By the time a first date begins, the involved parties have already had ample time to size one another up. Not even a “blind date” is without some foresight, and one of the major ways that people can glean information is through the choice of location. (I will never stop regretting the time I agreed to meet a guy in a Foggy Bottom Starbucks, which should have been a key indicator that we probably weren’t a great match. The Starbucks he ultimately chose was, of course, the one in the GW Hospital food court. Was he a doctor? Absolutely not. Reader, I married him. Just kidding—so began the worst date of my life.) It can be tough to pick a spot, though, because you should cross all your favorite, regular haunts from your list: you don’t want to run into friends and former lovers, after all. We’ve compiled places you can suggest for a rendezvous that will convey certain qualities you might want to impress upon your date. Needless to say, hospital food courts did not make the cut. We tried to choose places that would give you choice when it comes to duration, in case you want to duck out, and has other fun options nearby, if you want to keep the day or night going. And if you’re not big on dating but wouldn’t mind a good dance floor make-out session? Well, we’ve got a list for that, too.

Yards Park. (Photo by Caroline Angelo)

You’re all about green space: Head on down to Yards Park, where the 5.4 acre, Metro-accessible space has all manner of seating, each boasting a great view of the Anacostia River. From the Overlook, which has about a dozen shady bistro tables and chairs to the chaise lounges of River Street Gardens, you can form a number of tableaus with your date as you embark on those first conversations. Or, check out the Waterfront Fountains, where nighttime brings color-changing lights. Stroll the boardwalk and discuss your feelings about “The Light Tower” sculpture. Scope out all the pups playing without without leashes at the fenced-in Dog Run. But the piece de resistance remains the Yards Park Bridge, a futuristic feature connecting the Great Lawn and the Overlook (and also, potentially, you and your date). You’re also close to all the culinary offerings of Navy Yard if the mood strikes.—Rachel Kurzius

Yards Park is located at 355 Water Street SE.

You’ve got a literary side: Bookish and trying to prove it? Go straight to Petworth Citizen, where the cocktails are wonderful and there’s a literal haven for book nerds in the back. Step inside the photogenic Reading Room (the tomes are arranged by color) and peruse the free(!) offerings. On weekends, one of the city’s best bartenders, Chantal Tseng, creates a whole literary-themed cocktail menu. If that plan goes awry for some reason, there’s a built-in back-up right next door: the companion shop, Upshur Street Books. Peruse the small store before heading to one of the street’s many delicious offerings (Timber Pizza really is amazing, but the truly excellent Ruta del Vino is likely to be less hectic). If Upshur Street is too hot for you these days, go a few blocks south on Georgia Avenue. In a weird strip mall setting, you and your date can have a wander around Wall of Books, a huge (for D.C.) used bookstore, and then grab a pint at The Midlands Beer Garden or a coffee at Colony Club.—Rachel Sadon

Petworth Citizen is located at 829 Upshur St NW

Anacostia Arts Center. (Photo by Jessica Aller)

You know what’s happening beyond Northwest: East-of-the-river, East End, River East—whatever you want to call it—show your date that you know where the cool kids hang beyond Northwest. Picking up steam across the Anacostia River, the Anacostia Arts Center features about a dozen events every month. The center’s black box theater houses plays, dance performances, spoken word sessions, musical entertainment, and more. For a first date, it’s best to get there early before the show (or visit the center solely) to chat while perusing works by local artists in the gallery space, shopping for some of the city’s best African-centered apparel at Nubian Hueman, or showing off your intellectual and creative side at The Den reading room. And don’t forget to grab a bite to eat at Art Drenaline 365 Cafe, which has a weekend brunch that’s well worth the visit.—Christina Sturdivant

The Anacostia Arts Center is located at 1231 Good Hope Road SE.

You’ve got oenophile chops, or just want to look like you do: Head to Maxwell Park. This Shaw wine bar is small and intimate, with a cute outdoor patio. But don’t be fooled: it is not your run-of-the-mill collection of Pinots and Malbecs and Chenin Blancs. One of Maxwell’s proprietors is one of D.C.’s most notable sommeliers and wine nerds, Brent Kroll. His perfectionism when it comes to his craft is evident (he keeps wine in four different temperature controlled areas) as well as his commitment to expanding the drinking public’s palate—at Maxwell, much of the large selection of wines are rotated every few weeks and focus on grapes that aren’t well known or regions that are underappreciated. Extremely educated staff can help navigate the wine list, or maybe you already know enough to thoroughly impress your date. Wine bars are a staple in the first date arena, but with a visit to Maxwell Park, you’re in for an elevated experience. Plus, nestled near Blagdon Alley and other Shaw hot spots, you can make a night of it if Maxwell goes well.—Meghan Markey

Maxwell Park is located at 1336 9th St NW.

The Congressional Cemetery. (Photo by Caroline Angelo)

You’re darkly romantic (or maybe just adorably morbid): Go to the Congressional Cemetery, which is both historic and still active. In operation since 1807, many people of both local and national significance are buried on its beautiful, sweeping grounds. A stroll through the well-manicured, wide pathways at dusk, passing by the likes of John Philip Sousa and J. Edgar Hoover would be romantic in and of itself. However, the cemetery also offers a wide range of events, including its evening Soul Strolls, hour-long guided tours led by costumed staff members. You and your date can even grab a drink at the bar in the Chapel beforehand. Or, attend one of the cemetery’s other darkly romantic events: its monthly Cinematery is an eerie and neat riff on the outdoor movie experience. This year’s theme is film noir, and you can even BYOB in addition to the blanket to share with your date. —Meghan Markey

The Congressional Cemetery is located at 1801 E St SE.

You aren’t afraid to get wet: Suggest the Key Bridge Boathouse. It may not be an oceanside view, but Georgetown’s edge of the Potomac offers a special way to see the District. Paddle around Washington Harbor to your heart’s content with affordable kayak and canoe rentals from the Key Bridge Boathouse ($16/hr for a single kayak, $22 if you want to cozy up in a double, $25 for a roomy canoe). Bonus points for not having to keep the conversation going the entire time. Paddle boarding is also available for the more adventurous. Top off the afternoon by sharing something sweet from Baked and Wired (1052 Thomas Jefferson St NW) a few blocks away.—Kate Stoltzfus

The Key Bridge Boathouse is located at 3500 Water St NW.

Are these Glen’s customers on dates or is it just platonic? (Photo via Facebook)

You’re not quite sure you’re going on a romantic date: In a city with an emphasis on networking, there are times when it’s legitimately tough to decipher if someone wants to get in your pants or your professional sphere. When you’re looking to keep it ambiguous, Glen’s Garden Market is a perfect option. There’s beer (at the cheap cost of $4, no less), but there’s also coffee, tea, and sodas, along with all manner of snacks. The lighting inside is platonic, but some of those outdoor tables as the sun sets have a more romantic hue. You could, of course, also be honest about your intentions and have an open conversation about your expectations prior to meeting up (actually, we highly recommend this course of action), but if you’re not ready for that, then Glen’s is the ticket.—Rachel Kurzius

Glen’s Garden Market is located at 2001 S St NW and 1924 8th Street NW.

You want the chance to bare your soul: In the underrated Buffy spin-off Angel, a demon named Lorne could read people’s auras by having them sing a couple of bars of a song. Fortunately for us, you don’t have to come from the the demonic dimension of Pylea to share in that magical talent. All it takes is a journey to a local karaoke bar. I don’t recommend private room karaoke for a first date, because that means you will literally be staring at one another in a darkened room as you take turns singing. Venturing to a karaoke night in a full bar and scoping out the other person’s reactions, on the other hand, can be a great way to get to know them. It’s like taking the experience of traveling with another person and distilling it into a single night. It could be intense, but hey, it could also pay off. Plus, because the bar will be loud, you won’t have the added pressure of needing to constantly carry on conversation, and the singers will provide all manner of topic-starters. (“I used to love Incubus in high school!” “Wow, people really love singing Garth Brooks!” etc.) And if your date happens to take the mic for a tune? Well, all the better to get to know you my dear.—Rachel Kurzius

Here are some of the best karaoke joints in D.C.

Phillips After 5. (Photo by Greta Arnold)

You’re all about culture: Try hitting up Phillips After 5 at the Phillips Collection in Dupont Circle. Worried about awkwardly splitting that pricey first dinner date bill? No worries here—tickets are only $10-12 each and that includes admission to the entire museum (no ticker-tape to hold you back, baby!). And not only do you not have to worry about forcing first-date dinner table conversation, you won’t be kicked out until after 8:30 p.m. That’s over three hours of first date fun and absolutely no passive aggressive stares from waiters anxious to turn over your table. Every Phillips After 5 event is themed to compliment the museum’s current exhibit so take in the art or maybe just hunker down at the cash bar, enjoy the live music, and people watch to your hearts’ content. There’s always a little something for everyone. The next event, “Finnish Kool,” features art by IC-98, a karaoke bar, short films, and asks: what is your favorite emoji? Not feeling very mod? November’s offering, “Fashion a la Renoir,” might be just the ticket for you and your new special someone. Be warned, this may become a cherished monthly date night.—Randy Smith

Phillips After 5 happens each first Thursday of the month at The Phillips Collection, located at 1600 21st Street NW.

You’re the no-frills athletic type: I will be the first to admit I have never done this and have absolutely zero plans to, but I have friends who enjoy taking a run as a first date. Again, I think this is nuts, but it makes some kind of sense. Rather than getting drunk together, let a runner’s high and the copious sweat forming on your face act as a social lubricant as you enjoy the outdoors together. You don’t need to constantly chit-chat when your heavy, labored breathing harmonizes in beautiful concert. Plus, you’ll already know what your date looks like au naturale. And best of all, it’s totally free and can end whenever. If the match-up isn’t going well, fake a cramp and take a turn at the next corner.—Rachel Kurzius

Here are some of the best places to go running in and around D.C.

Service Bar. (Photo by Mark Gaunt)

You’re laid back and cool: Admittedly, I don’t need to impress romantic dates any more (the joy of a long-term relationship!), but U Street’s Service Bar has quickly become my go-to spot for acquaintance dates, and I think it would translate particularly well to those times when you want to show you’re not a scene-chaser, but still definitely know what’s up. Service Bar somehow manages to have an eclectic, intricate cocktail menu without being pretentious about it—or breaking the bank. It’s also great if you’re into craft cocktails but don’t know if that’s your date’s thing, too. They’ve got plenty of beer, wine, and a standard $7 drink menu (yep, really). On top of that, there’s a truly chill, neighborhood-y vibe; it’s something that half the bars in this city are going for (if the PR emails are to be believed) but few achieve. Oh yeah, and they have some of the city’s best fried chicken. You really need more?—Rachel Sadon

Service Bar is located at 928 U Street NW

You’re plugged into D.C.’s theater scene: Take in a show at one of Woolly Mammoth Theatre’s Pay What You Can Preview Nights. This affordable date night option is an increasingly popular alternative to pricey theater tickets. Woolly Mammoth, located in Penn Quarter, is known for its high production value and provocative but accessible productions, which will, no doubt, impress your date. You may be cheap, but you’re also classy! Standing in line for Pay What You Can preview tickets can be tedious, but it can also feel spontaneous and adventurous. Revel together in the fact that you are attending a preview performance before all your friends, a currency of its own in this town. Once you have tickets in hand, you can grab a few cocktails from the theater bar and wander around the lobby of arguably D.C.’s slickest theater. By the time the show is over, you’ll have plenty to talk about!—Randy Smith

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company is located at 641 D St NW.

Crispus Attucks Park. (Photo by rockcreek)

You’re detail-oriented: What if being a control freak was actually romantic? When it comes to a picnic in a park, it can be! Take your date to the hidden urban oasis that is Crispus Attucks Park and bring a basket of goodies. The Bloomingdale green space found through an alley is often filled on sunny days with people throwing frisbees or setting up hammocks. Spread a nice blanket on the ground, take out some fresh fruit or cheese (hot tip: ask in advance if your date has any dietary restrictions and plan accordingly), and bring along some totally non-alcoholic drinks to stay within the letter of the law, or some alcohol to ease your nerves and show off your devil-may-care attitude. As it gets dark, you can migrate to Rhode Island Avenue if things are going well.—Rachel Kurzius

Crispus Attucks Park is located at 23 U St NW.

You’re sporty *and* playful: If you want to show you’ve got some Herculean qualities without signing the two of you up for a 10K right off the bat, go to Earth Treks in either Crystal City, Va. or Md. locations in Rockville and Columbia. This massive rock climbing gym (seriously, the Crystal City one is 45,000 square feet) is comprised of over 400 routes and boulders to climb and explore with your date. With its super fun and colorful design, it is almost more like a gigantic interactive art installation than a climbing gym. Earth Treks is a great alternative to more obvious physical-activity focused dates, like hiking or taking a stroll outside, especially in more inclement weather. If you or your date is a climbing novice, you can even book their Introduction to Climbing class for the two of you and learn the basics (and more about each other) together.—Meghan Markey

Earth Treks has three locations in the D.C.-area.

The exterior of The Society of the Cincinnati headquarters. Hot, no? (Photo by Ronnie R.)

You’re a history buff: The Society of the Cincinnati is the equivalent of the Daughters of the American Revolution for men. It’s a patriot organization founded by officers in the Continental Army, and counts Alexander Hamilton as its second president. Its headquarters are housed in the stately Anderson House, just a few blocks north of Dupont Circle on Massachusetts Avenue. The home of eccentric American diplomat Larz Anderson and his wife, Isabel, the turn-of-the-century mansion features art collected from Asia, a grand ballroom, and an entire room built around an expansive Venetian painting. Tours of the mansion are free and exhibitions often showcase ties to the American Revolution. After you wave goodbye to the house’s statue of George Washington, America’s Cincinnatus, wander over a few blocks over to 20th street to Filter and grab a cup Thomas Jefferson’s favored drink: coffee.—Leigh Giangreco

The Society of the Cincinnati is located at 2118 Massachusetts Avenue NW.

You shine in the daytime: When you just can’t wait until dusk to see your date, or you have another one lined up, consider meeting during the day. One of my favorite spots to hang when the sun is out is A Baked Joint. Unlike its sister-cafe Baked and Wired, the Mount Vernon Square locale has a variety of seating options so you can have a laid back time or have the privacy to ask all your burning first-date questions.There’s communal seating near the entrance that’s great for people watching in case your conversation slows down, tables for two in the middle of the cafe for more privacy, and couches in a back nook for getting a bit closer. Just get a drink to start, and if you’re feeling it, you can move to their delicious food options. The bread is tasty and baked in-house daily. The menu also offers lots of lunch options, plus breakfast all day long. And if things are really gelling, you can always decide to switch from caffeinated drinks to beer and wine.—Christina Sturdivant

A Baked Joint is located at 440 K St NW.

Updated to reflect that, from the Key Bridge Boathouse, you’d be paddling around Washington Harbor.