Best Date Spots: Seattle

Free-thinking, green, free-spirited, unlike any other.  Those are a few words and phrases that could describe Seattle and it's unique culture.  Besides being home to my favorite coffee retailer (and beverage brand, period!) Starbucks, Seattle has a unique culture that's at-once urban, nature-loving, and laidback.  Home to the Grunge Movement in the early '90's, the city has never lost it's free-spirited attitude, and is filled with many great places to visit and things to see with your date!

1) Maximilien Restaurant - For delicious French food in a relaxed atmosphere, come to Maximilien. A charming and romantic restaurant located in Seattle's Pike Place Market in downtown, Maximilien has gorgeous views of the city, a seasonal outdoor patio, and great happy hour specials that make it ideal for either a full dinner or as a place to grab drinks and appetizers before heading out on the town. Take in the panoramic view over the city and water (enhanced by the antique mirrors hanging on the walls) while enjoying such favorites as the Coulibiac de Saumon Sauce Dijonaise (salmon baked in a puff pastry with goat cheese and spinach), Tournedos de Bœuf (pan-seared beef tenderloin), and Escargots à la Bourguignonne.

2) Serafina - Quiet, serene, and romantic, Serafina has the perfect atmosphere for a romantic first date.  This upscale casual restaurant with dark walls and dim lighting has friendly waitstaff, beautifully-presented, delicious dishes, and an inviting warmth that will make you feel right at home.  The exquisitely-crafted Italian cuisine, with dishes such as Fettuccine Nero (squid ink fettuccine with garlic, anchovy and salsa verde, topped with seared sea scallops shaved bottarga di muggine) and Porchetta (oven-roasted hazelnut-finished pork with fennel and rosemary), are almost too pretty to eat, and the wide selection of fine wines will satisfy most vino lovers.  Finish off your meal with some dolci in the form of Torta di Formaggio (persimmon-caramel-mascarpone cheesecake) or Fritelle di Mele (fried apple pie ravioli).

3) Tango - Those looking for an upscale dining experience in a sensual atmosphere should come to Tango, a restaurant that has both critics and customers alike raving for it's delicious food and decadent atmosphere.  Dimly lit, with high ceilings and a mood as sassy as the name, Tango is a Spanish restaurant known for it's tapas, wonderful service, and lively dining experience.  Try anything off the tapas menu, which includes local favorites such as Tortilla (traditional-style Spanish omelette) and 'Cheap Dates' (bacon-wrapped Medjoohl dates with grilled eggplant and red onions).  Finish off dinner with the restaurant's famous to-die-for dessert, El Diablo (a cube of rich dark chocolate with cayenne, spicy almonds, cocoa nibs and burnt meringue with a tequila caramel sauce).

4) Nell's Restaurant - In the mood for a gourmet dinner at a top-notch restaurant with a beautiful view?  Come to Nell's, located near Green Lake; you will not be disappointed.  Located conveniently in the bustling Green Lake neighborhood, Nell's Restaurant is ideal for those looking for a relaxing setting for a slow evening date, or just wanting to enjoy an amazing gourmet meal.  Choose from an a la carte menu made for tasting, which includes Braised Lamb Shank, Red Beet and Goat Cheese Ravioli, and Sea Scallops with Crispy Pork Belly.  The restaurant also has a full wine menu with many selections from France and around the U.S.  Come in the evening for a relaxed, enjoyable dining experience you won't soon forget!

5) Kayaking.  Feel like doing something active on your date?  During warmer weather, go kayaking - Seattle is surrounded by many lakes and other bodies of water on which you can enjoy this fun and active sport. From Green Lake to Lake Washington to Lake Union, Seattle is one of the best cities in the U.S. in which to go kayaking (just make sure to bring towels and a change of clothing!).

6) Seattle Aquarium - A favorite of many locals, Seattle Aquarium has many exotic and interesting sea creatures to see and sights to behold that makes it a great place to explore with your date.  From octopuses to seals to sharks and rare birds, the Seattle Aquarium has it all.  (The Aquarium also features many shows, so check ahead before visiting.)

7) Seattle Center - Located at the base of the famous Space Needle, this former fair ground has events year-round, making it a great place to take a date.  From Winterfest in the winter to Bite of Seattle (the city's annual food festival), to Pridefest and Festál (a year long series of world cultural events), there is always something happening here.  Check the site schedules before visiting for a list of events.







Nightlife. The Seattle nightscene is as varied and diverse as the city itself - whether you're in the mood to check out a dive bar, an upscale dance club or a chill martini bar, the city has it all!

8) Marcus Martini Heaven - Located under Pioneer Square, this former 1920's hotel lobby and local hotspot has a sleek ambiance and well-mixed martinis that keep locals and tourists alike coming back for more.  Dimly lit, with leather furniture and exposed brick and stone walls, Marcus Martini Heaven has a sexy atmosphere that's great for a late-night rendezvous for drinks with your date.

9) Twilight Exit - This retro dive bar with a 70's feel and mood is perfect for relaxed evening dates, with a full service menu, outdoor patio area, and game room that makes it the perfect chill weekend hotspot to take a date for drinks, music, food and fun!

10) The Last Supper Club - Located in Pioneer Square, this three-storied club is one of the most popular dance clubs in Seattle, with artwork adorning the walls and plush drapery and furniture, featuring intelligent lighting and state-of-the-art sound that sets the right mood.  The club has a dark yet sexy and upscale feel, and frequently features major musical acts and guest DJ's, so check the schedule ahead of time.