Congratulations! You found someone you actually want to spend time with. The hard part is over.
But whether you’re seeing someone new or have been dating for years, deciding where to go on your next date can be its own kind of challenge. So, let us help you out.
From the Mission to Lower Nob Hill, we guarantee these walkable dates in San Francisco will be good times for you both.
The Classic Mission Date
End the night at The Hideout, the not-so-secret bar at the back of Dalva.
(Courtesy of @dalva_thehideout)
This classic Mission date loads you up on chimichangas and margaritas at Puerto Alegre before catching an indie flick at landmark theater, the Roxie. After the film, you don’t have to go far to find a nightcap; just pop next door to semi-hidden cocktail lounge, The Hideout.
Dinner: Puerto Alegre
Break the ice with a pitcher of margaritas and a burrito the size of your face at long-standing neighborhood favorite, Puerto Alegre. This family-owned restaurant, with its enormous portions and free-flowing tequila, is a festive way to kick off the night. // 546 Valencia St. (Mission), puertoalegre.com
Activity: Roxie Theater
16th Street’s historic Roxie Theater is the best spot in the city to catch indie films and documentaries, cult favorites, and cinema events like the Frameline festival. Psychological thriller Memento, tender family drama Earth Mama, documentary 20 Days in Mariupol, and vintage hit Harold and Maude are all coming this summer. // 3125 16th St. (Mission), roxie.com
Drinks: The Hideout
At this not-so-secret bar tucked into Dalva’s back room, you’ll find artisan cocktails and a sultry vibe that’s completely different from the more divey one up front. With a menu of highballs and crowd-pleasing martinis, Old Fashioneds, and Dark & Stormys, it’s an intimate spot to finish out the night. // 3121 16th St. (Mission), instagram.com/dalva_thehideout
The Only in SF Date
The Audium is like a sound bath on steroids.
(Courtesy of @audiumsf)
Music lovers and fans of experimental art will fall for this date in Lower Pac Heights and the Tendernob. Order up cocktails and a dozen oysters at Members Only, then head to Audium, a one-of-a-kind sound theater. After the show, Grubstake’s got you covered for a lively, late night dinner.
Apps + Drinks: Members Only
Choose from two moods at Lower Nob Hill’s Members Only. If you’re hungry, it’s the ground floor you want, with its dark and moody vintage vibe and a menu of sophisticated cocktails, small bites like pork belly bao and truffle fries, and raw bar. But if all you need is a drink, head downstairs to the eclectic and slightly bizarre Finders Keepers, where there's a wide, playful selection. // 1000 Larkin St. (Lower Nob Hill), membersonlysf.com
Activity: Audium
Audium is like a sound bath on steroids. The experimental theater immerses its audience in “sound sculptures” played in complete darkness through 176 speakers meant to shape your perceptual awareness. Performances are currently running every Thursday through Saturday night at 7:30pm. // 1616 Bush St. (Lower Pac Heights), audium.org
Late Dinner: Grubstake Diner
Grubstake, with its cable car entrance and mural covered walls, is one of SF’s most unique restaurants. Open till 4am Thursday through Saturday (and 3am the rest of the week), it’s the place to go after most other restaurants have closed their kitchens. Grub (see what we did there?) on diner food like burgers, patty melts, pancakes, and remarkably tasty Portuguese dishes, the specialty of the house. // 1525 Pine St. (Lower Nob Hill), sfgrubstake.com
The Explore-a-New-Neighborhood Date
Grab a slice or a sub at Little Original Joe's.
(Courtesy of @littleoriginaljoes)
Fuel up with coffee at Ballast before a wild romp into one of SF’s weirdest landmarks, The Gregangelo Museum on this day date. After your mind’s been blown, grab a bite at Original Joe’s spinoff, Little Original Joe’s.
Coffee: Ballast Coffee
This neighborhood coffee spot makes a mean cup of joe using rare Barako beans, which grow in only two places in the world (one of which is 50 miles from the owner’s hometown of Manilla in the Philippines). Order the rich, dark elixir in one of its many forms and grab an ube mochi muffin or matcha white chocolate donut from Third Culture Bakery to share. // 329 West Portal Ave. (West Portal), ballastcoffee.com
Activity: The Gregangelo Museum
Ancient myths, literary worlds, artistic creativity, and psychedelic imagery converge at The Gregangelo Museum, one of the last bastions of the strange in the SF arts scene. Its nine immersive installations spread through what, from the outside, looks like an ordinary home, offer a surprise around every corner. The Gregangelo hosts tours Thursday through Saturday; sign up online to reserve your spot. // 225 San Leandro Way (St. Francis Woods), gregangelomuseum.com
Lunch: Little Original Joe’s
Pizza, subs, and rotisserie chicken are on the menu at Little Original Joe’s, the local franchise’s marketplace and eatery in West Portal. Dig into a soft roll stuffed with meatballs or chicken parm or order pizza by the slice (whole pies are also available), and don’t forget the garlic parmesan knots. // 393 West Portal Ave. (West Portal), littleoriginaljoes.com
The Unforgettably Fun Date
Sex and the City Live!, one of the many amazing shows at SoMa's Oasis.
(Courtesy of @theoasissf)
This date starts out classy and ends with a bang. Meet up at one of the OG’s of the SF restaurant scene, Zuni Cafe, then head to queer hotspot Oasis for a one-of-a-kind show. Afterwards, take the stage yourself at The Mint, one of the city’s best spots for karaoke.
Dinner: Zuni Cafe
One of the first restaurants to elevate San Francisco dining, Zuni is still a delightful bistro with excellent eats. Their perennial specialty is the chicken for two, a hearty portion roasted in a wood-fired brick oven and served with warm bread salad, but there’s really no way to go wrong here, from the raw bar to the cookie plate. // 1658 Market St. (Hayes Valley), zunicafe.com
Activity: Oasis
At Oasis, the treasured queer cabaret and dance club founded by SF’s current Drag Laureate D’Arcy Drollinger, there is virtually no end to the entertainment. Choose from ensemble shows like "Sex and the City Live!," one woman productions like "Mama Tits’ Por Qué No," and drag shows like "Reparations," which features all Black performers. // 298 11th St. (SoMa), sfoasis.com
Drinks: The Mint Karaoke Lounge
Take that joy and inspiration from Oasis and put it to good use at the Castro’s legendary karaoke bar, The Mint. They have more than 25,000 songs to belt out on stage—and the liquid courage you need to put it all out there. // 1942 Market St. (Castro), themint.net
