<p>Okay, I would first like to apologize for the non-academic-ness of the question. But I think many people may benefit from this, so I'm kind of asking for other people as well. If driving is not an option (and neither is taking the bus!), where would you recommend going out with someone, especially if it's only the first time? Preferably close to the UW Seattle campus obviously, but I was thinking that the Ave is not exactly known for high-end restaurants. There's also that movie theater, and tons of coffee places on the Ave.</p>
<p>Actually, I'm more interested in the expensive restaurants around the area. I once took a girl out to China First. It wasn't until later that I realized that it was probably the most inexpensive restaurant on the Ave. On Yelp, it has about a rating of 2.5/5.0, with one star being the most common rating. No wonder she wasn't happy with it. So I'm kind of looking at the opposite end of the spectrum now. Where's a good place to take someone, that's known for having good food, and without her later thinking to herself that I was being cheap?</p>
<p>I like Cedars, the Indian restaurant, right close to UW. It’s kinda near Greek Row but it’s a quaint, delicious little place. The ave has good restaurants but I’m not sure they’re particularly conducive to a great date because they’re all loud (to be fair, Cedars can be as well if you’re going there at peak times) and cramped. If you really want to go higher class, you’re probably going to have to walk/take a taxi into Seattle a bit. There’s a lot of high end, quaint, amazing restaurants that I’ve been to…but the college crowd isn’t exactly their demographic, so they’re farther away from UW.</p>
<p>Something simple too is always Ivar’s on the waterfront and eating outside, but that’s an idea for a lunch date or when the weather gets better. But from there you have a rather long list of activities within short proximity…provided the date is going well 
</p>
<p>Let me know if you want to know some other restaurants, I know the area fairly well.</p>
<p>Thank you! Actually, yeah any help at all is appreciated. I’m not so sure about the whole idea of taking a taxi into Downtown Seattle for some of the better restaurants, because I feel like if there’s any driving that’s going to be involved, I’d better do it myself. Cedar’s looks good, albeit a little bit far away, being one and a half blocks north of NE 45th Street, but nothing that’s not manageable. More time to walk and talk together, I suppose. It also has a 3.5/5.0 on Yelp, with a mode of four out of five stars, which is good. I’ll definitely keep it in mind, since I don’t suppose you can get much better on the Ave. But I’d welcome any other suggestions. Last thing I’d want to do is look bad on a date. :)</p>
<p>LOL at cedar’s being far away. </p>
<p>Shalimar is probably the best “date-style” restaurant south of 45th.</p>
<p>but I prefer Ok Noodles, Garam Masala, Costas, and Pam’s Kitchen; strap on the hiking boots though as they’re all north of 45th.</p>
<p>There’s many fine other places, but they aren’t really conducive to a date. the one drawback of pam’s kitchen is it can be get quite crowded and loud.</p>
<p>Also, what’s wrong with taking the bus?</p>
<p>Having been on many dates on campus before, I can tell you my favorite places from a girl’s point of view.</p>
<p>As someone else has said, Shalimar is a great place for dinner. It’s nicely decorated inside, somewhat pricey and very tasty. After dinner, if things are going well, take a stroll on the Burke-Gilman trail away from campus past Stevens Court. This will take you to Gas Works Park. You can sit on top of that huge hill and watch the sunset above downtown. </p>
<p>There are also several places to eat dinner at in the U-Village. This may actually be a better option than the Ave (unless you go to Shalimar). Sonrisa is good and I love Boom Noodle. For desert, there is a great crepe stand next to Boom Noodle that I adore as well. I also have several friends who often eat at The Ram, but I have never been there myself. </p>
<p>And about downtown, why would you ever take a taxi there!? You cannot just ride the bus?</p>
<p>Loving all the restaurant advice! Thanks, but a few general questions.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>I’m a commuter student, so I’ll always have my backpack with me. I’m never separated from it, because if I leave it for a minute, it’ll surely get stolen. That being said, carrying a backpack containing all your school stuff around with you on a date can be rather cumbersome, I’d imagine. Would it work if I just dropped it off at the Burke Museum, and then ran out without picking it up, so they can keep it safe for me? They take your backpacks from you as you go in because you’re not allowed to have them in there, which is why I ask. The other (and probably much better option) would be just to go on a weekend when I won’t have a backpack.</p></li>
<li><p>Although I may sound hypocritical for saying this because I take several buses to and from UW every day, I don’t like buses. I think they’re dirty, loud, too public and wide open, and not convenient. I just don’t think they’d be conducive to a good date. A taxi isn’t much better, since there’s a stranger driving you around. I just feel like if we’re going anywhere, it would either have to be me doing the driving in my own car, or us walking together. But should I actually not rule out the possibility of taking the bus if it works well?</p></li>
<li><p>I wish we had the beach! We’re not California or Hawaii, but I wish we were!</p></li>
<li><p>I’ve only been to Gas Works Park a few times, so I don’t know the place very well. Is it a long walk from UW? Just looking at Google Maps, I’d estimate 20 minutes or so. I’m also kind of afraid of the place because I’ve never been able to find clean bathrooms there, and I don’t know any good restaurants around there. I’m actually generally not that afraid of dirtiness, but if it’s a date, then things are different.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Yeah, I’m kind of socially awkward…</p>
<p>gasworks is about 1.5 miles from where the burke-gilman trail crosses brooklyn. gas works is not scary, if you want a sketchy park you should take her to that one downtown near pike place market, victor steinbruck or something. lots of creepy ****ers there.</p>
<p>but gasworks is a nice place to chill on a sunny evening, though it is a bit overcrowded sometimes. i’m sure you could find a good place in fremont to eat if you wanted.</p>
<p>Check out Elemental if you want a unique and expensive experience. It is located on the bottom floor of the condos right across the street from Gas Works Park. You really have to know where it is to find it, so you might check it out prior to the day.</p>
<p>It is an unforgettable experience. Run by a husband and wife. You are slightly abused (as he makes fun of whatever your favorite drink is), and from then on, you are served course after course of food as artwork. No ordering or requests (unless you are alleric to something). You will sample many many items. Small plates of fabulous food, paired with a wine for each course. No reservations/no ordering/no questions/no tip. All included. Fabulous incredible food.</p>
<p>Most unique dining experience I’ve had in Seattle.</p>
<p>If you want really close to the U District, I would say</p>
<p>1: Check out the improv shows at the Historic University Theater. I personally really like them, and everyone I’ve gone with does too. They are usually hilarious. Look at the website for Jet City Improv to see what’s playing.</p>
<p>2: if you like thai/vegetarian food, go to Araya’s. It is on 45 st between 12th and 11th. It has a great atmosphere</p>
<p>3:if it’s a sunny day go on a walk on the Ravenna park trail</p>
<p>edit: oh I just realized you wrote this like 3 weeks ago. Well whatever.</p>