Live music may seem too loud for a first date, but the upbeat jazz (no cover) and lively scene at Mr. Tipples will work in your favor in this case. Over snacks and expert cocktails from the Maven team you can either have such a good time that you end up dancing, or be grateful for the music to fill the space if conversation falls silent.

Choose from Ritual coffee or Smitten ice cream in Patricias Green park, or — pro move — go to both and make an affogato to enjoy while you sit in the grass and learn everything there is to know about each other. Bad weather? Just walk on over to family-owned Cafe La Vie (514 Octavia St.), where charmingly small tables will get you appropriately close.

Absinthe is that perfect restaurant that fits into so many life occasions. In this case, its lively bar, familiar menu, and killer cocktails add a twinkle that makes second dates seem special. Hopefully you'll start with cocktails and some shared plates only to linger over a bottle of wine.

Queen bee/SF chef Dominique Crenn's second, more casual venture is a dinner party of a restaurant, where the kitchen takes you on a journey to Crenn's French hometown Brittany. Go along for the multi-course, wood-fired meal ride, being sure to pair it with a few bottles of wine from the all-natural list. Crenn knows how to do it right, so though the restaurant has a more low-key vibe than her original fine dining temple Atelier Crenn, you'll still walk away feeling wowed.

The food you eat at Rich Table is unlike any other in the city, yet also fits right in. The multi-ingredient, innovative dishes don't seem to make much sense on the menu, but come together on first bite. It's a fun experience that will get you and your partner vibing on new flavors.