As Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, the Bark decided to take the guesswork out of date night. Below we share four fun date ideas around the Bay for you and your bae. From staying home and chilling, to traveling around the world through flora, we’ve got you covered for any Valentine’s date you might like to venture on.
Netflix and Chill-nese
4 stars
For the couple who likes to keep it simple, try staying on the couch. Order your favorite take-out from DJ’s Chinese in Larkspur, and scroll through Netflix’s “Romantic” section for 20 minutes before retiring to the less Nicholas Sparks-filled “Comedy” section. (Netflix subscriptions are $7.99 a month.) DJ’s is a great option, as it has huge portions of favorites like fried rice and broccoli beef that tantalize your taste buds for under $11, and it has friendly service. DJ’s also offers an option to share a complete dinner for two for just $19.25, which includes a three-course dinner of Won Ton soup, your choice of Bird’ Nest Seafood or Sautéed Szechuan Chicken, and ice cream. Personal favorites from the extensive menu include the zesty lemon chicken and flavorful spring rolls.
A Phở-cking great day in the city
5 stars
Give your sweetheart the gift of flowers this Valentine’s Day, and take bae to the Botanical Gardens in Golden Gate Park. Admission is $6 for youth ages 12-17 and $8 for those 18 and over. The gardens are open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offer 55 acres of walkable foliage along with many hidden paths and lookouts that make it easy to say your romantic date was “off the beaten path.” After traversing the global gardenias, hit up nearby Loi’s Vietnamese Restaurant, where you can warm up with a variety of delicious phở from $6.50 to $9.50. A low-key and quick dinner spot, Loi’s provides big portions of pho and other exceptional Vietnamese cuisine.
Dead fish + Deadpool = Lively Love Life
3.5 stars
If you and your bae don’t want to go far, try Sushi-Ko in Larkspur Landing. The staple sushi place offers a large menu of authentic sushi and sashimi, as well as extensive vegetarian options. This date spot has something for everyone. With simple sushi starting at $6.75 and entrees starting at $17.50, Sushi Ko is a classic place for a special date and it sets the mood by serving special, scrumptious, sushi. After the meal, check out Ryan Reynold’s new off-beat superhero flick, “Deadpool,” playing at Century Cinema in Corte Madera on Valentine’s Day at 7 p.m. The latest of Marvel’s comic book adaptations, “Deadpool” tells the story of anti-hero Wade, a former Special Forces operative who gains accelerated healing powers as he hunts down his arch-nemesis.
Treat yo self: Galentine’s Day
4 stars
To pay homage to Leslie Knope of “Parks and Rec,” every February 13, lady friends everywhere leave their significant others and animals at home and kick it, breakfast-style. Gather your friends and treat yourself to brunch at Half Day Cafe in Kentfield, where an extensive selection of breakfast items, such as hearty omelets and sugary belgian waffles, range from $8.25-$12.50. It’s like Lilith Fair, minus the angst, plus Half Day Cafe waffles. Then, head to Mt. Tam and hike the Verna Dunshee loop around the East Peak for a scenic escape with cliffside views that soar over southern Marin.
