Bored of meeting for dinner and drinks? Want to spice up your dating life? These 8 creative date ideas will do just that!
In a city like San Francisco, date ideas are numerous. In fact, there’s so much fun stuff to do in this city that sometimes it can be hard to pick a spot. So why not make it easier and date in your favorite part of town? To help you do just that, we’ve created the Muni Metro Date Map.
We’ve picked a great date idea nearby to every major Muni stop. That’s means we’ve found 56 SF date ideas that can make your next date pop! With suggestions for restaurants, bars, cafes and more, it’s now easier than ever to find romance near you (or at least near your local stop – which means no need for parking or valet!).
- Read more: looking for love in the Bay Area? Meet great San Francisco singles or try our San Jose dating tips!
Choosing the 56 best San Francisco date ideas
To make our San Francisco date map the best it could be, we kept certain rules in mind.
One: all date ideas had to be close to their corresponding stations. And when we say close, we mean walkable – no idea is more than a 10 min walk from a major Muni Metro station.
Two: all picks had to be genuinely good date ideas. To help narrow it down to the best local choices, we went with overall popularity. We averaged the Yelp, Trip Advisor, and Google Maps rankings for each destination, only picking ideas that average 4.0 or higher (OK, full disclosure, there are a couple of 3.9s in Mission Bay and Dogpatch!).
Three: we wanted to provide a range of San Francisco date ideas. There have already been many specific lists of the best dates in SF, like the best cafe dates or the best brunch dates. We’ve even picked local date ideas before, like our list of romantic things to do in San Francisco. This time, though, we wanted a bit of everything – dates for all tastes and budgets, presented on a map that’s color-coded for your convenience.
Presenting the Muni Metro Date Map
Click the Muni Metro date map to find the best date idea near your local stop, then scroll to find a street map and to read about what makes each idea fun. We’ve even included walking times and average rankings; everything you need to make the most of dating in San Francisco.
Please note, all date ideas and rankings are current as of February 2018
J Church Line
- Embarcadero: PABU Izakaya.* Good for: Japanese sharing plates, beautiful sushi
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 4 mins - Montgomery: Natomo Cabana. Good for: delicious cocktails, tropical ambience, DJ sets
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 5 mins - Powell: 54 Mint.* Good for: seasonal Italian cooking, romantic al fresco ambience
Average rank: 4.2. Walking time: 3 mins - Civic Center: SHN Orpheum Theatre.* Good for: live performances, Broadway hits
Average rank: 4.3. Walking time: 1 min - Van Ness: 20th Century Cafe. Good for: Eastern-European baking, retro vibes, honey cake
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 5 mins - Dubcoe & Church: Blackbird. Good for: craft cocktails, casual vintage style
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 4 mins - Church & 18th Street: Dolores Park. Good for: great SF skyline views, people-watching
Average rank: 4.5. Walking time: 3 mins - Church & 24th Street: Hamlet. Good for: post-work dates, tasty cocktails
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 1 min - Church & 30th Street: La Ciccia.* Good for: intimate atmosphere, Sardinian food
Average rank: 4.5. Walking time: 1 min - San Jose & Randall: Cafe St Jorge. Good for: Portuguese baking, fantastic coffee
Average rank: 4.5. Walking time: 4 mins - Balboa Park: Pineapples. Good for: Shave ice, Dole whip, Hawaiian desserts
Average rank: 4.3. Walking time: 7 mins
K Ingelside
For inbound K (Folsom to Sunnydale), please see T Third Street listings
- Embarcadero: PABU Izakaya.* Good for: Japanese sharing plates, beautiful sushi
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 4 mins - Montgomery: Natomo Cabana. Good for: delicious cocktails, tropical ambience, DJ sets
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 5 mins - Powell: 54 Mint.* Good for: seasonal Italian cooking, romantic al fresco ambience
Average rank: 4.2. Walking time: 3 mins - Civic Center: SHN Orpheum Theatre.* Good for: live performances, Broadway hits
Average rank: 4.3. Walking time: 1 min - Van Ness: 20th Century Cafe. Good for: Eastern-European baking, retro vibes, honey cake
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 5 mins - Church Street: Churchill. Good for: cocktails, retro ambience, extensive whisky selection
Average rank: 4.2. Walking time: 1 min - Castro Street: The Castro Theatre.* Good for: drag shows, sing-along screenings
Average rank: 4.5. Walking time: 2 mins - Forest Hill: Sushi Shoh. Good for: innovative, fresh sushi, delicious tempura
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 2 mins - West Portal: Que Syrah. Good for: wine flights, cheese and charcuterie plates
Average rank: 4.8. Walking time: 6 mins - St Francis Circle: Orexi. Good for: Greek delicacies, lamb shanks, fresh fish
Average rank: 4.3. Walking time: 5 mins - Junipero Serra & Ocean: Golden Gate Wine Cellars.* Good for: wine tasting, rare vintages
Average rank: 4.7. Walking time: 4 mins - Ocean & Jules: Java on Ocean. Good for: welcoming, cozy atmosphere, great coffee
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 1 min - Ocean & Lee: Ocean Ale House. Good for: live music, craft beer selection
Average rank: 4.5. Walking time: 3 mins - City College: Beep’s Burgers. Good for: retro drive-in style, crispy fries, root beer floats
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 4 mins - Balboa Park: Pineapples. Good for: Shave ice, Dole whip, Hawaiian desserts
Average rank: 4.3. Walking time: 7 mins
L Taraval
- Embarcadero: PABU Izakaya.* Good for: Japanese sharing plates, beautiful sushi
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 4 mins - Montgomery: Natomo Cabana. Good for: delicious cocktails, tropical ambience, DJ sets
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 5 mins - Powell: 54 Mint.* Good for: seasonal Italian cooking, romantic al fresco ambience
Average rank: 4.2. Walking time: 3 mins - Civic Center: SHN Orpheum Theatre.* Good for: live performances, Broadway hits
Average rank: 4.3. Walking time: 1 min - Van Ness: 20th Century Cafe. Good for: Eastern-European baking, retro vibes, honey cake
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 5 mins - Church Street: Churchill. Good for: cocktails, retro ambience, extensive whisky selection
Average rank: 4.2. Walking time: 1 min - Castro Street: The Castro Theatre.* Good for: drag shows, sing-along screenings
Average rank: 4.5. Walking time: 2 mins - Forest Hill: Sushi Shoh. Good for: innovative, fresh sushi, delicious tempura
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 2 mins - West Portal: Que Syrah. Good for: wine flights, cheese and charcuterie plates
Average rank: 4.8. Walking time: 6 mins - Taraval & 22nd Av: Stern Grove. Good for: seasonal events, eg the Stern Grove Festival
Average rank: 4.8. Walking time: 9 mins - Taraval & Sunset: Streamline Cafe. Good for: wonderful coffee, light brunch, tasty baking
Average rank: 4.8. Walking time: 9 mins - SF Zoo: Ocean Beach. Good for: romantic strolls, sunset ocean views
Average rank: 4.2. Walking time: 5 mins
M Ocean View
- Embarcadero: PABU Izakaya.* Good for: Japanese sharing plates, beautiful sushi
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 4 mins - Montgomery: Natomo Cabana. Good for: delicious cocktails, tropical ambience, DJ sets
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 5 mins - Powell: 54 Mint.* Good for: seasonal Italian cooking, romantic al fresco ambience
Average rank: 4.2. Walking time: 3 mins - Civic Center: SHN Orpheum Theatre.* Good for: live performances, Broadway hits
Average rank: 4.3. Walking time: 1 min - Van Ness: 20th Century Cafe. Good for: Eastern-European baking, retro vibes, honey cake
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 5 mins - Church Street: Churchill. Good for: cocktails, retro ambience, extensive whisky selection
Average rank: 4.2. Walking time: 1 min - Castro Street: The Castro Theatre.* Good for: drag shows, sing-along screenings
Average rank: 4.5. Walking time: 2 mins - Forest Hill: Sushi Shoh. Good for: innovative, fresh sushi, delicious tempura
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 2 mins - West Portal: Que Syrah. Good for: wine flights, cheese and charcuterie plates
Average rank: 4.8. Walking time: 6 mins - St Francis Circle: Orexi. Good for: Greek delicacies, lamb shanks, fresh fish
Average rank: 4.3. Walking time: 5 mins - Stonestown: Stonestown Farmer’s Market.+ Good for: foodie dates, quirky brunch ideas
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 7 mins - SF State: Fine Arts Gallery SFSU.+ Good for: celebrating up-and-coming artists
Average rank: 4.5. Walking time: 6 mins - Randolph & Arch: Brooks Park. Good for: San Francisco views, garden lovers, BBQing
Average rank: 4.5. Walking time: 10 mins - Broad & Plymouth: Patio Espaňol. Good for: Spanish wine, indoor patio, tapas
Average rank: 4.0. Walking time: 10 mins - San Jose & Geneva: Bravo Pizza. Good for: great pizza and pasta, warm family ambience
Average rank: 4.3. Walking time: 10 mins
N Judah
- 4th & King: Bluxome Street Winery. Good for: wine tasting, winery tours, wine flights
Average rank: 4.5. Walking time: 4 mins - 2nd & King: AT & T Park.* Good for: seeing a ball game, group dates, fun days out
Average rank: 4.3. Walking time: 1 min - Brannan: Crossroads Cafe. Good for: community spirit, garden relaxation, crepes
Average rank: 4.3. Walking time: 3 mins - Folsom: Waterbar.* Good for: sustainable seafood, stunning views, waterside eating
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 1 min - Embarcadero: PABU Izakaya.* Good for: Japanese sharing plates, beautiful sushi
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 4 mins - Montgomery: Natomo Cabana. Good for: delicious cocktails, tropical ambience, DJ sets
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 5 mins - Powell: 54 Mint.* Good for: seasonal Italian cooking, romantic al fresco ambience
Average rank: 4.2. Walking time: 3 mins - Civic Center: SHN Orpheum Theatre.* Good for: live performances, Broadway hits
Average rank: 4.3. Walking time: 1 min - Van Ness: 20th Century Cafe. Good for: Eastern-European baking, retro vibes, honey cake
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 5 mins - Dubcoe & Church: Blackbird. Good for: craft cocktails, casual vintage style
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 4 mins - Dubcoe & Noe: Black Sands Brewery. Good for: on-site craft brews, brunch, coffee
Average rank: 4.3. Walking time: 4 mins - Carl & Cole: Zazie. Good for: French bistro menu, dog-friendly dates, brunch
Average rank: 4.3. Walking time: 1 min - UCSF Parnassus: Kezar Triangle. Good for: lunch-break picnic dates, art installations
Average rank: 4.5. Walking time: 4 mins - Judah & 9th: Nopalito. Good for: organic Mexican dishes, outdoor patio eating
Average rank: 4.3. Walking time: 5 mins - Judah & 19th: Hidden Garden Steps. Good for: surprising street art, great views
Average rank: 4.7. Walking time: 6 mins - Judah & Sunset: Tazaki Sushi. Good for: fresh sashimi, sushi, beautiful plating
Average rank: 4.3. Walking time: 4 mins - Ocean Beach: Java Beach Cafe. Good for: outdoor patio, relaxed surfer vibes
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 1 min
T Third Street
For outbound T (St Francis Circle to Balboa Park), please see K Ingleside listings
- Sunnydale: Taqueria El Buen Sabor 2. Good for: down-to-earth vibes, delicious burritos
Average rank: 4.3. Walking time: 6 mins - Arleta: Piccolo Pete’s. Good for: gourmet toast, great coffee, friendly service
Average rank: 4.3. Walking time: 2 mins - Le Conte: Bayside Cafe. Good for: cheerful breakfast dates, eggs Benedict
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 8 mins - Gilman/Paul: 7 Stills Brewery.* Good for: craft whiskey, craft beer, distillery tours
Average rank: 4.7. Walking time: 4 mins - Carroll: Craftsman & Wolves THE DEN. Good for: third-wave coffee, divine baking
Average rank: 4.5. Walking time: 4 mins - Williams: Fox & Lion Bread. Good for: deli sandwiches, fresh-baked bread, local beer
Average rank: 4.9. Walking time: 1 min - Revere/Shafter: Frisco Fried. Good for: soul food, family-friendly dates
Average rank: 4.3. Walking time: 2 mins - Oakdale/Palou: Auntie April’s Chicken-n-Waffles. Good for: A++ waffles, fried chicken
Average rank: 4.3. Walking time: 2 mins - Kirkwood/La Salle: All Good Pizza. Good for: brick oven pizza, relaxed beer garden
Average rank: 4.7. Walking time: 2 mins - Hudson/Innes: Huli Huli Hawaiian Grill. Good for: Hawaiian burritos, community spirit
Average rank: 4.3. Walking time: 1 min - Evans: La Laguna. Good for: tasty tacos, local beer, delicious carnitas burritos
Average rank: 4.0. Walking time: 1 min - Marin St: The Midway.* Good for: live music, local bands, art and culture
Average rank: 3.9. Walking time: 2 mins - 23rd St: Minnesota Street Project.+ Good for: celebrating up and coming artists
Average rank: 4.8. Walking time: 4 mins - 20th St: The Sea Star. Good for: a slice of SF history, great cocktails, craft beer
Average rank: 4.6. Walking time: 1 min - Mariposa: Triple Voodoo Brewery. Good for: brewery tours, extensive draught selection
Average rank: 4.0. Walking time: 4 mins - UCSF Mission Bay: Mission Rock Resort.* Good for: outdoor dining, bay views, seafood
Average rank: 3.9. Walking time: 9 mins - Mission Rock: District. Good for: brunch, Bloody Marys, shareable plates
Average rank: 4.2. Walking time: 10 mins - 4th & King: Bluxome Street Winery. Good for: wine tasting, winery tours, wine flights
Average rank: 4.5. Walking time: 4 mins - 2nd & King: AT & T Park.* Good for: seeing a ball game, group dates, fun days out
Average rank: 4.3. Walking time: 1 min - Brannan: Crossroads Cafe. Good for: community spirit, garden relaxation, crepes
Average rank: 4.3. Walking time: 3 mins - Folsom: Waterbar.* Good for: sustainable seafood, stunning views, waterside eating
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 1 min - Embarcadero: PABU Izakaya.* Good for: Japanese sharing plates, beautiful sushi
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 4 mins - Montgomery: Natomo Cabana. Good for: delicious cocktails, tropical ambience, DJ sets
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 5 mins - Powell: 54 Mint.* Good for: seasonal Italian cooking, romantic al fresco ambience
Average rank: 4.2. Walking time: 3 mins - Civic Center: SHN Orpheum Theatre.* Good for: live performances, Broadway hits
Average rank: 4.3. Walking time: 1 min - Van Ness: 20th Century Cafe. Good for: Eastern-European baking, retro vibes, honey cake
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 5 mins - Church Street: Churchill. Good for: cocktails, retro ambience, extensive whisky selection
Average rank: 4.2. Walking time: 1 min - Castro Street: The Castro Theatre.* Good for: drag shows, sing-along screenings
Average rank: 4.5. Walking time: 2 mins - Forest Hill: Sushi Shoh. Good for: innovative, fresh sushi, delicious tempura
Average rank: 4.1. Walking time: 2 mins - West Portal: Que Syrah. Good for: wine flights, cheese and charcuterie plates
Average rank: 4.8. Walking time: 6 mins
Seen an SF date idea that appeals? Click on our San Francisco Muni Metro date map map above to work out how to get there – or try our street map below:
EliteSingles editorial, first published September 2017, updated February 2018
If you have questions about these SF date ideas or suggestion of your own, please comment below or write to us at [email protected]
Sources:
Please note, San Francisco date ideas marked with a star (*) are venues where booking in advance is strongly recommended. A plus sign (+) means that the venue has specific opening hours – checking in advance is recommended. Average rank refers to the average ranking across Yelp, TripAdvisor and Google Maps for each date.
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