Top Bars For A Blind Date In Philadelphia

Blind dates are a scary proposition. They have the ability to add stress to an already stressful situation. Where to go, what to do -- as well as what not to do and where not to go -- well-lit or romantically dark, and large versus cozy and intimate are common considerations. Of course, all of these choices depend on individual preferences, but Philadelphia offers a plethora of great bars for a blind date.

The Farmers' Cabinet
1113 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 923-1113
www.thefarmerscabinet.com

It may sound like urban hillbilly, but The Farmers' Cabinet is more urbane than some posh lounges in the city. Taking its name from a mid-19th century monthly magazine published in Philadelphia, the Farmers' Cabinet concept is symbolic of the large selection of European craft beers the restaurant offers. For a blind date, its Victorian-era lamp lighting motif, along with its unique spaces and features ranging from more public to more private, offers plenty of seating choices for the occasion. It is also well-known for its five-days-per-week live music schedule.

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Vintage Wine Bar
129 S. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 922-3095
www.vintage-philadelphia.com

If wine is the blind dater's drink of choice, then the Vintage Wine Bar is the place to impress. With more than 60 wines by the glass and 20 more by bottle, the restaurant also offers more than 25 beer choices and a full range of cocktail selections. Featuring French bistro-style fare by Chef Dan James, Vintage is located near City Hall. The bar uses its interior brick and wine crate walls to host rotating art installations that feature local and not-so-local artists -- a pretty cool conversation starter.

Jamonera Restaurant
105 S. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 922-6061
www.jamonerarestaurant.com

Jamonera, an upscale inventive tapas restaurant in the Midtown Village area, opened recently inside the old Bindi space. Marcie Turney and Valerie Safran, who opened Barbuzzo in September of 2010, are some of the original architects of the change seen in this neighborhood today. With its Spanish bordello ambiance, Jamonera provides a chic, intimate setting for a blind date. With an excellent selection of signature cocktails, Spanish beers and cider, this eatery mixes hacienda grace and comfort with fiesta flair.

Tinto Wine Bar
114 S. 20th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 665-9150
www.tintorestaurant.com

Tinto is named after a colloquial term that describes the typical red wine served at pintxos bars in northern Spain, the area populated by native Basque. It is that heritage that sets Tinto apart from other Spanish restaurants. Featuring the cuisine of Chef Jose Garces, Tinto is the second venue opened by this renowned culinary sensation. Its warm atmosphere includes both polished and rough woods and offers a romantic haven for a first date.

Alfa American Tavern
1709 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 751-0201
www.alfa-bar.com

Since opening in April 2006, Alfa has provided a casual yet upscale space for both friends and lovers (or those hoping to move from one to the other). Whether the blind date is a happy hour meeting or a late night liaison, Alfa, created by Joe Beckham and Giancarlo DiPasquale, provides a beautiful setting with soft lighting and comfortable seating. With an excellent selection of cocktails, wine and beer, in addition to its menu created by Chef Joe Hunt, Alfa provides the backdrop for making first date memories.

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Jeffrey B. Roth, has won numerous state and national news and feature-writing awards during his career. A well-known crime writer, investigative reporter and a feature writer, Roth writes for a number of magazines and newspapers. Listed in the Locus Index of SciFi and Fantasy authors, Roth is the author of a number of published short stories and poetry. His work can be found on Examiner.com.