by Don Rauf - 0 Reviews - 1 List
First dates can either bring a euphoric rush of romance or a silent desperate longing for the whole thing to be over. The key is to go places and do things that you'll enjoy with or without romance. Seattle certainly provides its share of creative activities, restaurants and bars to grease the wheels of amore. With or without a spark, these first date ideas provide a memorable way to spend some time.
Updated: July 02, 2010
Try breaking the ice with someone while on, well, the ice. One of the truly unique (and somewhat goofy) sports that Seattle offers is curling, and the Granite Club schedules many open houses where you can try sliding the rock and sweeping with brooms. $15 per person. Check the website for schedule.
Sure, it's a major tourist attraction and that's what makes it fun on a first date. Pick up a bag of hot mini donuts at the Daily Dozen and roam the market commenting on the out-of-towners. Drift in and out of the quirky shops, and if the mood is right, end with a drink at the classic old bar at the market's Athenian Inn.
Go low-rent but fun with a night of cheap beer and pinball at Shorty's. This is pinball mecca, with classic games in the back arcade and tables up front that are made from old pinball machines. If you get bored, you have the clubs of Belltown surrounding you.
For some first dates, you want to turn up the class from the get-go, and Frank's in Ravenna delivers without being stuffy. Warm wood paneling and retro '60s-era chairs provide a cozy atmosphere to talk while drinking champagne and noshing on oysters and deviled eggs.
Stylish and hip, Cactus in West Seattle offers squash enchiladas, carne asada and other Mexican dishes, along with margaritas and good tunes. In the warmer weather, the garage-like doors open to let in the ocean air. If the mood is right, you can follow dinner with a walk along Alki beach.
This is the perfect spot for a budget-friendly meal of Baja-style tacos, burritos and quesadillas and a waterfront view. If the weather's nice, have a beer on the deck. Plus, Agua Verde rents kayaks, so you can both paddle off past the houseboats, through the nature-filled arboretum and take in a view of the city skyline from the lake.
