Seattle, WA

restaurants

Foreign National

You’re not living in an episode of The Bachelor, and you probably don’t have access to a nearly-nobody country singer to perform a private concert in an empty room, but that doesn’t mean you can’t plan a cinematic night your date will remember. That’s where Foreign National comes in. It’s a psychedelic cocktail spot that could feasibly feature in a spy heist movie - specifically the scene when two enemy agents rendezvous and fall in love (location scouts, take note). Grab a spot at the bar for a few rounds of sparkling passionfruit punch, and add the cheeseburger bao and crispy creamy chicken curry puffs if things start to get serious.

Seattle, WA

restaurants

Mezcaleria Oaxaca

We like drinking margaritas on the rooftop here in the summertime, but the lively indoor dining room works well for an early-in-the-game date, too. Sit at the bar, order a mezcal cocktail and shrimp tacos or some of the best pork mole in the city, and if there’s chemistry and no rain, head upstairs for a patio nightcap.

Seattle, WA

restaurants

Brass Tacks

If the thought of going somewhere really fancy gives you hives, just relax and meet at Brass Tacks instead. It’s the opposite of stressful in here, and there’s even hand shuffleboard in the back in case you need an icebreaker. The elevated gastropub-style food is great, with dishes like smoked brisket mac and cheese (get two forks) and sliders with caramelized onion/garlic aioli. If things go well, head to Bar Ciudad around the corner for another cocktail afterward.

Seattle, WA

restaurants

Black Bottle Gastrotavern

Belltown has plenty of spots that would work for a first date, but Black Bottle has some top-tier atmospheric magic happening. It’s noisy enough not to be awkward, but not so loud that you’ll miss any red flags that might come up in the course of your conversation, like that passing mention of your date’s creepy antique doll collection. The cocktails are strong, and the menu is full of solid little snacks if you’re hungry.

Seattle, WA

restaurants

Bar Melusine

The only thing prettier than Bar Melusine’s white and seafoam green dining room by day is the same scene at nighttime - it’s hard to imagine the interior here not appealing to someone. If you’re hungry, get some oysters and mix and match other French small plates, or go for fancy burgers with fries and aioli. Honestly, the only wrong way to do Bar Melusine is to go somewhere else.

Seattle, WA

restaurants

New Luck Toy

If you suspect that your date is a fun person (or need a foolproof way to find out), New Luck Toy is the place to go. This is a casual but exciting bar full of paper lanterns, golden cat ornaments, pinball machines, alcoholic slushies, and delicious Chinese food. Toast with frozen prickly pear margaritas and an order of General Tso’s chicken before tearing up the skee-ball court, and if your date doesn’t seem to be delighted by all of this, there’s a chance he or she is actually a cyborg.

Seattle, WA

restaurants

Pablo y Pablo

Pablo y Pablo is a Mexican spot in Wallingford that seems like it was designed for first dates - the big bar and candelit small tables make it perfect for getting to know someone. And as an added bonus, it’s not terribly loud (or awkwardly quiet) in here. Food-wise, we especially like the steak tacos and chipotle chicken enchiladas. If nothing else, you will at least figure out how good your date is at using an eyedropper, since for some reason, that’s how you add hot sauce to your food here.

Seattle, WA

restaurants

Artusi

You and your potential future significant other have already agreed to meet “somewhere in Cap Hill.” Artusi is a good move. This place does most of the work for you, starting with the smells of grilled bread and extra virgin olive oil blowing from the kitchen vents. (That’s a nice memory for you to talk about with the five children you’ll eventually raise together.) The bar is a nicer place to sit, but if you’re the kind of person who needs a solid plan, make a reservation for the dining room just in case. They pour good wine, their cocktails are strong, and a meat/cheese board is a great way to test the waters as you figure out whether you actually like this person.

Seattle, WA

restaurants

The Sexton

You were chatting about music when your date texted you that Mumford and Sons is “so raw and experiential” and the only logical thing to do was lie through your teeth and say “I have every album on vinyl.” Eventually you’ll have to admit that you initially thought Mumford and Sons was a shoe repair shop, but for now, make moves to The Sexton. This small Ballard bar is basically folksy music personified as a drinking establishment. Order some hush puppies and have the bartender surprise you with a custom cocktail. Your date will be so impressed she won’t even care when you finally admit you only listen to Action Bronson

Seattle, WA

restaurants

Smith

Nothing says, “We just met, but you’ll learn to accept my idiosyncrasies” like taking a first date to a restaurant with taxidermy all over the walls. Yes, it’s a little weird. But if you think this person will be into the lumberjack thing, then by all means. Coming here is like having cocktails at a cabin in the woods, except you will likely not see a live bear. Clink glasses over a couple of apps, or order the burger and cut it in half. If you don’t get a second date out of it, you can send us an angry email or one of those potato-grams.