You've made first contact. That's the easy part. Now comes the hard part: Establishing the chemistry that turns "It was nice to meet you" into "How soon can we meet again?" Here are a few suggestions that could tip those cupid's arrows in your favor.
A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES
Hey, sometimes the old ways are best. Central Cinema is a swell Central District bistro that just happens to be an art/revival movie house. Belltown's Big Picture combines first-run movies with top-shelf cocktails. And the one-two punch of a movie at SIFF Cinema and the Melting Pot's late-night fondue happy hour is tough to beat.
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A NIGHT AT THE THEATRE
Theatre Off Jackson routinely presents offbeat plays and productions that challenge the mind, tickle the funnybone and, ever so often, startles you into grabbing the hand of the person sitting beside you. (Sure hope you know them.) Before the show, be sure to get a couple of incomparable dessert crepes from nearby Unicorn.
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A NOT-TOO-PRICEY DINNER DATE
Ballard's reasonably-priced Madame K's has great pizza, a playfully sexy faux-brothel vibe, and a sharable, pan-sized hot chocolate-chip cookie dessert called the "Orgasm." Gracious! Afterwards, take in some live music at the Sunset or Conor Byrne, where the cover rarely exceeds $10.
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A ROMANTIC FIRST DATE
Matt's in the Market, with its subdued lighting and panoramic view of Pike Place Market, is the very picture of a cozy, romantic bistro. And they call it bella notte! Follow up with cocktails at nearby Shea's Lounge, or perhaps a show at the Can-Can.
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THE BLIND DATE
Pick a very busy, very public meeting spot where you can have an innocuous conversation if things don't click. Cupcake Royale's three Seattle locations, in Ballard, West Seattle and Madrona, are good choices. Espresso Vivace in South Lake Union, Neptune Coffee in Greenwood and the Belltown Starbucks also fit the bill.
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A BOOGIE-DOWN PRODUCTION
This town has more dance clubs than you can shake a rhythm stick at, but a few manage to completely avoid the romance-killing meat-market vibe indigenous to such venues. The downstairs lounge at the Alibi Room is intimate and fun. Eastlake's Lo-Fi Performance Gallery is a no-nonsense place to get down to everything from hip-hop to 1960s mod beats. And the 1980s sounds of Belltown's Buddha will make you feel like Molly Ringwald and Judd Nelson, together at long last.
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JUST COCKTAILS
If your date has a refined palate, they'll love the expertly-made cocktails of Vessel and the Zig Zag Café. If your date wants to something fun and festive, Bleu Bistro and Hula Hula stand ready to drop paper umbrellas into fruity drinks. And if you're lucky enough to have met someone who loves a classy dive, meet them at the Rendezvous or the Cha Cha, and offer to spring for cab fare.
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OH, YOU'RE A VEGETARIAN TOO?
You can has no cheeseburger! A visit to Woodland Park Zoo will bring the two of you in close contact with dozens of awww-inspiring critters. Afterwards, head up the street to Carmelita for a meatless and unbelievably tasty dinner. Or, if you can time it right, book a sitting at Wallingford's earthy Sutra.
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OUTDOORSY FUN
Start a new relationship with a boisterous row. Agua Verde Cafe & Paddle Club rents kayaks by the hour and serves up fantastic Mexican food and margaritas. In warm weather be sure to sit pretty on Agua Verde's patio, overlooking Lake Union and one of the most unique views of Seattle you're likely to find.
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TAKE SOME NEW STEPS
Need a good excuse to get close? Century Ballroom offers introductory swing and salsa dance lessons. (Listen up, fellers: No girl in the history of the world has ever refused dance lessons.) If you've already got some steps, take them to El Gaucho's Pampas Room, where there's a dance floor and a live band. If you're less sure of your footing, the Tractor's monthly square dance takes out all the guesswork: Someone will actually tell your feet what to do.
THERE'S AN ART TO THIS
Seattle Art Museum is perfect for mid-afternoon dates. It's substantial enough on its own to allow you or your date to bow out gracefully after an hour or two if things aren't going well. And if the date should go the distance into early evening, there's no shortage of great restaurants nearby, including BOKA and Union.
A TWILIGHT RENDEZVOUS
Though it's difficult to predict when you'll get a good one, the sunsets over the Sound can be truly spectacular. A happy hour rendezvous at Six Seven, Duke's Alki or Ray's Café on one of those perfect evenings can be like bathing in gold.
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THESE HAPPY DAYS ARE YOURS AND MINE
Nothing says wholesome, old-fashioned romance like sharing a couple of scoops of ice cream. Go to Madison Park's Scoop du Jour, Wallingford's Molly Moon Homemade Ice Cream or Bottega Italiana Gelato's Pike Place and Green Lake locations, and be sure to yield the last bite.
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TIPS FOR TEETOTALERS
Are you or your date not so much into the booze or caffeine? There's always tea for two. Wallingford's Teahouse Kuan Yin, the International Distict's Panama Hotel Tea & Coffee House and Ballard's Miro Tea will infuse your date with warm vibes.
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