By Bianca B.
I remember life pre-parenthood when my husband and I would frequently go out. Date nights are something that I certainly took for granted. Little did I know how different it would be trying to go out with our toddler. The days of deep conversations in candlelit rooms and carefree nights lasting into the early hours have been replaced with dinner debates about how long we can sit at Chili’s before our daughter has a meltdown (the answer – about 3 minutes after our food arrives). While family time has definitely become our priority, we’ve also found that it’s really important to find some one on one time. However, it can be a challenge to plan a date night. Hopefully I can help! In honor of Valentine’s Day, here are a few local date night ideas:
1. For the Foodie Couple: After having a baby, I was eating takeout more and cooking a lot less. I also found myself watching a lot more Food Network when trying to stay awake during middle of the night feeding sessions. One day when chopping an onion I told my husband that I wished I had better knife skills. I was thrilled when he found a knife skills class for us to take together! A cooking class is a great date night idea. Sur la Table’s locations in Palo Alto and San Francisco offer a variety of classes from how to make homemade doughnuts (yes please) to cooking with wine and cheese. Instead of going out to your favorite Italian restaurant, try taking a class in preparing homemade gnocchi. Not only will be it fun one on one time, but you will learn skills that you can use at home! Look up class options and make reservations at http://www.surlatable.com/
2. For the Nostalgic Couple: Mini-golf was always a favorite date night activity when I was younger. Unfortunately, there are not many local mini-golf courses. That’s why I was thrilled when Urban Putt opened up in San Francisco. It’s an indoor, 14 hole mini-golf course where each hole is a San Francisco theme. While children are able to go during the day, after 8 p.m. all guests must be at least 21 years old so it’s perfect for those craving a night out without children. I went on a Saturday night and it was crowded but it wasn’t too uncomfortable. It reminded me of dates that I used to go on in high school but I was able to enjoy an adult beverage while I played! It’s also easily accessible by BART so you don’t have to worry about parking. http://www.urbanputt.com/
3. For the Competitive Couple: While going out during the weekend is often the easiest since there is no work the next day, it can also be more difficult to find someone to watch our daughter since our go-to sitters often have plans. It can be tricky to motivate ourselves to go out during the week but there is one weekday activity my husband and I both agree on: Trivia Night. One of the toughest things I’ve found as a parent it finding time to spend with our friends, especially the ones who do not have children, and we’ve found trivia night is also a great place for a double date. Other times we’ll go by ourselves where I where I continue to be amazed by the random facts we can pull out of thin air. Many trivia nights take place at a bar, but I’m not ashamed to be that mom drinking a diet coke with cherries all night long. Armstrong Brewery in South San Francisco does trivia night on Wednesdays (http://armstrongbrewing.com/) or you can find local trivia nights Sundays-Thursdays at
4. For the Couple That Needs a Vacation: Let’s face it – we’re parents and we’re tired. My husband and I often joke that for our next date night we want to drive down the block, park our car, and take a nap. Instead of a car nap, treat yourself and take a trip to the spa and have a couples massage. Enjoy an hour of silence together in a completely tranquil environment and you’ll almost forget you’re not on vacation. The only downside is that spas usually have a strict cancellation policy so make sure you have a reliable sitter before booking. A few local spa options: Luminous Day Spa in South San Francisco (http://www.luminousspa.com/index.html); Earthbody in San Francisco (http://www.earthbody.net/)
5. For the Couple that Loves Tradition: Going out for a fabulous meal is a go-to date night plan with good reason – who doesn’t love a delicious meal? Fortunately for us, there are a lot of amazing restaurants in the Bay Area. While it’s easy to go to dinner at a place you know, venture out and try somewhere new. A few suggestions from our SBMC Facebook Group:
- Stella Alpina Osteria in Burlingame (http://www.stellaalpinaosteria.com/). My personal favorite. I have never had a meal here that I didn’t love. They offer a truffle stuffed gnocchi appetizer that makes me want to cry from happiness. Reservations are highly recommended.
- La Costanera on Montara Beach (http://www.lacostanerarestaurant.com/). Contemporary Peruvian. Get a reservation at sunset. (Thanks Christina F.!)
- Le P’tit Laurent in Glen Park, SF (http://www.leptitlaurent.net/index.php). Fabulous French food. Perfect ambiance for a romantic date night. One small block from Glen Park BART and right off 280. Inexpensive prix fixe menu on weeknights, but weekend prices also reasonable. Reservations recommended.
- Puerto 27 in Pacifica (http://puerto27.com/) . Awesome Peruvian food. Bit loud (and there are large screen TVs at bar showing soccer) but delicious. Must try’s include ceviche clasico with plantain chips, empanadas, causa, and to drink – pisco sour. Fabulous for daytime dates on a nice day – outdoor seating where you can watch surfers year round and whales in the Fall! Across the street from Linda Mar beach. (Thanks Vanessa E. for the last two suggestions!)
Hopefully this inspired you to create a date night of your own! If you find a good date night location, be sure to share it on the SBMC Facebook page: this mom is always looking for a new date night idea!