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Date Night

Looking for inspiration for a romantic outing? Eden Dawn and Ashod Simonian, authors of The Seattle Book of Dates, share these five delightfully original ideas. For another 125 suggestions, check out their whimsically illustrated book.

Cover of "The Seattle Book of Dates" by Eden Dawn and Ashod Simonian. Features illustrated people relaxing in chairs by the water, a seaplane flying above, and a city skyline in the background. Includes text about adventures and secret spots.

Ashod Simonian

Illustration of a man and a woman walking towards a sign for "Maximilien Restaurant" with "Outdoor Seating" and "Spectacular View" written underneath. An arrow labeled "Cocktails" points to the right.

Feeling Frenchy

Follow the glowing red neon lights in Pike Place Market toward Maximilien (81A Pike St). This little, chef-owned bistro oozes with classic date magic, but the real star is the postcard-worthy view. Afterward, hit the Can Can Culinary Cabaret (95 Pine St) and marvel at dancers demonstrating fantastic choreographed routines and feats of flexibility—while wearing little more than rhinestones and ruffles.

Will you be my sweatheart?

Warm up on a cold day at Banya 5 (217 Ninth Ave N)—an all-gender Russian bathhouse. Start in the 220-degree brick sauna, then hop into the 55-degree cold plunge, followed by a soak in the lukewarm salt pool. Rinse and repeat. Post plunge, visit Skalka (77 Spring St; skalkaseattle.com) for khachapuri, a.k.a. bread boats, overflowing with eggs, cheese, and so much more.

Illustration of two people relaxing in a hot tub boat. They are sitting in a rectangular hot tub with water. The boat is yellow with light brown decking and the words "HOT TUB BOATS" written on the side.

Old-fashioned fun

Since 2002, the hometown doughnut chain Top Pot (325 W Galer St) has been keeping Seattle sugar-hyped with their cult-favorite Feather Boa, but don’t overlook the classic glazed Old Fashioned and a cup of coffee combo. Visit the Queen Anne location, then go for a scenic soak with Hot Tub Boats (2520 Westlake Ave N). No training is needed to operate this slow-boating beauty, operated by joystick.

Illustration of a red fish-shaped teacup with green tea leaves inside. A curly straw resembling a fishing line extends from the cup, ending with a small green lure. The background is white.

Tropical punch

For a tropical-inspired wintertime date, soak up the absolute glory of the Volunteer Park Conservatory (1400 E Galer St), which is set inside an ornate 1912 glass building. Saunter amid the flora, taking in the brilliant colors of pineapple-cousin bromeliad and the spikiest of cacti. Keep the warm vibes going with a drink at Inside Passage (1108 Pike St), a speakeasy with tropical cocktails served in smoking treasure chests and flaming numbers.

Illustration of lush green foliage with hints of yellow, featuring a bird perched among the leaves and another bird in flight against a white background.

The birds and the bees fish

Grab brunch from locally loved Portage Bay Cafe (2821 NW Market St) before venturing into the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden, a highlight of the Hiram M. Chittenden Ballard Locks (3015 NW 54th St). Sit on the terraced greens and look for the large colony of great blue herons across the locks at the Kiwanis Ravine. They typically arrive in February to begin their courtship routines.

This article was originally written for Visit Seattle's Official Visitors' Guide

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