Just in time for Valentine’s Day, a reblog and update of the place our matchmaker Danielle deems Philly’s best places for a first date!
Waterfront happy hour at Chart House
555 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard (Penn’s Landing)
You know that episode of Friends where Joey’s dad says “I could make a meal just out of the appetizers”? That’s Chart House’s happy hour menu. It’s cheap, delicious and hearty enough to count as dinner. You get the benefit of a posh location with a waterfront view without breaking the bank, and you can go any weekday from 4:30pm to 7pm.
Magic Gardens and Lorenzo’s, on a weekend
Start at 1020 South Street (South Philly)
You’ve seen the mosaic-tiled storefronts all down South Street, but the story behind that ubiquitous art is all mixed in with Philly’s history and the artist Isaiah Zagar’s life as an activist (and a Jew BTW). A weekend visit gives you all the lovely culture and detail of a museum trip without feeling like you have to speak in a whisper, and it’s got the most Instagram cred of any date imaginable. After you leave, head south on South Street (with plenty to chat about as you spot Isaiah’s mosaics all throughout your walk) and grab a slice at Lorenzo’s, the place that all the people who don’t read Bon Appetit Magazine will tell you is the best pizza in Philly.
Shane Confectionery on a Friday night
110 Market Street (Old City)
Shane’s is something like the oldest chocolate shop in the city and it’s just the quaintest little gem you ever did see. On Friday nights, you can take a cute little tour for $8 where you learn about the equipment, taste the candy, and generally revel in the adorable nostalgia of it all. Tours are at 6:30pm and it is best to reserve in advance they only have 13 spots. If the weather’s nice and things are going well, you can walk one half a block to Penn’s Landing and look over the water (and maybe snag a first kiss, you fox).
Shakshuka for brunch at Cafe Ole
147 N. 3rd Street (Old City)
For a casual, no-pressure first date, head to Israeli-owned Cafe Ole and get the shakshuka, Israel’s quintessential tomatoey poached egg breakfast and a pair of “cafe hafuch”s, their delish riff on cappuccino. With Israeli realtors shouting into their phones all around you, a million hamsas hanging on the wall, and a sign that says “this place is not kosher” in Hebrew, you’ll feel like you’re on a date in Tel Aviv.
Roll the dice on date night at Thirsty Dice
17th & Fairmount (Spring Garden)
For a fun first date head to Thirsty Dice in Fairmount! They claim to have over 800 available to play on their giiiant boardgame wall. They have great share-able food options like nachos, soft pretzels, and sweet/salty/spicy popcorn, plus Thirsty Dice is lucky enough to offer a full bar with wines, cocktails, drafts, and an espresso bar. Challenge your boo to a game of Connect 4 or see if you have compatible beliefs with the Game of Life. At the end of the night you’re both winners anyway, happy dating!
Looking to meet people IRL so you can try out these delicious dates? Join us in February, the month of luuuuv, for these dating-related events!
2/5: Online Dating is Online Marketing Workshop + Reverse Happy Hour
2/7: Powerpoint Slide… Into My DMs
2/10: Sick of JSwipe Silent Rave
2/21: Kinky & Kosher
Enjoy your wandering, rendezvousing, exploring and galavanting!
