Some friends and I were talking the other day about how often people in San Francisco go out on dates. It's really quite impressive, actually, the number of things there are to do in the City and ways to do them, especially with a romantic twist.
So I sent out an email to a bunch of folks asking them for their Top Ten San Francisco Date Ideas and was amazed at the response. Below are some of my favorites, but there were so many, I'm going to split them up into posts of ten, so keep watching for more ideas. If anyone has other suggestions, definitely drop me a line!
- Porchlight
Beth Lisick and Arline Klatte consistently put on one of the best spoken word/story telling shows I've ever seen. It's fast-paced, funny, edgy, and entertaining. Perfect for a first or second date or even a 50th.
- Drinks @ the Top of the Mark
Panoramic views and their 100 Martinis on the menu are always worthwhile, even on your way to another event.
- Dim Sum @ Baker Beach
A great Sunday morning alternative to brunch, especially in the Fall when its warm and sunny. Pick up a dozen of your favorite dishes to go, grab a blanket and sit on the sand watching the waves sail through the Golden Gate. Mimosas also add the perfect touch if you like champagne.
- Minigolf and Turbo Go Karts @ Malibu Grand Prix
Fun, relaxing, and lets the kid out in both of you. If you want to add some local flavor, grab a couple of It's Its on the way in from the nearby factory.
- Burger Joint + Bad Movie Night
Two great tastes that go great together. Free-range meats and Double Rainbow Milkshakes make "Da Joint" a perfect place for a quick and delicious bite on the way to events in the Mission. The Dark Room's Bad Movie Night offers hilarious and campy fodder for post-movie discussions over drinks. The best part is that you already know the movie is going to be bad, so no pressure to pick a good one!
- Tickets to watch the recording of a live radio show
Out here on the West Coast, we occasionally get the chance to see great live radio shows like Wait Wait Don't Tell Me or A Prairie Home Companion recorded in front of a studio audience. But even when they're not around, you can always catch West Coast Live every Saturday morning for music, interviews, and local color at SF's Fort Mason.
- Amnesia
A relatively new addition to the Mission, this intimate locale on Valencia has quickly become a favorite of many with its eclectic offerings from Rock Out! Karaoke and Bluegrass Mondays to Klezmer Bands and Gypsy Dancing. Definitely a step away from another night at the pub.
- Local Foodie Factory Tour
One of our biggest blessings in the Bay Area is the amazing array of gourmet food factories we have nearby. A tour at any one of the them can be fun and romantic. Some options include Anchor Steam Brewery, Scharffen Berger Chocolate, and Takara Sake.
- Live music @ the Great American Music Hall + Late-night snacks @ Sparky's
GAMH always has great music and what better way to top the night off than a meal at the Castro's 24-hour greasy spoon?
- Hiking Sutro Baths + Sunset drinks at the Cliff House
Two fun bits of SF History right next to each other on Ocean Beach. After drinks, wander down to the far end of the sand on most dark nights and join any number of bonfires to warm up and meet new friends.
i like your ideas.
but, c'mon! who dates? i don't know anyone who actually goes on dates in this city, i think you have us confused with chicago.
Posted by: mzmeg | October 31, 2006 at 04:14 PM
Really? Folks I know date all the time. Maybe you need to hang with a different crowd...
Posted by: Jason | October 31, 2006 at 04:29 PM
Re: food factory tours, out in Fairfield is the Jelly Belly factory. A visit there can be coupled with a visit to the wineries on Suisun Valley Road and surrounding area.
Posted by: Cathy | October 31, 2006 at 04:53 PM