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Date Night Ideas In The San Gabriel Valley

header-echomountain-credit-nickyee
(credit: Nick Yee)

(credit: Nick Yee)

The San Gabriel Valley might not have the hottest dating scene in Los Angeles compared to other areas, but that doesn't mean it doesn't offer its own set of great restaurants and activities to do with a date. The mostly suburban community doesn't offer a lot of nightlife options and Angelenos don't really make the trek over unless it's for good Chinese food or a happy hour deal at some swanky Pasadena watering hole, but rest assured, if you're in the 626 and looking for a way to charm your date, we've got the perfect roundup for you.

What To Do
vineland
(Photo Credit: Vineland Drive-In Theater)

Vineland Drive-In
443 N. Vineland Avenue
City of Industry, CA 91746
(626) 961-9262
www.vinelanddriveintheater.com

Drive down to the City of Industry for a good, old-fashioned drive-in movie. The great thing about Vineland is that it's open seven days a week, general admission is only $9 and they show the latest releases. Load up the car with some blankets, snacks and enjoy watching a flick under the stars with FM Dolby Stereo sound. What's cooler than bringing it back to the olden days with your date?

echomountain-credit-nickyee
(credit: Nick Yee)

Echo Mountain Night Hike
E Loma Alta Drive at Lake Ave
Altadena, CA 91001

If you're feeling particularly bold, drive up to Altadena and hike up to Echo Mountain at night. Bring a headlamp or a flashlight because you're going to need it for this two to three-hour hike. The trailhead is on Lake and Loma Alta and it's 2.5 miles up with relatively steep inclines. It's a tough climb for beginners, but the panoramic view of the San Gabriel Valley is absolutely breathtaking and well worth the sweat and time it takes to get up there!

bowling
(credit: Shutterstock)

Go Bowling
AMF Bowling
1020 S. Baldwin Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91007
(626) 445-3160
www.amf.com

Some people think bowling is a nerdy sport, but to the contrary, it's actually a great activity to do on a date! At AMF Bowling Lanes in Arcadia, you can do just that. This hip bowling alley offers not only a full bowling alley, but also arcade games, pool tables and much more to keep you and your date entertained. And, if you go on the right night, they offer 'Cosmic Bowling,' where you're playing glow in the dark bowling with music playing. With a friendly staff, and a lively atmosphere, you're sure to have a great time.

What To Eat & Drink
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(credit: Clarissa Wei)

Factory Tea Bar
323 S Mission Dr
San Gabriel, CA 91776
(626) 872-2969
www.factoryteabar.com

Thirsty? Try the hottest drinks lounge in town at Factory Tea Bar. The menu might not include alcoholic drinks, but from smoothies to hot or cold teas, boba drinks, and more, Factory Tea Bar is where all the neighborhood people hang out. The drinks are solid but the desserts are better. If you're looking for a suggestion, the massive brick toast is a community favorite. Play a round of Monopoly deal as you snuggle up on their plush couches or better yet, pick up their communal guitar and strum up a ballad as you serenade your date.

jazzcat-credit-jazzcat
(credit: Jazzcat)

Jazz Cat
121 E Valley Boulevard
San Gabriel, CA 91776
(626) 288-5200
www.facebook.com

If you're looking to grab dinner with your date, head over to San Gabriel's Jazz Cat, a swanky hot pot restaurant with. This Asian fusion restaurant is a welcome addition to the San Gabriel restaurant scene, offering a Chinese version of fondue, minus the heavy price tag and much more. Each person gets their own individual pot and platter, so if you and your date don't have the same flavor preferences or worse yet, if one of you guys is a germaphobe, you're in luck. The black and red décor screams romance and beef lovers can opt for their "T-Rex" option, which just means more red meat.

rabbithole-credit-rabbithole
(credit: Rabbit Hole)

Rabbit Hole
24 W Main Street
Alhambra, CA 91801
www.facebook.com

Aside from the fact that the bar offers a great happy hour, it's a terrific bar to just grab a drink at whatever time. The chic and delightful Alhambra-based watering hole with an "Alice In Wonderland" theme offers its happy hour every day from 8 to 10pm and they offer fancy cocktails made to order. Cocktails here are always changing as the mixologists are constantly trying to keep it fresh. So, seasonal cocktails are always offered. One thing is for sure though - they offer a wide selection of specialty drinks, as well as any other type of regular cocktail you might want to order.

tastygarden-credit-clarissawei
(credit: Clarissa Wei)

Tasty Garden
500 N Atlantic Boulevard
Monterey Park, CA 91754
(626) 872-0900
www.tastygardenmontereypark.com

If the date has gone so well and you don't want to say goodbye yet, drop by one of the San Gabriel Valley's late night Hong Kong diners for some tasty eats. Recognized for its outstanding Chinese and Asian cuisine, excellent and friendly staff, and tasty foods, this restaurant is known for a more modern interpretation of classical oriental dishes that will leave you wanting more. Using fresh ingredients, the menu offers a huge selection of items ranging from house specials like stir fried clams with basil, as well as seafood dishes, fried rice, noodle dishes, sandwiches and much more.

Clarissa Wei writes about Chinese food in Los Angeles. Check out her work at www.clarissawei.com.
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