Date night in Beacon Hill (Boston, Salem: hotel, house, neighborhood)

[OuttaFlorida]

Ok folks, need a little help on this one.

I've got a hot first date coming up in a few days. I'd like to take her out for coffee/pastry and then a nice leisurly stroll to better aquaint ourselves. She just moved to Beacon Hill today so I figure this will be the ideal opportunity for her to explore the new hood.

Having said that, I recently just moved to the North End and have never stepped past govt center into Beacon Hill.

So.....where is a unique spot to grab a cup of coffee...ie. NOT a starbucks. Then what's a good route to walk around. I'd say Hanover to the waterfront by Christopher Columbus Park if we were doing the North End, but I'd like to stay in Beacon Hill.

Any thoughts?

[lrfox]

Charles Street is the primary commercial street for Beacon Hill and is where you'll find plenty of little cafes that aren't chains. I would go there if you want to stay on Beacon Hill. 6b on Beacon Street (next to Emmet's pub) near the state house and One Beacon is a casual, relaxed place but NOT a pub) to grab a drink or a bite... it picks up the pace a little bit later on. Other than a tiny stretch of Beacon Street and all of Charles Street, there's very little that isn't residential on Beacon Hill. Charles Street is very nice and quite charming. You could make it a romantic evening by just walking through the streets and alley ways of Beacon Hill as they're historic and charming. A walk through the common and public garden is always nice too. This, of course, is assuming you're not freezing to death.

Maybe go to Hanover/ the N. End anyway? I love the coffee shops and the atmosphere over there. She'll eventually learn her neighborhood with or without your help. It may be more productive to show her a bit more of the city, and what better way than to show her the part your most familiar with! If you've got it, flaunt it. The North End has been a romantic destination for a LONG time. If you do dinner, I suggest, Terramia on Salem St. It's not TOO price or too dressy so it doesn't seem over the top, but it's small and pretty which makes for a very romantic atmosphere. The food is great. They don't do dessert or coffee (too small) so your forced to go for a walk to find a place to get those things. I think that would make for a great first date.

[Cantabridgienne]

Cafe Vanille is yummy, then you could stop for a glass of wine at Bin 26 Enoteca. Both are on Charles Street.

[Beachcomber4]

My thought is take her to your neighborhood and next date, she can show you hers!

If you do stay in the North End, I'd say Cafe Graffiti (corner of Hanover and Cross Street). It just opened in the Martignetti building. I've heard great buzz already. It looks like the old restaurant which was just a cafe but this has been expanded for a fabulous dining experience.

[RemiJP]

For fancy (and expensive drinks) I like Clink/Alibi/Liberty Bar at the Liberty Hotel. I've enjoyed getting salad and pizza at Figs on Charles and Panificio on Charles is good for coffee. For a more affordable, yet adventurous date, get a burrito at Villa Mexico at Grampy's Gas Station (yes!) across the street from the Liberty Hotel. Definitely my favorite burritos in Boston, with that great hidden gem feel.

[OuttaFlorida]

Wow folks these are some great ideas, keep em coming thanks!

I've found taking a girl to a restaurant for meal usually doesn't make a great first date. Things are still a little awkward and you're getting to know each other through convo---not exactly smooth while you're each stuffing your faces. Ladies input?

So I think we'll stick to coffee and a drink. But I've heard the weather for Thurs is gonna be COLD and WINDY--so as far as strolling goes, maybe not a good idea. I like the Cafe Vannilla and then a drink, maybe somewhere decorated all christmassy. Does anywhere (coffee shop or bar) in beacon hill have a fire place? Real or fake.

Thanks! I'll let ya know how it goes.

[lrfox]

^I hear you about the restaurant thing.

I would second the recommendation of Clink for a drink. It's a VERY unique place to grab a drink. You can also just grab a beverage in the hotel lobby (which is really cool). Clink is located in the Liberty Hotel which was once the Charles Street Jail House. Definitely check it out.

[Cantabridgienne]

I don't really understand how breaking bread is awkward. Maybe it's because I generally don't "stuff my mouth" in public? I just eat like a normal person with table manners?

[Cantabridgienne]

p.s. If you just don't feel like dropping the money for dinner on someone you don't know very well, I think that is a totally legimitate excuse to go the coffee/drink/walk route, though. I know dating can get expensive, particularly if you are generally the one doing the asking.

[xS☺B☺s]

Top of the Hub has good coffee (and everything else). Good jazz usually too. Can't beat the sunset.