Seven spots to take a hot date to in Vancouver

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      Here at the Straight, we are suckers for romance—hence the I Saw You posts that connect bashful individuals with the “one that got away”.

      With busy work schedules, it can be hard to find the time to go out and meet people. This has led to the popularity of dating websites and apps, which go hand in hand with hours of mindless swiping.

      Once the novelty wears off, the act of searching for someone with whom you are compatible with can be rather exhausting. So when you find a potential suitor that sparks a sense of excitement for you—hold on to them and hold on real tight.

      Maybe not too tight, as that can be poorly received, but at least take them on an exciting date that they will never forget.

      By choosing an entertaining activity, the date will feel less like a formal interview and more like an experience. Daters are also less likely to feel that they wasted time if the relationship doesn’t pan out as anticipated.

      For singles lacking in romantic creativity, we would like to extend an olive branch that takes the form of a detailed list.

      If these first date ideas don’t snag you a second date, we don’t know what will.

      Shameful Tiki Room

      There is nothing shameful about taking your potential significant other to this establishment.

      The restaurant, which doubles as a lounge, is dimly lit and hidden away from the rest of Vancouver as there are no visible windows.

      Serving one-of-a-kind tropical cocktails and Polynesian-style dishes that can be shared, the Shameful Tiki Room is the perfect place to start a love story, or at least a wild night.

      If you’re hitting it off, order the Mystery Bowl drink to share, which is a delightful concoction of rums (plural, so exercise caution), juices, and spices—served in a giant shell.

      Find the secluded Shameful Tiki Room at 4362 Main Street.

      Science World at TELUS World of Science

      If you’re a picky eater or are riddled with food allergies, a night out at Science World makes a superb date option.

      The exclusive adult-only event occurs on a monthly basis, allowing those over the age of 19 to explore the exhibits while sipping on a glass of wine.

      You can impress your date by squishing your entire body into the plexiglass box display or by schooling them in a puzzle challenge.

      Along with the science-related activities and interactive exhibits, daters can enjoy food, beverages, and music, as well as a movie at the OMNIMAX Theatre.

      Science World at TELUS World of Science is located at 1455 Quebec Street.

      Fufú Pancake Café

      Your evenings are booked up, but you really want to make a rendezvous happen—all hail “the breakfast date”.

      Breakfast is undoubtedly the most important meal of the day, so don’t waste it on a lifeless omelette.

      Instead, impress your potential suitor by taking them for fluffy, cloud-like Japanese pancakes at Fufú Pancake Café.

      Picture this: your date seductively leans across the table and gazes into your eyes as you feed them a bite of delicious pancake. It really does not get any sexier.

      The café serves up wiggly pancakes with toppings like fresh fruit, whipping cream, Nutella, caramelized banana, and syrup.

      The cozy eatery is located at 1266 West Broadway.

      The Warehouse Group/The Dime

      Taking someone special out for a memorable date doesn’t need to break the bank.

      The Dime’s two locations at 1565 Commercial Drive and 1017 Granville Street are both great options for the cash-conserving dater (or any dater, really).

      If your date is partial to dive bars, they will surely appreciate the rough-around-the-edges décor and unpretentious vibe.

      All food at The Dime costs $5.95, so go ahead and tell her to order “whatever she wants”. This is a total power move that won’t hurt your wallet.

      Perfect share plates like calamari, Dime fries, and street tacos are featured on the menu.

      As for drinks, guests can never go wrong with the Sour Key Cocktail, which is appropriately garnished with a sour key candy.

      One Under

      Test your date’s patience right off the bat by taking them to an indoor golf simulator.

      One Under is a unique venue that is enjoyed by both avid golfers and first-timers. The bar is open for lunch, dinner, and drinks but golf simulators must be booked in advance.

      The One Under menu offers a charcuterie board, pizzas, salads, and sliders—all of which sound insanely scrumptious.

      The bar also features an impressive drink menu filled with cocktails and local craft beers. For safety reasons, keep the drinking at bay while the two of you are swinging golf clubs around.

      This urban golf club can be found at 476 Granville Street.

      The Yale Saloon

      The Yale Saloon (1300 Granville Street) is the best possible option if your date is from Alberta or if they like country music.

      Knock their boots off by taking them out for a night filled with southern BBQ, bull riding, and line dancing.

      The Yale Saloon is open from Wednesday to Saturday, with live music performances on weekend evenings.

      Straight dating tip: for bonus points, sneakily find out their favourite song and request it at the DJ booth.

      You can bet that it’s “Man! I Feel Like A Woman” by Canadian country-pop goddess, Shania Twain.

      Vancouver TheatreSports

      There is really nothing more attractive than a decent sense of humor.

      Taking your date to watch some salacious improv is ideal for showing this off, along with your great laugh.

      Vancouver TheatreSports is Vancouver’s top improv comedy company, featuring uninhibited actors and a selection of shows. The “OK Tinder-Swipe Right Comedy” and “The Late Show” are both for audiences over the age of 19, due to the no-holds-barred content.

      Tickets (some with options that include a drink) are best purchased online since the comedy club is exceedingly popular with locals and visiting tourists.

      The shows take place at the Improv Center (1502 Duranleau Street) on Granville Island.

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