There’s something magical about date nights that offer more than just dinner and a movie—something immersive, hands-on, and full of conversation starters. In St. Petersburg, Florida, where the arts meet coastal charm, you’ll find the perfect pairing of creativity and cuisine in a date night that flows from fire to finesse: an interactive glassblowing class at Zen Glass Studio, followed by dinner and drinks at the stylish downtown eatery Elliot Aster, where the connection continues—literally—through custom glasswork created by Zen’s very own Dave Walker.
💥 First Spark: Make-Your-Own Wineglass at Zen Glass Studio
Start your evening in the heart of the Warehouse Arts District with a “Make Your Own Wineglass” class at Zen Glass Studio. This one-of-a-kind experience lets you and your date create something truly personal—each of you will shape molten glass into elegant wineglasses under the guidance of expert instructors. Don’t worry if you’ve never worked with glass before; the Zen team makes the process exciting, approachable, and just the right amount of steamy.
As the colors swirl and your stemware takes form, so does the story of your evening. You’ll walk away with not only a unique piece of art but a shared memory that’s impossible to replicate. It’s collaborative, creative, and a little hot—everything a great date should be.
🥂 Next Stop: Dinner at Elliot Aster—Where Zen Glass Meets Culinary Cool
Once your glasses are in the kiln, it’s time to head downtown to Elliot Aster, a chic bistro where Mediterranean inspiration meets Florida freshness. From the moment you walk in, you’ll notice the thoughtful ambiance—but if you take a closer look behind the bar, you’ll see something extra special: hand-blown glass pieces by Zen Glass Studio’s co-founder, Dave Walker, on display and in use.
These glowing glass accents—subtle curves, rich color tones, and artistic finishes—tie your evening together in a brilliant full circle. The very same hands that guided your wineglass-making experience crafted the pieces holding light, flavor, and elegance in this dining room. It’s a quiet nod to St. Pete’s creative community and the magic of making something by hand.
Order a cocktail (served in artful glassware, of course), toast to your creations-in-progress, and settle into courses like seared scallops, hand-cut pasta, or shareable Mediterranean boards. Whether you dine inside or on the patio under string lights, Elliot Aster offers a modern, moody, and romantic vibe that’s perfect for lingering conversation.
💡 Why This Date Night Works
- It’s interactive and unforgettable: Making your own wineglass is a literal spark between you.
- It supports local art and community: From studio to restaurant, this evening is all about celebrating local talent.
- You walk away with something tangible: Your hand-blown glass will be ready to pick up in a few days—a lasting reminder of the experience.
- It’s stylishly seamless: Even the decor at dinner echoes your creativity, with Zen Glass work glinting just over your shoulder.
📍 Make It Happen
- Zen Glass Studio
- Location: 600 27th St S, St. Petersburg, FL
- Book: zenglass.com
- Tip: Reserve your spot in advance—wineglass workshops fill up fast, especially on weekends.
- Elliot Aster
- Location: 3063 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL
- Info: elliotaster.com
- Tip: Ask your server about the glass pieces behind the bar—chances are, there’s a story there.
Glass. Art. Connection.
A Zen Glass + Elliot Aster evening is more than a date—it’s a creative journey made to be savored, toasted, and remembered. Whether it’s your first night out together or your hundredth, this St. Pete date night delivers fire, flavor, and that spark you’ve been looking for.