Girl's Guide Friends: Urbandipity Gives The Lowdown On Best Seattle Dates

When it comes to dating I'm far from an expert; one could even say I'm "dating challenged." I'd like to think most people don't notice but unfortunately my butterflies always seem to get the best of me and I end up getting awkwardly shy/quiet at dinner. Thus, the more comfortable the date setting - the better! That's why I asked Shivani from Urbanipity to guest blog and provide some insight on the local scene.

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I, for one, am awful at planning ahead on dates. I usually start off the night chasing after a bus, apply lip gloss in my window reflection, and then continue to sort through the several pairs of earrings thrown into my purse to find the ones that best match.

There are so many little things that go into planning a date and then of course there’s the big thing: where to go. With input from Girl's Guide to Seattle as well us at Urbandipity, we’ve come up with some ideas around town that are sure to be the perfect outting for every type of date.

THE CASUAL DATE
Grabbing drinks at a low key bar is great for casual or first time dates. Last month I went on a first date at Sun Liquor , a small quiet bar in Capitol Hill. The atmosphere was perfect for really getting to know my date, not to mention the drinks are spectacular (try the Moscow Mule, yum!)

THE INTIMATE DATE
Hazlewood in Ballard is another great place for a cozy and quiet date. The upstairs is decorated with dim lighting, chandeliers and plush couches. It’s perfect for intimate conversation with your date but also conducive to making friends with a stranger if you end up sharing a couch. Check out the Girl's Guide own review of it here!

THE GROUP DATE
If you’re up for a bigger crowd, one of my favorite bars is Cha Cha lounge in Capitol Hill. Besides your typical bar scene, Cha Cha offers a few interactive things to do with your date. Nestled in the far corner of the bar is a foosball table, perfect for some friendly competition. They also have a photo booth, and if you feel your stomach start to grumble you can find great Mexican food right upstairs at Bimbo’s Cantina. The place offers plenty of people-watching and is just an all-around fun place to spend the night.

THE FRIEND DATE
If drinks aren’t your thing, grabbing ice cream at Molly Moon’s makes for a cute date. Well known for their unique flavors of handmade ice cream, this place gets busy. But the line that tends to go out the door and down the sidewalk can serve as a great chance to make conversation with your date. The Capitol Hill location is perfect for taking your ice cream on the go with a stroll through Cal Anderson Park or down Broadway. And the Wallingford location is also quite terrific for a walk in the best part of the neighborhood. With a slightly old-fashioned feel to the whole experience, I think it’s a perfect date spot for anyone, ranging from first encounters to long-term relationships.

THE ROMANTIC DATE
If you're out to woo your date The Pink Door is sure to be a fit. During the rainy winter months the interior offers a dimly-lit romantic evening in an elaborately decorated venue while the warm weather lends itself to enjoying the outdoor seating overlooking the harbor.

THE SERIOUS DATE
If you’re looking for a daytime adventure, take advantage of Seattle’s nearby islands. Taking a ferry to explore another city can be a lot of fun (assuming we’re lucky enough for a sunny day!). The ride itself offers beautiful views of Puget Sound and the Seattle skyline while each island has their own unique activities to offer. Nick, a Urbandipity co-founder, recommends Bainbridge Island for the quaint, eclectic shops and a walk along the pier. At 40 minutes round-trip time on the ferry, it makes for a fun, impromptu trip!

With all that Seattle has to offer, date-night is just begging to stray from the typical dinner and a movie. Whether you're looking to woo a longtime lover or just getting to know a casual acquaintance there's plenty of creative places to enjoy.

Recently enjoyed a great date night? Let us know what you did!