Ah, the incomparable experience of a first date. A time-honored ritual of small talk, awkward pauses, and contrived gestures on quest to find "the one" — or even a one-night stand. Depending on your worldview, first dates can be exhilarating or downright terrifying (or, more commonly, a healthy mix of both).
With so many potential pitfalls to avoid, one consideration not to be taken lightly is the decision of where to meet. A solid first date selection should consider many factors, including, but not limited to, a relaxed ambiance, unobtrusive lighting, balanced noise levels, a decent walk score, a variety of activities in case conversation lulls, and, of course, a lofty drink menu. While good food helps, cheaper options are the preferred choice for many young singles with tighter budgets (and future swipes to get to).
Here's a selection of top first date venues in Seattle, from casual to cozy to romantic, whether it's your first time or your next time.
Note: Map points are ordered geographically and are not ranked by preference. Is your favorite first-date hangout missing from the list? Show it some love in the comments, send anemail, or start aforum threadin its honor.
Read More