POV: Your crush texts you asking if you’re free this weekend. You are. And no, you aren’t dreaming. You reply “yes” (in a chill way) and they respond by asking where you should go. You’ve suddenly forgotten every single place you’ve ever been to in Seattle. Don’t worry, we’ve been there and we’re here to help with first date ideas around Seattle.
Whether you’re looking for an art class near your rental home in Ballard, a cocktail bar close to your downtown apartment, or for an intimate restaurant nearby your Seattle, WA home, we’ve got you covered. First dates can be nerve-racking, and while your date might not, these spots are sure to pass the vibe check.
1. Drinks at Bathtub Gin & Co.
You can’t go wrong with drinks for a first date, which is why Krystal Walter, CEO of Krystal Walter Matchmaking, recommends Bathtub Gin & Co. in Belltown. “This speakeasy-style cocktail bar offers a warm, candlelit atmosphere that’s perfect for conversation. Guests can enjoy carefully crafted cocktails or let the bartender surprise them with something unique, making it an unforgettable Seattle experience,” says Krystal.
2. Parfumerie Nasreen
Located in downtown Seattle in the lobby of the Royal Alexis Sonesta Hotel lives the perfect first date loop. If you’re both into reading, consider “grab[bing] a bite and a cocktail at the Bookstore Bar & Cafe or [if not], a coffee and pastry at Storyville Coffee,” suggests the neighboring shop Parfumerie Nasreen. After your nibble, pop into their parfumerie to “get cozy sniffing new scents with your special someone [with their] exclusive niche fragrances from around the world.”
3. Wunderground Coffee
Speaking of coffee, “Wunderground Cafe in Capitol Hill offers a charming ambiance perfect for sparking conversation,” says Crystal Hadaway of Wunderground Coffee. “Known for its delicious adaptogenic mushroom-infused coffees, this cafe combines wellness with flavor, creating an unforgettable coffee date experience. Its inviting atmosphere, complete with modern decor and mushroom-themed art, makes it an excellent choice for couples looking for something offbeat yet warm,” says Crystal.
photo courtesy of Wunderground Coffee
4. Dark Room
If you’re looking for a date spot in Greenwood, look no further than Dark Room. This cocktail bar features “local photography from POC artists, a collection of vintage and antique cameras, and some serious mood lighting,” says Amy Beaumier of Dark Room. “Unique spirits, N/A offerings, Korean-inspired snacks, and a fun vibe make this a great first date choice,” continues Amy.
5. Lunch at Tivoli
Right in downtown Fremont lives Tivoli, a restaurant serving up a mix of “nostalgia for a Midwestern upbringing and the rustic cuisine of the Italian diaspora,” says Cassie Woolhiser, communications and events captain of Tivoli. With “warm hospitality, a casual atmosphere, a beautifully stocked bar, and [food made with] quality ingredients, Tivoli makes for a wonderful date spot for lunch or dinner,” says Cassie.
6. Respite Wine Bar
Located on Stone Way, Respite is a brand-new wine bar that is cozy, chic and is sure to make the perfect first date. “The wine is delicious and interesting, giving you and your partner plenty to talk about. With half glasses, flights, and bottles to share, there are plenty of ways to enjoy wine and a friendly, knowledgeable staff to get the conversation started. Date going well? Bottles are available to take home to keep the party going,” says Respite Wine Bar.
photo courtesy of Respite Wine Bar
7. Seattle art class with Pottery Northwest
Want to get creative with your date? “Try your hand at the pottery wheel, guided by friendly instructors, and create a one-of-a-kind piece at Pottery Northwest,” says their education and development coordinator Emma Gering. If you’re still looking for Valentine’s Day plans, consider their Clay Night. With no experience needed, simply “come ready to play with clay and leave with lasting memories,” says Emma.
8. Itto’s Vino
In the West Seattle neighborhood, look no further than Itto’s Vino for a cozy and intimate first date. Here you and your date can “unwind with a vibrant selection of Spanish wines and a relaxed, lounge-like atmosphere,” says CMS Certified Sommelier Maxwell McCaulou. This spot is a truly “ideal place to sip, savor, and enjoy each other’s company,” says Maxwell.
9. Bar Bayonne
“Whether it’s a first meeting over an afternoon coffee or a romantic night of wine and cocktails, neon-lit Bar Bayonne is a cozy and casual all-day/night date spot,” says owner Zac Overman. This spot is especially great for a meet-up due to its central location in Seattle’s First Hill neighborhood.
photo courtesy of Bar Bayonne
10. Cooking class date idea – Pike to Plate
“Turn your date night into an unforgettable culinary adventure in a fully private cooking class with Pike to Plate,” suggests founder Jennifer O’Connor. This experience not only uses seasonal ingredients sourced from the infamous Pike Place Market, but the menu is also tailored to you and your date’s food preferences and learning goals. “From prepping fresh ingredients to adding the perfect finishing touches, you’ll create a meal that’s as much about connection as it is about flavor,” says Jennifer.
11. Flight Wine and Chocolate
What pairs better with wine than chocolate? At Flight Wine and Chocolate, you and your date get to experience both at this Capitol Hill getaway. This spot “offers curated flights of wine and dark chocolate with a focus on incredible PNW wines, some of the finest house-made chocolates in Seattle, warm and friendly service, and a sparkling but relaxed atmosphere making it a great date spot,” says co-founder Kevin Morton.
12. The Garrison
Oysters are a Seattle classic, so why not share a dish of them with your date? “The Garrison is a locally owned oyster and seafood house that specializes in champagne, chartreuses, and craft cocktails,” says co-owner Jordan Melnikoff. For a more upscale vibe, this is a great spot to take your date.
13. Dance class date idea – Baila District
If you’re looking to get physical (okay, get your head out of the gutter) with your date, why not try a dance class? “Baila District offers beginner salsa or bachata lessons which are the perfect way to connect with your partner while learning something new together,” says studio owner Lucy Fei. With no experience needed and welcoming instructors, simply “just come ready to have fun and enjoy each other’s company.”
photo courtesy of Baila District
14. Three Sacks Full
Located at the crossroads of the Roosevelt, Ravenna, and Green Lake neighborhoods, Three Sacks Full’s small and cozy restaurant and wine bar makes the perfect first date spot. “They offer an ever changing menu supplied by local farmers and fisher folk, engaging wines and beers by the glass, plus low-alcohol and no-alcohol cocktails are the order of the day,” describes owner Matthew Curtis.
15. Explore West Seattle
Whether you live in West Seattle or plan to take the water taxi, consider exploring this Seattle neighborhood for your first date. “Enjoy a walk on the paved path along the water — look for bald eagles, egrets, seals, and otters,” recommends writer Becca Risa Luna.
Hungry? “Grab a bite to eat at the dock at Marination Ma Kai or walk to Harry’s Beach House [and eat on the] plenty of benches that feature beautiful views of Seattle and Bainbridge Island,” suggests Becca. A romantic walk with stunning scenery almost always guarantees a second date.
16. Gluten-friendly Seattle date idea – Yonder Cider
For a more casual vibe, Ballard offers some great breweries for a chill first date. Our favorite is Yonder Cider since they offer a plethora of beers and ciders to choose from. “With 16 taps of refreshing cider and 16 taps of ice-cold beer, you’re sure to find the perfect sip for both of you,” says marketing coordinator Nickie Lovell. If you want to up the romance level, take your date outside and “cozy up by the fire pits in a lively atmosphere and indulge in delicious bites from our rotating food trucks,” suggests Nickie.
photo courtesy of Yonder Cider
17. Dinner at Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge
For a more upscale option, head to Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge in Queen Anne. This restaurant “offers the perfect setting for an enchanting and unforgettable romantic evening with the warm glow of candlelight and the inviting charm of [their] intimate dining room,” says general manager Lauren Christian. Their “cozy, intimate atmosphere, refined ambiance, and exquisite cuisine makes [them] a great date idea and destination for romance,” says Lauren.
18. Aroom Coffee
Located on Stone Way, Aroom Coffee serves up some of the best coffee drinks – great for your first date in Seattle. There they “believe the best dates are built around connection and have designed the place to welcome souls and collective journeys,” says owner Rachel Dang. “With its warm ambiance and specialty Vietnamese coffee, it’s the perfect spot for a first date,” adds Rachel.
19. I Love Sushi on Lake Union
If you and your date love sushi, check out I Love Sushi on Lake Union for your first date. Located in Eastlake, this joint “has been creating cherished memories with its blend of traditional and modern sushi, served fresh since 1992,” they say. After dinner, head down to Lake Union for a sunset walk along the beautiful water.
20. Monster
“Looking for a unique and sweet date night in Seattle? Monster’s craft classes offer couples the perfect blend of creativity and connection,” says Rosalie Gale, owner Monster. They offer a diverse range of crafts like rug tufting, hand embroidery, and more. Perfect for all skill levels, this spot “provides a cozy and inspiring environment where you and your partner can bond over shared artistic endeavors,” says Rosalie.
photo courtesy of Monster
21. Sangamam
“For an unforgettable date night, Sangamam offers an exceptional experience with the best authentic South Indian cuisine in a cozy, intimate setting,” says staff. Enjoy flavorful dishes prepared with traditional species and made with fresh ingredients with your date. “The warm ambiance, paired with [their] attentive service, creates the perfect environment for meaningful conversations and memorable moments,” they note.
Good luck & have fun
Whether you take your date to a cocktail bar in Belltown, a pottery class, or a fancy dinner, we hope you and yours have a great time. Try to relax, be yourself, and we’re rooting for you.
