social Tonic, a mocktail mindfully crafted with adaptogens, nootropics and functional botanicals to elevate your mood without alcohol. Crack open a can or two inside the sauna and get ready to unwind!
And with two locations that offer saunas that can easily accommodate two people, it’s a grounding way to connect and restore.
Their Valentine’s Day Special (valid February 1-28 at both sauna locations) is designed to honor a shared moment of connection at a discounted price.
Author’s Note: My husband and I have enjoyed dates here, and personally recommend this business.
Find more information and booking options at aurasaunastudio.com
AURA Sauna Studio
The Strip District | South Hills | Pittsburgh PA
3. Sensory Deprivation at Victory Float Lounge
Now here’s a truly unique date idea: dim lights, low music and the feeling of weightlessness as you and your partner effortlessly float alongside each other and enter a state of pure relaxation together.
That’s the vibe at Victory Float Lounge, where couples choosing float therapy immerse themselves in 12” of warm, bath-like water filled with 1500lbs of epsom salt—the solution makes you so buoyant that anyone can float with ease. The act of floating shuts off the brain’s fight or flight response (the sympathetic nervous system), and turns on the rest and digest response (the parasympathetic nervous system).
Inside your spacious float suite, you have complete control over the music and lights, choosing ultimate relaxation or total sensory deprivation.
For a full hour, you and your partner will enjoy a lack of sensory input, giving your brain the much-needed bandwidth to sort through your short term memory. What follows is a state of pure creativity and clarity. Victory’s website states that “people report sudden insights and inspirations, or feelings of general well being and happiness, as a result of a drop in cortisol levels and a release of endorphins.”
Author’s Note: My husband and I have done float therapy here, and personally recommend this business. It’s such a weird sensation at first, but truly so beneficial.
Floating not your thing? At Victory’s Sewickley location, couples can enjoy the salt cave, a halotherapy room offering a natural, drug-free way to improve respiratory and skin health. Halotherapy involves breathing in a fine mist of salt pumped into the air, and as the salt enters your airways it reduces inflammation, provides relief from sinus infections, the common cold, and seasonal allergies.
Find more information and booking options at https://www.floatvictory.com/
Victory Float Lounge | Lawrenceville | Sewickley | Pittsburgh PA
4. Boxing Class at Level Red Boxing
Whether you’re an experienced boxer, or have never picked up a pair of gloves before, Level Red Boxing is all about keeping the motivation (and the vibes) high. No matter your fitness level, you can do it, their website encourages. And with your partner along for the ride, stepping into a group class can feel comfortable, exciting and even offer a welcome challenge to experience together.
“There’s something so fun about learning a new skill, venting the week’s frustrations alongside someone you like and sweating through a few rounds of bag work together,” said Coach Alexandra Meier.
Sober herself for three years, Meier knows a thing or two about creating welcoming spaces sans alcohol, and Level Red excels at that.
“Level Red Boxing is the perfect knockout date night with a high-energy way to hang out without the hangover!” Meier said.
Level Red Boxing is currently offering 50% off a drop-in class with code Lrb50.
Find more information and booking options at levelredboxing.com/pittsburgh
Level Red Boxing
The East End | Pittsburgh PA
5. Group Fitness Class at MADabolic
If you or your partner are former athletes, you’ll feel right at home at MADabolic, a strength and conditioning gym that delivers workouts built for high performers who want structure and expect real results. Their strength-driven interval training system blends power, endurance and stability in a way traditional HIIT classes just don’t offer.
There are a few locations throughout Pittsburgh, but the Strip District location specifically is currently offering 5 days of free classes with code MAD5.
Author’s Note: My husband and I have enjoyed dates here, and personally recommend this business.
Find more information and booking options at madabolic.com/pa/strip-district/
MADabolic
Strip District | North Hills | Pittsburgh PA
6. Ice Curling Lessons at Pittsburgh Curling Club
Whether it’s checking an item off of your bucket list, fulfilling your dreams of becoming an Olympic curler, or somewhere in between, the Pittsburgh Curling Club can help. Ice curling is a fun way to try something new together (I speak from experience!), while adding a little lighthearted competition to the mix, and the Pittsburgh Curling Club offers learn-to-curl programs designed to meet you at your level—no prior experience is required.
Their curling classes are run by experienced members of the club who can provide you with a great introduction to the sport. Did I mention there’s a class on Valentine’s Day?
Find more information and booking options at https://pittsburghcurlingclub.com/learn-to-curl/
Pittsburgh Curling Club
McKees Rocks | Pittsburgh PA
7. Screen Printing, Sound Healing or a Virtual Cooking Class with Teetotal Initiative
You and your partner can find sober community with Teetotal Initiative, a first-of-its-kind recreational group right here in Pittsburgh. Teetotal Initiative, a 501(c)3 non-profit, inspires a stigma-free and celebratory social atmosphere, promoting meaningful sobriety and community opportunities for all, regardless of their journey to recovery. Their programming is ENTIRELY FREE and open to everyone.
“At our events, drinking is completely off the table,” said Scott Page, Teetotal’s executive director and co-founder. “That means we can just enjoy each other’s company without negotiating boundaries or expectations. When alcohol is removed from the equation, what’s left is connection, and that’s what actually matters when building a relationship.”
With fun options for in-person activities like a screen printing workshop on Valentine’s Day, a sound healing experience on February 28 and a Buzz-Free Bar and Bingo Night on March 2, there’s no shortage of unique opportunities for alcohol-free dates.
If virtual experiences are more your vibe, you’ll still find community through Teetotal. There are several events upcoming online, such as their Book Club on February 10 (it also meets monthly!), a guided sakral chakra experience on February 22 and a virtual cooking class on February 26.
“Romance without alcohol can feel intimidating at first, but it’s also more honest,” Page added. “Spaces like Teetotal don’t just make sobriety safer, they make connection possible.”
Author’s Note: My husband and I have enjoyed many dates at Teetotal events, and personally recommend this group.
Teetotal is a group that I not only support and believe in, but I’ve even co-hosted events with them!
Find more information and booking options at https://www.teetotal.org/
Teetotal Initiative
Events Held at Various Locations Online & In-Person | Pittsburgh PA
8. N/A Beer, Burgers and Arcade Games at LOADED
You don’t have to drink alcohol to get LOADED—my restaurant concept that I co-own with my husband here in Pittsburgh serves up Korean Corn Dogs, epic smashburgers, fried chicken and sharable fries, all loaded with toppings.
An award-winning eatery born in Boston, LOADED’s style of cooking is anything but traditional. With a menu focused on American-fusion cuisine, every bite promises big flavors with bold combinations.
Located inside Lawrence Hall—a 6,000-square-foot repurposed warehouse in the heart of Lawrenceville—LOADED is one of four restaurants centered around the Dear James bar, providing thoughtful non-alcoholic options.
Grab a couple of n/a beers, indulge in a handful of LOADED dishes and challenge your date to a night of arcade games, darts or shuffleboard while you’re here.
“With so many different flavor combinations, it’s always fun to share a couple corndogs, some saucy fries and a sandwich or two, that way you get a little taste of everything,” said Co-Owner and Chef Anthony Tomacchio. “There really is no wrong way to get LOADED. And it’s the perfect pregame for a night of pinball.”
Author’s Note: My go-to order at LOADED is the Animal Smashy—a double smashburger dripping with American Cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato and our dirty-good Animal Sauce. It’s all smashed and stacked on a sesame bun and served with a side of crispy fries and absolutely no regrets. Our menu is also extremely gluten-free friendly, and our fried chicken and fries are always gluten free and fried in a dedicated fryer.
Find more information and view the menu at https://order.toasttab.com/online/loaded-lawrence-hall-4609-butler-street
LOADED
Lawrenceville | Pittsburgh PA
9. Dinner and Non-Alcoholic Drinks at a Yelp-Elite-Recommended Restaurant
Pittsburgh content creator Angie Carducci (@angielovespgh) doesn’t mess around when it comes to great food; she’s been named a Yelp Elite for the past six years. As a lifelong vegetarian with a love of Mediterranean, Italian and creative plant-based food, Carducci approaches cuisine with an eye for proper pairings.
“I’m really into complex, layered drinks made with non-alcoholic spirits, bitters and syrups,” Carducci said. “I used to be really into wine and thought a lot about pairing based on terroir and I think mocktails can be approached a similar way. If I’m eating a Mediterranean sampler with olives, hummus and grape leaves, a mocktail with grapefruit and rosemary might hit those clean, bitter notes perfectly. Something like a mushroom bolognese is rich and earthy, so it works great with a drink that has acidity and depth, like you would look for in a wine.”
I tasked Carducci with rounding up three of her top picks for Pittsburgh restaurants with non-alcoholic options that shine.
“I love that this list was hard to narrow down,” Carducci said. “Pittsburgh is really stepping up its
nonalcoholic game.”
See if you can snag a reservations at one of Angie’s Picks:
- Alta Via: “Their Golden Hour Sour is an award-winning take on an amaretto sour made with Lyre’s Amaretti, lemon and simple syrup. It’s sublime. The Amalfi Escape is almost as good. They also have a No-groni and additional nonalcoholic options like Rose Colored Glasses with grapefruit, rosemary and ginger beer. So many flavor profiles to pair with the cozy food and vibe,” said Carducci. Find more information at https://www.altaviapgh.com/
- Fish Nor Fowl: “This is my favorite Richard DeShantz restaurant, and their mocktail list brings it with five thoughtfully crafted offerings with complex flavors, several using nonalcoholic spirits. The Smuggler’s Wake Up, their take on an espresso martini (amaro, Ritual rum, orange bitters, cold brew and vanilla syrup) is a contender for the best N/A drink in town. It’s a fantastic date night spot overall,” said Carducci. Find more information at https://fishnorfowlpgh.com/
- Alla Famiglia: “Did I just pick three Italian restaurants? Not sorry. I love the food here, especially the tableside cacio e pepe, and the romantic atmosphere. They also have a special vegetarian menu and surprised me with a full mocktail list. No non-alcoholic spirits, but with ingredients like coconut puree, lavender syrup, mint syrup and orange bitters, the drinks are elevated and delicious,” said Carducci. Find more information at https://allafamiglia.com/
- Honorable mentions: “EYV, where I did the Chef’s Table experience with all five fresh mocktails paired alongside it, and Kaya. Both are great date night options with strong non-alcoholic drink programs,” said Carducci.
10. At-Home Tasting With Pittsburgh’s Madame Mocktail
Let Madame Mocktail’s premium line of non-alcoholic, ready-to-drink mocktails prove that you don’t need proof to enjoy your time together. A new-to-market product created by a Pittsburgh’s Alena Brook Mahoney in 2025, Madame Mocktail is crafted to bring the same sophistication, bold flavor and celebratory feel of cocktails—without the alcohol.
Each 4-pack comes in elegant glass bottles with a twist-off cap, designed to feel like opening a mini wine bottle, with four signature flavors to choose from—Cranberry Cosmo-not, Black Cherry Moscow Mule, Passionfruit Mojito and Lemon Drop Martini.
The Madame is popping up all over Pittsburgh in speciality retail stores (you can even find it at your local Coen Markets!), and for this date idea, all you need is a few flavors to taste test together. Create a tasting card where you can both record your thoughts and notes, and then share with each other how you’d rate each flavor.
Find more information and purchasing options visit https://www.madamemocktail.com/
Author’s Note: My husband and I have taste tested all four flavors (his favorite is the Passionfruit, my favorite is the Black Cherry) and absolutely love this brand and highly recommend it.
I’ve also recently hosted an event with Madame Mocktail and can say that the owners are lovely people to work with.
at their Mocktails Night Out event in January 2026 in collaboration with The Open Road and De Fer.
11. Booze-Free Brunch at Square Cafe
Available for the month of February. Photos Courtesy of Square Cafe.
When someone says “brunch,” it usually conjures thoughts of bottomless mimosas and bad decisions before noon. While I can’t be held responsible for your decision making, I can say that you’ll find plenty of delicious non-alcoholic bevies on the menu at Pittsburgh’s Square Cafe, a morning staple in the city since 2003.
Square is known for its creative coffee and expansive food menu, and with allergen-conscious dishes and a wide range of vegan options, you and your date will have no trouble finding something to share. While many of their dishes are tried and true, Square is always up to something new, offering regular rotating food and beverage specials, like their Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Pancakes, available for the month of February. A perfect morning treat, their oatmeal pancakes are topped with caramelized cinnamon apples, powdered sugar and whipped cream, and served Yeaney’s PA maple syrup.
Also a fixture on their menu is a range of refreshing mocktails like their Cranberry of Your Eye – NA mocktail—cranberry juice and orange juice mixed together with lemon-lime soda and topped with grenadine and cherries—a special for the month of February.
Can’t find something that tickles your fancy on their beverage menu? Square also lets you order off the mocktail menu of their sister establishment, Title 9 Sports Bar, located right next door.
Find more information at https://square-cafe.com/
Square Cafe | East Liberty | Pittsburgh PA
Author’s Note: Square Cafe has been a favorite of ours since their OG location in Regent Square, and we’ve enjoyed many dates here. We personally recommend this business.
12. Late-Night Sweets at The Butterwood Bake Consortium
Inspired by Austrian/Viennese coffeehouse traditions, Butterwood is Lawrenceville’s go-to dessert destination. With late-night hours (sometimes open as late as 11 p.m.), it’s an ideal nightlife option for house-baked cakes, pies, galettes and beautiful sweet treats. Adorned with natural elements, each dessert is equally visually stunning as it is decadent and delicious. And a welcome surprise is their commitment to vegan and gluten-free options as well.
You’ll love their espresso, lattes, tea and hot chocolate, all served in a cozy, Victorian-lamp-lit setting. It’s the ideal space when you’re craving an intimate night out sans alcohol, and makes for a unique dinner date (because dessert can definitely be dinner!).
Author’s Note: My husband and I have enjoyed many dates here, and have ordered numerous custom cakes for various occasions. Not only are they stunning, but they are utterly delicious. This is a business we personally recommend.
Find more information at thebutterwoodbakeconsortium.com
Butterwoood Bake Consortium
Lawrenceville | Pittsburgh PA
13. Browse a Local Writer’s Favorite Bookstores
If you’re a literary lover, then you already know there’s something intrinsically romantic about getting lost in a local bookstore together. Pick out a new book for your date, while they find one for you, then retire to a local coffee shop to sip and discuss.
Pittsburgh writer and editor Anea Michelle (@aneamichelle) is no stranger to great books, and knows a thing or two about romance reads.
“My forever favorite is the second-chance love story Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan,” Michelle said. “It lives in my heart rent-free.”
Also well within her wheelhouse is knowing where to go when hunting down a new-to-her title, and fueling up on quality coffee. I asked Michelle to round up her top three recommendations for both bookstores and coffee shops that make for a great date.
Bookstores to Browse
- Passionate Pages: Pittsburgh’s first romance-exclusive bookstore, Passionate Pages is a new bookstore located in Lawrenceville that opened in January 2026.
- White Whale Bookstore: A family-owned, general interest independent bookstore in Pittsburgh’s Bloomfield neighborhood.
- City Books: For 40 years, City Books has offered an exceptional inventory of used and collectible books in the Allegheny West/Northside neighborhood of Pittsburgh.
Coffee Shops to Sip At
“My go-to coffee order is always a cortado,” Michelle said. “Equal parts espresso and milk, just the right amount of cozy. And if there’s a house-made syrup on the menu, you can absolutely count me in (just a splash, please.)”
Michelle shared how coffee can be the perfect date idea.
“Coffee feels like a tiny daily ritual to me,” she said. “A drink made with care, and sometimes a moment of connection with someone across the table.”
- Field Day: A creative coworking space, cafe and event destination in Lawrenceville. “I absolutely adore Field Day,” said Michelle.
- Standing Wave Coffee: A local, family-operated roaster in Pittsburgh’s South Side neighborhood.
- LV. Coffee Project: A casual coffee shop serving drinks made with beans from around the world, plus breakfast and desserts. “Their house-made syrups are always so unique and thoughtful, it makes every drink feel a little extra special,” said Michelle.
14. Hunt for Thrifted Treasures Like a Pro
Thrifting makes for the perfect low-pressure, high-fun date, and even gives you a chance to walk away with a little souvenir. Wander local vintage and secondhand shops together, hunt for hidden gems or ridiculous finds and see what each other’s style reveals along the way.
I asked Jess Iacullo (@stayhungryvtg), a local food writer and owner of Stay Hungry VTG—a virtual shop focused on vintage finds and preloved goods—to give readers the skinny on how to track down the best bargains and score big when thrifting in Pittsburgh. Her best advice?
“Take your time!” Iacullo said. “Thrifting is a process; a marathon not a sprint, if you will. Finding the pieces of treasure requires sifting through a lot, and also trying different types of stores. Don’t get discouraged!”
A date like this requires patience, a positive attitude and a sense of adventure…all things that can help love blossom.
“Each piece of clothing tells a story, and it’s lived a lot of lives before it found you,” Iacullo said. “Finding pieces that remind you of your partner, or friend, or family member is a lot deeper and sentimental, in my opinion, than finding something anyone can have or wear. I love seeing the people I love get excited about the things I pick out for them.”
Indeed, clothing can be a love language, and can even represent the qualities we find endearing in others.
“To me, a durable and fun vintage winter coat represents what I look for in a partner,” Iacullo said. “It’s reliable, trustworthy and it feels like it was made just for me.”
Head down to one of Iacullo’s recommendations, and see what treasures you can find:
- Red, White & Blue Thrift Store: With various locations throughout Pittsburgh, these thrift stores have a wide selection of second-hand items, with new merchandise added daily. Iacullo recommends these stores for non-curated thrifting.
- Zed’s: A South Side staple for second-hand clothing.
- Sam’s Vintage: A maximalist vintage clothing boutique located in Lawrenceville that stocks wares from the 1900s to the early 2000s.
- Bottom Nature Thrift: A sustainable style brand rooted in self-discovery and secondhand as luxury.
- Thriftique: A social enterprise resale shop selling carefully curated, designer-centric inventory.
15. Make Things Permanent With Matching Tiny Tattoos from Kult
A tiny tattoo date is equal parts meaningful and memorable (and I speak from experience!). When booking a couples appointment at Kult, guests can choose a small, intentional design together or even surprise each other with thoughtful ideas. Think romantic ink like hearts or initials, or go for something silly and reminiscent of an inside joke (my husband and I once got matching dimes, as a symbol of our 10-year anniversary).
It’s an intimate date without being too over-the-top, and you’ll leave with a permanent reminder of the private moment you shared.
“It’s such an experience,” said Britt Bertolino, owner and artist at Pittsburgh’s Kult Tiny Tattoo Studio. “It creates connection. You walk away with a laugh, a story and a keepsake.”
For more information and booking options visit https://www.instagram.com/kultpgh/?hl=en
Kult Tiny Tattoo Studio
Pittsburgh PA
Author’s Note: My husband and I have booked a couples tattoo session with Bertolino many times, and even hired her to do tiny tattoos for our guests at our 10-year vow renewal party in 2025 (it was a super fun and unique party favor!). We highly recommend Bertolino and her business.
the northeast ginger 
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