Let’s be honest. When it comes to date nights, most of us default to the same old formula: dinner somewhere nice (translation: overpriced and sometimes, dare we say, awkward?) and a movie where you both sit in silence for two hours. It’s fine. It’s safe.
But what if you could swap the predictable for something actually exciting? Something that sparks conversation, lets you loosen up, and creates an experience you’ll actually remember?
Enter: Agni and The Kiln Room — a date night itinerary that’s equal parts unexpected, interactive, and effortlessly cool. First, you’ll break the rules of fine dining at one of Columbus’s most acclaimed new restaurants, then you’ll get your hands dirty (in a good way) making some memories (and some art) at one of the most fun and informative pottery classes you can find.
Sound better than another night of debating which Marvel movie to endure? Thought so.
Step One: Agni—Where Fine Dining is Actually Fun
The word tasting menu might conjure up images of stiff white tablecloths and waiters reciting dish descriptions like they’re reading Shakespeare. Agni, on the other hand, is the exact opposite. Yes, it’s a tasting menu. Yes, it has a James Beard-recognized and USA Today-approved chef. But instead of hushed tones and intimidating courses, it’s an electric, unpredictable ride where every dish is a conversation starter.
Chef Avishar Barua has thrown the fine dining rulebook straight into the fire (literally — Agni means fire in Sanskrit). His menu is a mashup of influences, pulling from his Bengali heritage, Midwest upbringing, and the diverse backgrounds of his kitchen team. One course might remind you of your childhood favorite comfort food, while the next completely surprises you with unexpected flavors that somehow just work. It’s a meal designed for curiosity and conversation, which makes it the perfect first stop on a date that’s all about breaking the mold.
And the best part? The vibe is fun, not fussy. No tuxedoed waiters, no stiff energy — just an incredible meal in a space that feels more like a lively dinner party than a Michelin-star audition. You’ll leave full, happy, and with plenty to talk about.
Step Two: The Kiln Room — Get Your Hands (Artistically) Dirty
After dinner, instead of heading home or aimlessly walking around debating if you should get another drink, take the date up a notch with a hands-on pottery class at The Kiln Room. This isn’t your average paint-a-mug situation — The Kiln Room is a full-fledged clay education space that’s all about creativity, community, and getting a little messy in the best way possible.
Founded in 2019, The Kiln Room is as much about the experience as it is about the final product. They offer classes for all levels, so whether you’re channeling your inner Demi Moore (Ghost reference obligatory) or you’ve never touched a lump of clay in your life, you’ll be in good hands. Their instructors are welcoming, the atmosphere is laid-back, and there’s something undeniably cool about creating something from scratch. Bonus: You’ll actually get to keep what you make — so if the date goes well, you’ll have a tangible reminder of your shared artistic genius. If it doesn’t? Well, at least you got to throw some clay around.
With locations in Steelton Village and now Dublin, The Kiln Room is making it easier than ever to swap your usual night out for something way more interesting. Plus, there’s something about working with your hands that makes conversation flow effortlessly. Whether you’re laughing at your lopsided bowl or genuinely impressed with your sculpting skills, it’s a date activity that guarantees fun over forced small talk.
Why This Works as the Ultimate Non-Cliché Date
The best dates aren’t just about what you do — they’re about how they make you feel. Agni and The Kiln Room both take traditional ideas (fine dining and art classes) and flip them into something unexpected, engaging, and actually enjoyable. You get the excitement of an adventurous meal, the fun of a shared creative experience, and the bonus of walking away with something more than just a hefty receipt.
So next time you’re planning a date night, ditch the old-school dinner-and-a-movie routine. Go break some dining rules at Agni, then break some clay at The Kiln Room. You’ll thank me later… probably while admiring the lumpy but totally unique masterpiece you made together.