Forget the movie -- a truly great date night includes a dinner and a dance floor. In honor of National Dance Week, we bring you five dinner-dance combos to get you and your sweetheart well fed and cutting a rug.
Cuba Cuba/Tango Colorado: Modern styles of this dance may have originated in Argentina, but tango's is rooted in the Cuban habanera, so we're starting you out at Denver's family-owned Cuba Cuba. Do yourself a favor and order the ceviche--it's not always on the menu, but always available. After dinner, make your way to Turnverein Dance and Cultural Center for an evening of sexy tango. Whether you're a newbie or were born with a rose between your teeth, all levels are welcome to the Tuesday evening instruction.Cuba Cuba, 1173 Delaware St.; 303-605-2822Tuesdays, 6:30 - 7:30 pm; $8 member, $10 non-memberTango Colorado, 1570 Clarkson St.
Summit Steakhouse/Stampede: Wear your dressy boots to this one -- The Summit Steak and Seafood House will get you in the Western spirit with its cowboy bone-in rib eye, as well as baby back ribs and a selection of other USDA prime steaks. When you've had your fill of red meat, mosey up the street to Stampede where line dancing is offered on Wednesdays -- also ladies night -- and country western dance lessons are offered Fridays.6:30pm - 7:30pm; Wednesdays, $4, Fridays, $32430 South Havana St., Aurora; 303-696-76862700 South Havana Street, Aurora; 303-751-2112
Zengo/La Rumba: It's not the closest restaurant to La Rumba, but if you want to begin your evening on a spicy note, grab a table at this Latin-infused eatery. (We like the tuna tiradito with spicy melon relish, serrano and avocado mousse.) Next, trek to La Rumba -- it's only open three evenings each week, but those nights win awards for the sensational salsa. You can go on Thursday for a free instruction and an hour of salsa music, but we suggest paying the $7 cover on Saturday for the huge salsa party with group lessons and live band.Zengo, 1610 Little Raven Street, Riverfront Park; 720-904-0965Thursdays & Saturdays at 9:30pm; $7 cover on Saturdays99 W. Ninth Ave.; 303-572-8006
Mercury Cafe: Like swing, this eclectic gathering spot brings together an array of components, offering creative outlets for both dining and dance. Begin the evening with a menu of organic, local and seasonal ingredients in entrees such as sauteed chicken breast with mushrooms, wine and garlic, or hot and spicy tofu and veggies. Then burn it off on the dance floor, as Mercury Cafe has a reputation for being one of the best swing dance joints around.Sundays, Tuesdays & Thursdays, times vary; $10 drop in 2199 California St.; 303-294-9281
Racine's/Booth's Dancesport: A Capitol Hill classic, we love Racine's loungey ambiance -- it's smooth vibe that begs for an old-fashioned cocktail. For a bite to keep you light on your feet, try the red pepper and goat cheese salad. For something a little meatier, try the New York Strip, which comes with potato, vegetables du jour and Boursin cheese. Continue your classic evening at Booth's, honey, where you'll find free foxtrot dance lessons every Friday night.Racine's, 650 Sherman St.; 303-595-0418Fridays, 8pm - 9pm; freeBooth's, 6830 N. Broadway, Suite D; 303-412-7712