Best Places For A Blind Date In The South Bay

Blind dates are always nerve wracking as you wonder about every negative thing that can happen. But you never know. Marilyn Monroe met Joe DiMaggio on a blind date. Sonny met Cher. Even former Secretary of State Colin Powell met his wife on a blind date. So relax and enjoy the potentials the date may bring. Here are five places in the South Bay that may help you win her/his heart.

The Wine Room
520 Ramona St.
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 322-1292
www.thepawineroom.com

The Wine Room décor is warm and cozy, with a fireplace and comfy seating, an ideal setting for sitting back to have that first conversation and get to know each other. Located in the heart of downtown Palo Alto in a lovely Spanish adobe with red-tile roof, the Wine Room makes for a convenient meeting spot or presents an attractive entry if a couple arrives together. The extensive wine list offers a wide range of wines by the glass – including boutique wines from around the globe -- selected to suit every palate and budget. The Wine Room also offers light, savory fare to share that perfectly complements the wines, plus a few sweet options.

Vintage Wine Bar
368 Santana Row, Suite 1040
San Jose, CA 95128
(408) 985-9463
www.vintagewinemerchants.com

Set in the middle of Santana Row, San Jose's open-air marketplace, Vintage Wine Bar is an attractive, upscale spot to sample wines from all coasts and regions. Along with a long list of quality wines by the flights, glass or bottle, select food from a range of small plate items centered mainly on artisanal cheeses, salame, olives, nuts and pate choices. Alternative meeting can be Saturday or Sunday for the Mimosas & Muffins, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a selection of specialty drinks, muffins and pastries, chocolates, ports, beer and sodas.

Vino Locale
431 Kipling St.
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 328-0450
www.vinolocale.com

Vino Locale is a small, cozy wine bar and restaurant occupying a charming, historic Victorian house in downtown Palo Alto. Jocelyn, Debra and Emily, the three co-owners, invite you to enjoy the wine, food and ambiance of Vino Locale. There is a lovely back patio too, adding to the relaxing mood of the place, making it a natural for good vibes and conversation as you listen to local musicians play. The wine list is impressive and the bistro-style menu pairs well with the wines offered. This is wonderful date destination and is sure to set a blind date experience off to a great start.

Related: Best East Bay Places To Go On A Romantic Date

Nemea Greek Taverna
96 S. 1^st St.
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 279-4225
www.nemeagreektaverna.com

Happy hours are good choices for first or blind dates, but not just any happy hour will do. The focused time period and affordable drink and bar menu selections are best bets for allowing relaxed, get-to-know-you conversation without a heavy or pricy meal to deal with. Nemea Greek Taverna is a pretty, date-appropriate place and provides a good excuse to show up a little more dressed up than the usual casual date attire. Perhaps meet after work at this downtown San Jose restaurant set in a beautiful environment featuring a well-blended mix of old-world charm with the modern kick of an open kitchen and elegant furniture. Happy hour is in the bar area, with traditional Greek items generally priced at $5 each.

Related: First Date Spots In North Bay

Melanie Graysmith is a writer, artist and educator based in San Francisco. She writes on adult education, art and lifestyle topics, and enjoys writing short stories and poetry. She is also a member of an independent filmmaking group. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.