So you've both swiped right, and now it's time to pick a spot to meet for the first time. You're looking for something casual (in case things go off the rails), but still fun and sociable (in case they go better than expected). From an atmospheric cup of coffee to a low-pressure meal, here are five affordable spots in D.C. that are perfect for those occasionally awkward initial meetings, no matter how they turn out.
Dessert For Two: Co Co. Sala
Penn Quarter
How bad can a first date really be if there's chocolate involved? As an alternative to coffee, propose a dessert date at Co Co. Sala. The small space is intimate enough for a conversation, and sharing a dessert like the churros for two or the Latin Love Affair (caramelized white chocolate mousse, cinnamon caramel, chocolate pecan cake, butter pecan dulcey ice cream and passion fruit cajeta bonbon) is sure to set the mood. If things don't work out, you can always grab a post-date box of chocolates from the restaurant's boutique to cheer yourself up.
A Cup of Coffee: La Colombe Cafe
Mt. Vernon Square
Introduced via Coffee Meets Bagel? There's no more appropriate date than a cup of coffee at the Blagden Alley location of La Colombe, which opens up its garage door on warm days to create a sunny indoor/outdoor vibe. There's no wifi, so you'll be able to concentrate on your conversation without getting distracted by clacking laptop keys.
Playing a Game Together: Penn Social
Penn Social
Inquiring about your date's education and job history can sometimes feel more like a job interview than a recipe for romance. To spare the awkwardness, make it an active first date by facing off in a game or two at Penn Social, which offers board games, foosball, shuffleboard, Giant Jenga and Giant Connect Four to keep you and your date on your toes. With three bars offering more than 30 beers on tap, you'll have plenty of fuel for your competitive fire. And if you do want to see how your date stacks up in the knowledge department, challenge them to Tuesday trivia night.
After-Work Happy Hour: Chef Geoff's
Cathedral Heights
No matter how late your date has to work, you can still make happy hour at this laid-back American bistro—at least on Monday and Tuesday, when it runs all night. Wine is $7, a cocktail is $7.50, and beers are $1 off (with 33-ounce "supermugs" for $9.50). You can also enjoy pizzas, burgers, bacon and corn guacamole, brussels sprouts and chicken wings for less than $10 each. The atmosphere is pretty casual, but upscale enough to feel special. Bonus: happy hour is also in effect from 3-7pm on Saturdays and Sundays, so it's a good alternative for a weekend afternoon date.
A Fast-Casual Meal: Seoulspice
NoMa
A formal, sit-down meal can be daunting for an initial meeting, but a fast-casual restaurant like Korean-influenced Seoulspice can make a nice alternative. Specializing in bibimbap and kimbap (a Korean-style burrito), this spot is casual and affordable, with everything on the menu running $10 or less. Just be sure to go light on the kimchi if you think you might be locking lips by the end of the evening.
