Joel Riddell

While coffee shops and wine bars are fine date options, thinking out of the box can do wonders to woo your boo or show your partner that you’ve still got it. You’ll really stand out from the pack after taking your boo on one of these quirky outings. Admire views of the bay, learn new skills at a class or get an earful (or eyeful) of something shocking on our 10 favorite date ideas in the San Francisco Bay Area. RECOMMENDED: Most romantic restaurants in San Francisco 

Love is in the air. Show your adoration this February 14th with a Valentine's Day dinner at one of the best restaurants in San Francisco. Whether you're in search of an over-the-top Michelin-starred restaurant or a neighborhood favorite with a fantastic wine list, we have the inside story on where to have Valentine's Day dinner in San Francisco! (And don't forget the chocolates and flowers.) RECOMMENDED: The most romantic restaurants in San Francisco

It's time to start planning your New Year’s Eve dinner in San Francisco. Gather your family and friends for breathtaking views of the fireworks at local rooftop bars, locally sourced epicurean feasts at SF's best restaurant and endless Champagne (of course). Book yourself into one of these ready-made NYE parties and ring in 2018 with a feast. RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to New Year's Eve in San Francisco

The Mission's newest cooking school offers hands-on classes for the home cook including everything from Indian street food and pickling to the wonders of wontons and celebration cakes. 

Celebrating their 25th anniversary, One Market restaurant is a go-to spot for FiDi power-lunches and fancy evenings on the town. The dazzling lights of Market Street and the Ferry Building provide a picturesque setting for dinner.   

The lighthearted Castro hot-spot Finn Town serves classic cult films alongside their comfort food classics (with a twist). Sip Hollywood Star-themed cocktails at the bar before chowing down on dishes like the Finn Town Burger (Golden Gate double stack on housemade brioche bun) or the Sloppy Joe-inspired Sloppy Poutine with white cheddar, pickled chilies, French fries and beef jus. 

Headed up by spirits and cocktail expert H. Joseph Ehrmann, this bar boasts a selection of over 450 types of whiskey and claims to be the oldest saloon in the city (it opened in 1858). The team at Elixir is friendly, knowledgeable and ready to mix you up something special—just tell them what excites your palate and they will hook you up!

This Inner Sunset pub doesn't take itself too seriously. With 18 beers on tap, a plethora of bottles, pitchers, board games and well-worn chairs, it's like the club house of your youth. Sit at the bar and make new friends or bring the party—there's plenty of space for all kinds of imbibers. Just be wary of the sofas in the back, the springs are gone and you might end up stuck there all night. 

You have done your duty, created a magnificent feast for your family and friends, or joined in a holiday gathering like the good guest you are.  With the joy of the occasion still strong, but the tryptophan wearing off it is time for a nightcap, or three.  But where to go? Stop in at one of these San Francisco bars to get your cocktail on!   Elixir3200 16th St (Mission)  Thanksgiving hours: 6pm–2am Headed up by spirits and cocktail expert H. Joseph Ehrmann, this bar boasts a selection of over 450 types of whiskey and claims to be the oldest saloon in the city (opened in 1858). The team at Elixir is friendly, knowledgeable and ready to mix you up something special for Thanksgiving. Anina482 Hayes St (Hayes Valley) Thanksgiving hours: 2pm–2am (patio closes at 8 pm) Anina, a go-to spot for pop-ups and punch, is the perfect place to sip spritzes and share bowls with friends after a long day of cooking and eating.The Little Shamrock807 Lincoln Way (Inner Sunset) Thanksgiving hours: 3pm-2am With 18 beers on tap, a plethora of bottles and pitchers, board games and well-worn chairs, this cozy bar will make you feel comfortable and welcome. Be wary of the sofas in the back, the springs are gone. The Bus Stop1901 Union St (Cow Hollow) Thanksgiving hours: 10am–2am This family business (open since 1919) is a favorite of sports fans hoping to catch the Thanksgiving game with 26 flat screen TVs and premium drinks.  Inner Fog545 Irving St (Inner Sunset)Thanksgiving hours: 5–10pmA true neig

If you want to hang out with loved ones on Thanksgiving, but the thought of stuffing a turkey scares you to death, check out these options for a take-out and delivery Turkey Day dinners delivered straight to your door. Your family and friends need never know.   For pick up Bi-Rite Friendsgiving Pick up at 3639 18th St, San Francisco $150–$375.00  Bi-Rite is offering three sizes of Friendsgiving in a box—small (4-6 guests), medium (8-10 guests) and a large that will serve up to 12 guests—with traditional turkey (there's also a vegetarian option) and all the fixings. The birds are specifically raised and selected for Bi-Rite customers, the menu was designed by culinary director Jason Rose and the desserts skillfully baked by Kris Hoogerhyde and her team—so you know they will have everything you need to wow your guests. If you want to keep it low-key this year, order the turkey two ways ($36) and a couple of sides so you can watch Netflix in your pjs and still have the flavors of the holiday. Cured meats, international cheeses, extra desserts, flowers for the table and wine for everybody can also be added to your order.  Belcampo Luxegiving Pick up at 2405 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur $899 Belcampo is going over the top this Thanksgiving with a luxurious takeaway menu boasting a "Belcampo by Mario Batali" charcuterie tray, white truffle mashed potatoes, sage and chestnut cornbread stuffing and not just one but two pies and a bottle of bubbles to get you ready for your