The best bars in San Francisco for a first date

Boozing paired with an extracurricular activity guarantees you first-date gold stars, which is the sheer genius of this 14-hole, mechanized mini-golf course in the Mission, where you can putt your ball around the Transamerica Pyramid, inside a Jules Verne-esque submarine beneath the Bay, alongside cable cars and even through the 1906 earthquake. Adjacent to the all-indoor course is a sizeable bar—styled like a cross between an old ship’s grizzled galley and some steampunk fantasyland—it's the perfect spot to get a little lubricated before playing a round. Make a deal that the loser buys the next round (of drinks), then see where the night takes you.

Pro first-date planners always come prepped with two things: an "out plan" (in case of emergencies of the incompatible type) and a "part-two plan" if the date is going well. While you’ll still have to dream up the former, this rooftop bar in the Mission provides the latter: Come here for mezcal-spiked margaritas and braised-pork quesadillas, and if things are going swimmingly, segue into a proper dinner downstairs at Lolinda, a swank Argentinian steak house that always seems to have at least one table available. On the flip side, if your conversation runs dry that pitcher of margaritas definitely won’t.

You may get caught looking out the window more than at your date if you meet up at this 39th-floor bar atop the Marriott Marquis. Through the immense Art Deco sunburst window you can see out over the rooftops of San Francisco to the bay beyond. Though a bit touristy, it’s the kind of place where your date (or your parents, or your roommate for that matter) can’t help but be impressed. Split a couple of small plates—the pork belly and baked goat cheese are both good—try the namesake Marquis cocktail (a blend of 209 gin, fresh citrus juice and Grand Marnier Cuvee du Centenaire) and take in your city—and your date—from this bird's-eye perch.

Bring a date here and the two of you can bond over the whiskey selection—and then the sushi. This atmospheric Japanese Izakaya and whiskey bar has over 500 single-malt options available. If you buy a bottle, they’ll store it in their private locker for you—but use this sparingly on dates: Your partner may be impressed, or they may wonder how many other first dates have sat in their place. If happy hour is more your speed than a private bottle, there’s a fantastic one here from 5:30-7pm when tasty bites such as Japanese-style buffalo wings and savory pork sausage are half off.