San Francisco's Best Budget Date Spot 2008

Adventurous programming, live organ music and a dash of movie magic.

Reviews:

• “Better than Ever!!!!”
• “not what it used to be”
• “Awesome for movie buffs:) Nice piece of history, worth the stop!”
• “Fabulous Glamour”
• “Bad sound, too cold”

Tips: The Castro’s marquee is visible from the hills approaching the Castro District and it’s the easiest way to find the theater.

Castro Theatre

Flavorful, authentic and affordable Moroccan cuisine in neighborhood environs on Polk.

Reviews:

• “Best Moroccan Food Ever”
• “Tajine Rules! New location has tons of space!”
• “Best Food Ever!!”
• “The best in taste and value.”

Tips: The restaurant does not serve alcohol, but there is no corkage fee for those who choose to bring their own wine. Beware, however, that only paper cups are provided and there is a house-beverage purchase required.

Tajine

Rent pedal and row boats by the hour at Golden Gate Park’s Stow Lake. Bikes include cruiser, mountain, carriage, more.

Reviews:

• “Friendly, mellow staff.”

Tips: A maximum of four passengers can fit in a boat, and one person must be at least 16 years old. Dogs are only allowed on row boats.

Stow Lake Boat & Bike Rentals or email Stow Lake Boat & Bike Rentals

The spunky sibling of the Tenderloin noodle joint invades the Mission with hip design and low-priced Thai fare.

Reviews:

• “Bad Service”
• “Great DISAPPOINTMENT”
• “best deal in lunch time specials”
• “Great Thai place”
• “Great modern thai food.”

Tips: This is a rare neighborhood spot for late-night eats, open till midnight every night.

Osha Thai Restaurant or email Osha Thai Restaurant

SoMa locals suds their duds, sip beer and eat burgers at this multi-tasker mecca.

Reviews:

• “Terrible customer service”
• “washed up”
• “Hip little spot”

Tips: Daily, 4pm-7pm, laundry washers receive a $1 coupon good for anything in the cafe.

Brain Wash Cafe and Laundromat

Downtown entertainment complex features an indoor, year-round ice-skating rink and a few bowling lanes.

Reviews:

• “WORST BOWLING ALLEY EVER”

Yerba Buena Ice Skating and Bowling Center

Bright Potrero rock club with a smokin’ outdoor patio.

Reviews:

• “Great Place For Poseurs!”
• “Poserville”
• “Great small venue”
• “Super badass”
• “Great bands in a fun spot but…”

Tips: The two-tiered back patio features tons of bar stools. Between bands, revelers can catch fresh air or puff cigarettes. One wall features a spacey board-game mural; another is plastered with posters and a shattered mirror.

Bottom of the Hill