The best spots to get steamy in the foggy city. 🌉💞
Published May 04, 2022
Take a city bursting with eligible bachelors and bachelorettes. Mix in some of the world’s top-rated restaurants, bars, and stimulating activity venues, and what do you have?
An incredible range of romantic — or even just plain fun — things to do with your hot date. Whether you're looking to impress a budding S.O., want to delight a brand new Hinge-procured sweetie, or are treating a long-term love, we’ve got you with the best date ideas below.
It may only be pronounced “villain,” but there really is something about the bad ones, isn’t there? Residing in the Proper Hotel, The Villon gets our blood pumping with gorgeous black marble and walls of aquatic blue, creating a richly decadent feel for its patrons. Come for the ambiance, stay for the extensive original and classic cocktails — and mocktails — on the menu.
Where: 1100 Market St
It may only be pronounced “villain,” but there really is something about the bad ones, isn’t there? Residing in the Proper Hotel, The Villon gets our blood pumping with gorgeous black marble and walls of aquatic blue, creating a richly decadent feel for its patrons. Come for the ambiance, stay for the extensive original and classic cocktails — and mocktails — on the menu.
Where: 1100 Market St
Sail away with your lover on this one-of-a-kind, romantic outing. Experience San Francisco by water, with unmatched views of the iconic skyline, Alcatraz Island, and a ride under the Golden Gate Bridge. Finger’s crossed you’ll even get a glimpse at some marine life like sea lions and dolphins.
Where: Pier 39
Sail away with your lover on this one-of-a-kind, romantic outing. Experience San Francisco by water, with unmatched views of the iconic skyline, Alcatraz Island, and a ride under the Golden Gate Bridge. Finger’s crossed you’ll even get a glimpse at some marine life like sea lions and dolphins.
Where: Pier 39
Perfect for the morning after or a daytime date alike. Brunch at the Palm House offers a robust menu of tropical flavors like the mouth watering fried rice stuffed pineapple or banana bread french toast. Sipping on their signature refreshing and fruity Palm House Slushy set against the open-air, vibrant atmosphere, you and your date will feel like you took a baecation to an island resort without actually leaving the city.
Where: 2032 Union St
Perfect for the morning after or a daytime date alike. Brunch at the Palm House offers a robust menu of tropical flavors like the mouth watering fried rice stuffed pineapple or banana bread french toast. Sipping on their signature refreshing and fruity Palm House Slushy set against the open-air, vibrant atmosphere, you and your date will feel like you took a baecation to an island resort without actually leaving the city.
Where: 2032 Union St
Unleash your inner creativity at Public Glass. This center for glass and art education offers five different glass making classes. You and your date can turn up the heat with flameworking or glass blowing lessons. On the opposite end of the temperature spectrum, you can try your hand at cold working. No matter what you choose, this spot will help get your artistic side thriving.
Where: 1750 Armstrong Avenue
Unleash your inner creativity at Public Glass. This center for glass and art education offers five different glass making classes. You and your date can turn up the heat with flameworking or glass blowing lessons. On the opposite end of the temperature spectrum, you can try your hand at cold working. No matter what you choose, this spot will help get your artistic side thriving.
Where: 1750 Armstrong Avenue
Indulge your youthful side at this immersive Peter Pan-inspired bar. For $45 per person, enjoy a welcome drink and two magical cocktails riffing on the childhood classic. You can have a chill night getting lost in the experience, or take a more active approach and play games to win fantastical prizes.
Where: 1123 Folsom St
Indulge your youthful side at this immersive Peter Pan-inspired bar. For $45 per person, enjoy a welcome drink and two magical cocktails riffing on the childhood classic. You can have a chill night getting lost in the experience, or take a more active approach and play games to win fantastical prizes.
Where: 1123 Folsom St
If you’re trying to work up a sweat with your sweetie, look no further than Dogpatch. Get active at this rock climbing hotspot, which stretches over 20,000 square feet of climbing terrain. Go for an open gym format or look into the specialized classes Dogpatch offers. This date is going to leave you and your date breathless.
Where: 2573 3rd St
If you’re trying to work up a sweat with your sweetie, look no further than Dogpatch. Get active at this rock climbing hotspot, which stretches over 20,000 square feet of climbing terrain. Go for an open gym format or look into the specialized classes Dogpatch offers. This date is going to leave you and your date breathless.
Where: 2573 3rd St
The name says it all. This is the place to be if you want to have an intimate conversation with your date over delicious drinks. Try some favorites like Japanese-whiskey-infused Kung Fu Pandan or the Bobby Burns. Some of these drinks are even chilled with a PCH-inscribed ice cube — talk about cool.
Where: 550 Sutter St
The name says it all. This is the place to be if you want to have an intimate conversation with your date over delicious drinks. Try some favorites like Japanese-whiskey-infused Kung Fu Pandan or the Bobby Burns. Some of these drinks are even chilled with a PCH-inscribed ice cube — talk about cool.
Where: 550 Sutter St
This is a fun one — San Francisco’s ultimate roller disco is one you can’t miss. Lit up in neon in Golden Gate Park, the rink makes the perfect setting to get silly and bust some moves with your date. Get groovy in the daytime with people of all ages, or wait until the sun goes down for an adults-only atmosphere. This unique spot will be sure to leave a lasting impression on your partner.
Where: 554 Fillmore St
This is a fun one — San Francisco’s ultimate roller disco is one you can’t miss. Lit up in neon in Golden Gate Park, the rink makes the perfect setting to get silly and bust some moves with your date. Get groovy in the daytime with people of all ages, or wait until the sun goes down for an adults-only atmosphere. This unique spot will be sure to leave a lasting impression on your partner.
Where: 554 Fillmore St
Meet your partner’s inner child at this date spot — with an elevated twist. Every Thursday evening, this enchanting museum dims the lights for those 21+. Explore the depths of what the exhibition has to offer — including over 40,000 live animals — and round out your evening dining under the stars.
Where: 55 Music Concourse Drive
For more information on NightLife at the Academy of Sciences.
Meet your partner’s inner child at this date spot — with an elevated twist. Every Thursday evening, this enchanting museum dims the lights for those 21+. Explore the depths of what the exhibition has to offer — including over 40,000 live animals — and round out your evening dining under the stars.
Where: 55 Music Concourse Drive
For more information on NightLife at the Academy of Sciences.
You may ask, are we overhyping a pasta-focused restaurant? And we’re so glad you did — because we’re not. A decadent treat to share with a loved one (if you can snag a coveted reservation), Flour + Water provides a warm, if not straightforward, atmosphere to serve creative flavor combinations of absolutely heavenly pasta dishes. Guaranteed to awaken the Lady and the Tramp in us all.
Where: 2401 Harrison St
You may ask, are we overhyping a pasta-focused restaurant? And we’re so glad you did — because we’re not. A decadent treat to share with a loved one (if you can snag a coveted reservation), Flour + Water provides a warm, if not straightforward, atmosphere to serve creative flavor combinations of absolutely heavenly pasta dishes. Guaranteed to awaken the Lady and the Tramp in us all.
Where: 2401 Harrison St
The Fillmore’s beauty will romanticize any band or performance you and your sweetie want to see. Step into the main stage area to enjoy the show under a mystic purple aura, adorned with colorfully lit crystal chandeliers across the ceiling. Need a break? The upstairs auditorium hosts a quieter bar area and walls filled floor-to-ceiling with album posters to marvel at.
Where: 1805 Geary Blvd
The Fillmore’s beauty will romanticize any band or performance you and your sweetie want to see. Step into the main stage area to enjoy the show under a mystic purple aura, adorned with colorfully lit crystal chandeliers across the ceiling. Need a break? The upstairs auditorium hosts a quieter bar area and walls filled floor-to-ceiling with album posters to marvel at.
Where: 1805 Geary Blvd
Could it really be so simple to find the SF bar with the most breathtaking view as choosing the one named “The View”? It can. Located on the 39th floor of the SoMa district’s Marriott Marquis, you’ll find a posh lounge surrounded by giant, arching windows that stunningly showcase the entire downtown. The titular view lives up to the hype no matter the weather or time (even Karl the Fog looks gorgeous rolling across the glass). Wonderful for dates new to the area.
Where: 780 Mission St (inside San Francisco Marriott Marquis)
Could it really be so simple to find the SF bar with the most breathtaking view as choosing the one named “The View”? It can. Located on the 39th floor of the SoMa district’s Marriott Marquis, you’ll find a posh lounge surrounded by giant, arching windows that stunningly showcase the entire downtown. The titular view lives up to the hype no matter the weather or time (even Karl the Fog looks gorgeous rolling across the glass). Wonderful for dates new to the area.
Where: 780 Mission St (inside San Francisco Marriott Marquis)
The Foreign Cinema is putting a modern twist on “dinner and a movie.” Right at home in the hipster Mission District, this restaurant projects classic films (now playing 1927’s “Sunrise”) on an outdoor screen while patrons enjoy dinner. Step out to their rosily lit patio, adorned with romantic string lights and candle-lit tabletops, to enjoy the specially crafted dishes as much as the ambiance.
Where: 2534 Mission St
The Foreign Cinema is putting a modern twist on “dinner and a movie.” Right at home in the hipster Mission District, this restaurant projects classic films (now playing 1927’s “Sunrise”) on an outdoor screen while patrons enjoy dinner. Step out to their rosily lit patio, adorned with romantic string lights and candle-lit tabletops, to enjoy the specially crafted dishes as much as the ambiance.
Where: 2534 Mission St
Nopa is go-to restaurant material for pretty much everything, but especially a great date. The earthy, California-fare is a crowd pleaser, but the outstanding cocktails are its secret weapon. A delicious, accessible menu with superb drinks served in a comfortable airy spot? The only difficult part is the wait.
Where: 560 Divisadero St
Nopa is go-to restaurant material for pretty much everything, but especially a great date. The earthy, California-fare is a crowd pleaser, but the outstanding cocktails are its secret weapon. A delicious, accessible menu with superb drinks served in a comfortable airy spot? The only difficult part is the wait.
Where: 560 Divisadero St
Top-notch craft, steampunk decor and whimsey all converge in SoMa to bless us with the Alchemist. You can lead your date by the hand to this secretive second-floor location, and enjoy hand crafted cocktails utilizing “medicinal” tinctures and house made infusions. If you tire of lounging in the richly dark leather couches (doubtful), you can try your hand at shuffle-puck, or watch the projected silent films on the back wall.
Where: 679 3rd St
Top-notch craft, steampunk decor and whimsey all converge in SoMa to bless us with the Alchemist. You can lead your date by the hand to this secretive second-floor location, and enjoy hand crafted cocktails utilizing “medicinal” tinctures and house made infusions. If you tire of lounging in the richly dark leather couches (doubtful), you can try your hand at shuffle-puck, or watch the projected silent films on the back wall.
Where: 679 3rd St
Wine bars are the romantic, dignified, and relaxed members of the bar family — aka, first date gold. Tucked into a side street in the Presidio Heights neighborhood, Scopo Divino’s cushioned chairs and maroon walls invite you and your date for a cozy evening. The small bar even hosts a live band most nights, the perfect background sound for your partner’s small talk.
Where: 2800 California St
Wine bars are the romantic, dignified, and relaxed members of the bar family — aka, first date gold. Tucked into a side street in the Presidio Heights neighborhood, Scopo Divino’s cushioned chairs and maroon walls invite you and your date for a cozy evening. The small bar even hosts a live band most nights, the perfect background sound for your partner’s small talk.
Where: 2800 California St
Not sure if you want to do drinks or dinner? Flores meets you in the middle. The lively and bright Mexican spot sticks to traditional dishes and flavors (think sopes, plantains, and crab tostadas), but doesn’t leave anyone out, providing plenty of options in case your Tinder match only eats quesadillas. Start with some margaritas for the table, and see where the night takes you. Spoiler: everything's delicious.
Where: 2030 Union St
Not sure if you want to do drinks or dinner? Flores meets you in the middle. The lively and bright Mexican spot sticks to traditional dishes and flavors (think sopes, plantains, and crab tostadas), but doesn’t leave anyone out, providing plenty of options in case your Tinder match only eats quesadillas. Start with some margaritas for the table, and see where the night takes you. Spoiler: everything's delicious.
Where: 2030 Union St
A self-described “boutique bowling alley,” Mission Bowling Club is an artfully designed and award-winning restaurant and bar with six retro lanes for you and your date to enjoy. Dinner could be an upscale comfort meal — like their mouthwatering Mission Burger — or a fun snack like corn dog bites. For a more intimate atmosphere, visit after 6 p.m., when only those 21+ are allowed.
Where: 3176 17th St
A self-described “boutique bowling alley,” Mission Bowling Club is an artfully designed and award-winning restaurant and bar with six retro lanes for you and your date to enjoy. Dinner could be an upscale comfort meal — like their mouthwatering Mission Burger — or a fun snack like corn dog bites. For a more intimate atmosphere, visit after 6 p.m., when only those 21+ are allowed.
Where: 3176 17th St
What if you could feel like you were under the stars on a tropical getaway, without leaving the city? Step inside the ultimate romantic bliss at Pagan Idol, a massive tiki bar (complete with a steamy, erupting volcano) that delivers just that. The ceiling is designed as a twinkling night sky, and guests pass through a ship-themed entrance to reach a spacious tropical foliage and koi pond area that will put you and your date in serene paradise peace.
Where: 375 Bush St
What if you could feel like you were under the stars on a tropical getaway, without leaving the city? Step inside the ultimate romantic bliss at Pagan Idol, a massive tiki bar (complete with a steamy, erupting volcano) that delivers just that. The ceiling is designed as a twinkling night sky, and guests pass through a ship-themed entrance to reach a spacious tropical foliage and koi pond area that will put you and your date in serene paradise peace.
Where: 375 Bush St
There is a science-backed link between eating chocolate and feeling love, and this doesn’t just have to come in handy for gift boxes on Valentine’s Day. Modeled after the tea rooms of Paris, the 16th Street small-batch chocolate factory turns cocoa eating into a romantic outing. Watch the organic bean-to-bar process while savoring a hot chocolate or other decadent treat. On your way out, pick up a curated gift box for at-home snacking. Can’t get enough? You and your sweet can try your hand at truffle making with one of Dandelion Chocolate’s online experiences.
Where: 2600 16th St
There is a science-backed link between eating chocolate and feeling love, and this doesn’t just have to come in handy for gift boxes on Valentine’s Day. Modeled after the tea rooms of Paris, the 16th Street small-batch chocolate factory turns cocoa eating into a romantic outing. Watch the organic bean-to-bar process while savoring a hot chocolate or other decadent treat. On your way out, pick up a curated gift box for at-home snacking. Can’t get enough? You and your sweet can try your hand at truffle making with one of Dandelion Chocolate’s online experiences.
Where: 2600 16th St
For couples looking to treat themselves without breaking the bank, look no further than loveable and urban-chic Trestle. The prefixed $39 three-course tasting menu is perfect for date night with a semi-serious beau, with a fantastic wine list to match. Shoutout to whoever made the alluring decision to paint the exposed brick wall charcoal black.
Where: 531 Jackson St
For couples looking to treat themselves without breaking the bank, look no further than loveable and urban-chic Trestle. The prefixed $39 three-course tasting menu is perfect for date night with a semi-serious beau, with a fantastic wine list to match. Shoutout to whoever made the alluring decision to paint the exposed brick wall charcoal black.
Where: 531 Jackson St
Inside this electric Mission District location, Urban Putt elevates a nostalgic staple date. An entirely indoor mini-golf course–with glowing black-light walls, and hand-designed, high-tech infrastructure at each of the 14 holes–is at your service. Start at the cocktail bar to grab drinks for the course, then enjoy your night of neon putting.
Where: 1096 S Van Ness Ave
Inside this electric Mission District location, Urban Putt elevates a nostalgic staple date. An entirely indoor mini-golf course–with glowing black-light walls, and hand-designed, high-tech infrastructure at each of the 14 holes–is at your service. Start at the cocktail bar to grab drinks for the course, then enjoy your night of neon putting.
Where: 1096 S Van Ness Ave
View lovers, outdoor-activity fans, and pet owners alike can all find their fix in a quick hike at this spot. Start at the Corona Heights Park, which provides tennis courts, space for dogs to run, and people to BBQ — so bring cold drinks and snacks to enjoy. From there, take one of several half-mile routes that summit on a red, rocky crown overlooking the city. You’ll be paralleled by a stunning display of wildflowers as you climb, and rewarded with a 360-degree view.
Where: Roosevelt and Museum Way
View lovers, outdoor-activity fans, and pet owners alike can all find their fix in a quick hike at this spot. Start at the Corona Heights Park, which provides tennis courts, space for dogs to run, and people to BBQ — so bring cold drinks and snacks to enjoy. From there, take one of several half-mile routes that summit on a red, rocky crown overlooking the city. You’ll be paralleled by a stunning display of wildflowers as you climb, and rewarded with a 360-degree view.
Where: Roosevelt and Museum Way
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