I’m just gonna say it – I love a good date night. You know, getting dressed up (well, for San Francisco), dinner, drinks, the whole thang. And luckily my boyfriend Tom does, too.
Living in SF, it’s easy to find a myriad of things to do for date night. However, with all the options it’s easy to get a bit overwhelmed. Don’t worry – I got cha.
Whether it’s what to wear or where to go, Tom and I are giving you some of our favorite date night spots in NOPA and the duds to rock.
WHERE TO GO:
Club Waizema: This Divis landmark is one of my all-time favorites. Not only do they serve Ethiopian food and every type of drink you can imagine, but the atmosphere is laid back and relaxed. The owner is usually slinging drinks on most nights and the red velvet wallpaper adds to the atmosphere.
Horsefeather: If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, head to Horsefeather. The ingredients are fresh and the drinks are always fun. My favorite is the Mama Juana with gin, strawberry compote, martini & rossi rubino, "rainwater" port, yuzu, guajillo. YUM!
NOPA: I mean, you can’t go wrong with a night at NOPA. Usually we opt for bar seating and sip a cocktail or two before heading out and grabbing some quick and easy grub. The bartenders make a mean drink and serve delicious bar snacks (spiced chickpeas, yesss!).
Zaytoon: For food that’s fast and delicious, this is the spot we frequent the most. Whether you take out or eat in, we love the Mezza Plate with extra pita!
Barvale: Also one of the spots we go to the most, Barvale always exceeds expectations. The tapas are insanely tasty, affordable, and well – it’s always more fun sharing, eh? While the wait for a table is long, our tip is to snag a seat at the bar and pick from one of the 4 delicious Gin and Tonics they’re known for.
Alamo Square: Tom and I spend most of our time here (whether it’s walking across the park or taking Bolt to play) and it’s one of my most beloved SF spots. Whether it’s a morning date and grabbing Lady Falcon coffee or grabbing some bites and having a picnic, there’s no denying that Alamo Square is preeeeeeettttty romantic.
WHAT TO WEAR:
Something about San Francisco is that it’s effortlessly (or maybe not so effortlessly) casual. Due to the unpredictable weather and unruly hills, most people opt for layers and flats. And yes, I am among the SF masses and can usually be seen in Vans more often than not. However, for date night when I want to amp it up a little, I go for my tried and true pieces with a bit of edge.
I’m currently living for midi skirts in fun patterns (love the yellow!) and motorcycle jackets to juxtapose the feminine ruffles. And since I’m sensible during the week and wear flats more often than not, I like to sport fashionable yet functional heels.
Not sacrificing comfort for style, I love these Sutro Footwear booties. The thick block heel is perfect for walking up and down Divis (trust me, I’ve worn them for hours!) and the sleek point toe shape adds a bit of flair to any look.
The great thing about these booties is that they look badass with a skirt, but equally as cool with a pair of cropped jeans (I’ve also been living in my Levi’s 501’s).
What are some of your go-to SF favorites for date night and beyond?
Photography via Kristen Marie Studio