Coffee Meets Bagel
  • Home
  • Careers
    • CMB Culture
    • Open Positions
  • Blog
  • Help Center
  • Press
  • Terms, Privacy, & Copyright
  • Menu
You are here: Home / great date spots

Posts

15 AAPI-owned spots to support on your next date

May 23, 2022/in Blog, Date Ideas, LA, NYC, SF /by CMB

May is here and brings us Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. A time to celebrate diverse cultures, support our communities, and honor the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders that have shaped who we are today. And as a company founded by three Korean sisters looking to shake up both the dating and entrepreneurial world, it holds a special place in our heart.

So in honor of AAPI Heritage Month, we’ve rounded up some AAPI-owned businesses in San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles that you can check out on your next first date. Or third date or anniversary date, or just when you feel like getting something good.

San Francisco Bay Area

Sue’s Gallery Cafe

This mom-and-pop shop with coffee, tea, and pastries is the perfect spot for a casual coffee date. And bonus, you can browse their handmade ceramics while you’re at it.

Home Coffee Roasters

Owners Annie Cheng and In Hwan Heo know a thing or two about coffee dates, as they went on weekly ones together while dreaming of opening a shop of their own. Now, you and your date can follow in their footsteps.

FOB Kitchen

Visit this Oakland spot for delicious Filipino fare and island-inspired cocktails, brought to you by owner and chef Janice Dulce who grew up in the Bay Area and Guam and is now bringing recipes learned from her family to the public.

Cha-Ya

To our non-meat eaters, this one’s for you! Family-owned and operated in San Francisco’s Mission District, this is a great spot if you’re in the mood for Japanese cuisine that’s entirely vegan, too.

Dumpling House

Grab some Chinese bites, beer, and tea from this casual, family-owned spot – with a chef whose twenty-plus years of dim sum expertise hail from Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.

Los Angeles

B Sweet Dessert Bar

Looking for something less formal than dinner, but different from the standard coffee date? Grab something decadent, like their famous banana pudding, from this dessert bar owned and operated by Barb Batiste, who grew up baking sweets for her close-knit Filipino family.

Bopomofo Cafe

Serving Asian American cuisine, co-founders Philip Wang and Eric Wang turned to bo, po, mo, and fo, “the Chinese ABCs,” to come up with the name for their cafe. Stop by for tea, espresso, matcha, and plenty of shareables perfect for a date.

Broken Mouth

Did you know that in Hawaii, “broke da mout” is used by locals to describe food so good you don’t even have time to chew? Owner and Chef Tim Lee, Korean by blood and born and raised on Oahu, serves up homestyle Hawaiian food for Los Angeles. But if you’re on a first date, maybe try to chew a little.

Pine & Crane

Looking for a casual spot? Head over to this Taiwanese spot in Silver Lake for some staples like beef noodle soup and loose-leaf tea. Emphasis on casual, as it’s first come, first serve.

Maru Coffee

You can’t go wrong with a classic coffee date at this spot in the Arts District. The name comes from native Korean San Ma Ru, which means “mountaintop,” to symbolize their high-quality coffee, as the best beans come from high altitudes.

New York City

Kopitiam

Head to this Lower East Side spot, which means “coffee shop” in Hokkien, for a taste of Nyonya cuisine. Chef and owner Kyo Pang uses family recipes and traditions to introduce visitors to this blend of Chinese and Malay flavors.

Soft Swerve

In the mood for something sweet? Soft Swerve has two locations in NYC where you can cool off with Asian-inspired ice cream flavors like matcha and ube purple yam.

Ihawan

Take your date to try the best barbecue in town at this family-owned and operated Filipino spot in Woodside. You’ll find classic dishes from the Philippines, plus their specialty Kapampangan cuisine.

Pasteur Grill & Noodles

Looking for a spot in Chinatown? Head here for authentic Vietnamese food that’s the byproduct of generations’ worth of family recipes.

Té Company

If the casual coffee date isn’t your thing, how about tea instead? This intimate spot in the West Village has a wide variety of teas sourced from Taiwan, plus Taiwanese food to pair with it.

Let’s support our communities together

We know this list is far from complete, so don’t hesitate to branch out and find other AAPI-owned spots in your area, this May and beyond! And if you have locations in mind and want to share with others, head over to our Instagram post and drop it in the comments.

classic date ideas

Back to the Basics: Classic First Date Ideas in NYC

July 10, 2013/in NYC /by Guest Blogger

The following article is a guest post, courtesy of Catherine Nguyen

Hey  Bagels!
We’re back with our Throwback Week series, where we bring you fun & original date ideas in your local city. We just covered  LA, SF, and now we’re coming for you, East Coasters, starting with classic first date ideas in NYC!

Catch a Broadway Show
Nothing beats Broadway in the heart of the Big Apple, where shows go on all year. Though popular favorites are Wicked, Lion King, and Phantom of the Opera, couples also love Book of Mormon and Chicago the Musical. Sing your heart out, Bagels!
classic date ideas
Pro Tip: Check out this awesome & comprehensive listing by NYC Tourist for the latest Broadway shows playing this summer and how to get tickets.
Prop Tip #2: If your busy schedule leaves you too booked to plan ahead for a Broadway show, check out the Theatre Development Fund where you can purchase day-of show tickets & get sweet deals too!
classic date ideas

Cruise to Lady Liberty
Cruise the Hudson River and take a visit to see the Statue of Liberty with Statue Cruises. Tickets are at most, $20, to priority access to the actual statue herself.
classic date ideas
A timeless classic, even approved by royal couple Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip in 1957, the cruise is always a romantic getaway in the heart of the Hudson.
classic date ideas

Concerts in Central Park 
You can do more than just grab coffee (and a bagel!) while on your stroll through Central Park. Every summer, the City Parks Foundation puts on a SummerStage festival. With performances on the daily, Summer Stage has brought a wide range of artists like Zooey Deschanel’s She & Him, M83, and Amos Lee. Though events require tickets, most are free. Best of all, it’s all outdoors so you can soak up that summer sun! Download their app for on-the-go event schedules and artist performances.
classic date ideas
classic date ideas

creative date ideas

Dating like its the 90’s: Creative Date Ideas in SF

July 9, 2013/in SF /by Guest Blogger

The following article is a guest post, courtesy of Catherine Nguyen

Remember in the old days when your date would come to your house, meet your parents, and then you two would be off on your merry way? Well we’re looking to bring that back with Throwback Week, bringing to you creative date ideas that are always a classic and timeless go-to (except for the meeting-the-parents part). We’ve already kicked it off with LA, and today we’ll be focusing on SF.

Dine with Lori’s Diner
When did diner dates ever go out of fashion? Actually, never! We’re all for the old-fashioned joints that have maintained their classic look, and that’s what you’ll find at Lori’s Diner. Located in the heart of Union Square, Lori’s Diner is exactly what you imagine a diner to  look like – red booths, Chocolate malts, french fries, juke boxes, and root beer floats. You may even get pinned!
creative date ideas
lori diner at night

Wash it Down with Bi-Rite Creamery
Nothing tastes better after a tasty meal with some ice cream, and no one makes it better than Bi-Rite Creamery in the Mission District. They serve all of your favorite ice cream combinations, from sundaes, sandwiches, and soft serve, in the traditional flavors but with a special twist. Chocolate and vanilla are on the menu, but so are strawberry basil and honey lavendar – yum!
birite banana split
creative date ideas
Pro Tip: Split a sundae with your bagel or lick off each others cones – either way, Bi-Rite’s Creamery is a surefire way to have a sweet time.

Watch Classic Films in Castro Theatre
In the mood for some classic films, like The Night of the Hunter, the original Exorcist, and modern ones like the Great Gatsby? Check out Castro Theatre on Castro Street, where the theatre is well preserved to provide an old time feel – 70mm capabilities on the screen,  1,200 seats with a balcony, a wurlitzer & classic wurlitzer guy, and preserved frescos on the interior.
creative date ideas
creative date ideas

great date spots in DC

A 4th of July in DC, Fireworks-Edition

June 28, 2013/in DC /by Guest Blogger

The following article is a guest post, courtesy of Catherine Nguyen

Hey DC Bagels,
If you’re willing to brave the crowds this Independence Day, check out these 3 great date spots for a patriotic, fireworks-filled 4th of July in DC!
1. Most Popular Spot – National Mall Fireworks
Pack your picnic blanket & basket, and break out the lawn chairs & glow sticks. This location is notoriously a patriotic experience in and of itself, so check it out if you’re new to DC this summer. Fireworks will be launched from the reflecting pool area at 9:10pm.
great date spots in DC
More Low-key Spots to Catch the Mall Fireworks
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a more low-key spot, check out the hill below the Navy Annex at the end of Columbia Pike, looking down at the Pentagon.
Pro Tip 2.0: Another low-key spot frequented by the locals is Cardoza High School, located at 1300 Clifton Street, where there is a large hill with a perfect view of the National Mall.

2. Fireworks & Entertainment – A Capitol Fourth Concert
If you’re looking for something more than fireworks, check out the Capitol Fourth Concert at the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Hosted by favorite TV-personality & “Dancing with the Stars” host Tom Bergeron, this concert will feature a live concert by the National Symphony Orchestra, Darren Criss from “Glee,” Megan Hilty from “Smash,” and other musical artists. Entirely free & doors open at 3pm!

great date spots in DC

Watch Megan Hilty work it on the front stage!

3. Rooftop View & Drinks – Rock & Roll Hotel DC
Hit up the Rock & Roll Hotel DC on July 4th for a “Freedom Jams! A Celebration of American Made Party Music” party with a live DJ, crazy patriotism, and deals on beer! With an outdoor bar you’ll have a perfect view of the fireworks coming out from the Mall and awesome drinks to accompany. The bar is conveniently located on 1353 H Street, NE and admission is free! 
great date spots in DC

great date spots in NYC

3 Places to Watch Fireworks for a 4th of July in NYC

June 26, 2013/in NYC /by Guest Blogger

The following article is a guest post, courtesy of Catherine Nguyen

Nothing is more romantic than cuddling with your Bagel to watch the July 4th fireworks. In honor of Independence Day, we will be launching a series of posts focused on firework hot spots in your major city throughout the week, starting with NYC!  So, grab a picnic blanket and a beer or two, and hit up these great date spots for a romantic 4th of July in NYC.
1. Macy’s Parade: The best spots to view the parade (other than on the comfort of your couch) is on 12th Avenue between 23rd and 42nd Street. This year the show, “It Begins with a Spark,” will be collaborated with Grammy artist Usher so don’t miss out on this free show!
great date spots in NYC

great date spots

Pro Tip: Try to snag a spot before 5pm as it can easily get crowded very fast!

2. Empire State Building: One of the most iconic buildings in the U.S., nothing screams ‘AMURICA’  and summer romance more than the Empire State Building. Centrally located in downtown Manhattan on 5th Avenue with top notch viewpoints from the 86th and 102nd floor, the Empire State Building provides the perfect venue for patriotic fireworks viewing. Tickets can be purchased here for admission and complimentary light refreshments.

great date spots

Maybe you’ll find love here like Tom Hanks did in Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

great date spots in NYC
3. Cruising the Hudson: For a fun night full of drinks, dancing, a live DJ, and a perfect view of fireworks shooting off straight from the Hudson, check out the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise. Tickets are also available for purchase here but get ’em quick before they sell out, as this tends to be a popular and classy affair.
great date spots

Categories

  • Blog
  • Boston
  • Chicago
  • CMB 101
  • CMB Experiences
  • CMB Says
  • CMB Updates
  • Date Ideas
  • Date Stats
  • Date Stories
  • Date Tips
  • Dating for Men
  • Dating in LA
  • Dating in NYC
  • Dating in SF
  • DC
  • For Her
  • For Him
  • From the founders
  • Funny & Videos
  • Home
  • LA
  • LGBT Dating
  • list
  • moments
  • News
  • NYC
  • Product
  • SF
  • Stats
  • Stories
  • Tips
  • Tips on CMB
  • Uncategorized
  • Virtual dates

Get the app

Get the App for iOS
Get the App for Android
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
  • Help Center
  • Privacy & Terms

Join the app

Join the app on iOS
Join the app on Android
© Copyright - Coffee Meets Bagel - Enfold Theme by Kriesi
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
Scroll to top

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

OKLearn more

Cookie and Privacy Settings

How we use cookies

We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website. Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.

Essential Website Cookies

These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, you cannot refuse them without impacting how our site functions. You can block or delete them by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website.

Google Analytics Cookies

These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. If you do not want that we track your visist to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:

Other external services

We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.

Google Webfont Settings:

Google Map Settings:

Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:

Privacy Policy

You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. privacy-policy