Best places to go on a date with your Berkeley bae
Not a single one is the Big C
Remember all those times you were out with your pals, relaxing in a super cool location, and you thought to yourself, “damn… this would make a cute date spot.” But then, alas, when it’s time to go an actual date (people do that?) you can’t think of a single thing.
Well, look no further. As someone who constantly scouts locations for the perfect date, I am here to be your guru.
Pizza at Jupiter
Look at all the cute lanterns
Cost: ~$30/person
Dim lighting, a waterfall, and a cute outdoor patio make this spot number one on literally any list. You can’t go to Jupiter without leaving saying, “wow, I’d love to be taken on a date here.” It’s golden, people. Plus, they serve pizza, and it’s cute to fumble with long strings of cheese in front of people you’re trying to impress. Trust me, it’s true.
Even if the wait is long, lounging around with a beer in hand listening to live music is not a bad way to break the ice.
Roller Skating at Church of 8 Wheels
Cost: ~$25/person
Even though it’s in the city, it’s worth the trek. Maybe it’s just me, but a few hours in the ~dark~ rolling (read: falling) around a roller park with a date would be an ideal outing. Also a 70’s teen’s ideal outing, but anyway. Some days they have discounts from their usual $10 admission/$5 skate rental, so keep your eyes peeled!
A’s Game
In perfect view of the kiss cam
Cost: ~$20/person
Cheaper and closer than their cross-bay counter part, the A’s are always a good idea for a relaxed date. On a warm day, there’s nothing better than a couple of hot dogs, a couple of beers, and a sunburn on your shoulders. Plus, you can spend six innings anxiously wondering if you’re gonna be on the kiss cam, then breathe a sigh of relief when you’re not, then have lingering disappointment because you weren’t (relationships are emotional roller-coasters, people.)
Picnic at Albany Bulb
Beautiful, right?
The final view.
Cost: ~$15/person
Grab a couple sandwiches from Ike’s on Shattuck, then catch the 25 bus down to Albany. There’s a few benches and tables by the water, perfect for a picnic if it’s not too windy. And when you’re done eating, you can go for a walk until there’s no land left, and catch the sunset.
The view is incredible. It’s a rocky path to the edge of the water, but the perk is if you fall, your date will probably catch you.
Board Games at Victory Point Cafe
Cost: ~$10/person
Looking for an evening that’s a little more casual and little more introductory? Head to Victory Point and grab a board game, then get to know your date over some friendly competition.
Unlimited gaming is only 5 dollars, and depending on how well you get along, you could be there all night!
Scavenger Hunt on Telegraph
Cost: Free
Have a friend do you a favor and make up a list of wild things you’d be able to find along Telegraph. There’re a multitude of really random stores, including thrift shops and smoke shops and everything in between. Stop in at different places and take pictures with items that fulfill the list. Nothing spells out “terrible date” more than an inability to cooperate, or make fun out of almost nothing.
This’ll be an easy way to weed out the ones who you just don’t get along with.
Night-time Stroll on Campus
Spooky! Maybe you’ll need to hold hands
Cost: Free
Take a picnic, take your pepper spray, or simply take yourself. This one’s simple. Show your date the first place you ate dirt when walking to class freshman year (mine would be next to Stanley), or the place your favorite flowers grow in April. Have them show you some of their favorites as well.
Maybe you’ll have a few in common!
Berkeley Rose Garden
Cost: Free
When the roses are in season, North Berkeley’s Rose Garden is the perfect place to relax. If you wanna get away from the hustle and bustle of school and work and extra-curriculars, this is the place to be. Take your date for good company and good conversation, and if you’re into roses, subtly point out which are your favorite so they can appear at your doorstep every Valentine’s day.
Sneak into Hearst Mining and Have a Dinner Date
Cost: Expulsion
Disclaimer: this has likely never been done, and The Tab is not liable for your punishment should you set off any alarms.
Hearst Mining is arguably the most beautiful place on campus. It’s very ancient, which surely contributes to its beauty, and the lights add a little twinkle that would be the perfect backdrop to any date. Set up a small table and spring for something a little fancier than Gypsy’s, and you’ll have a romantic evening, easy. Just make sure you don’t get caught.
And if ALL else fails, walk up to the Big C. It’s not on the list, because I promised, but the view is worth the sweat, and maybe your date will think so too.
Happy adventures, everyone!
Featured photo credit to Andie Biggs