ISSUE NO. 08 · NORTH COUNTY, SAN DIEGO

Feeling Sort of Romantic

Not every couple wants the same night out, so we stopped writing like they do. Some couples want a private hour solving a fake murder, some want cheap wine and a sunset walk. Nine date nights across North County, built around who you two actually are — not who a greeting card thinks you should be.

Del Mar + Solana Beach

For the couple who'd rather dance than talk

Some seafood small bites and a good to drink at Glass Box in Del Mar, then stay through the encore and dance yourself clean for whoever's on at Belly Up — check the calendar for upcoming shows.

Rate → $$$ · See Glass Box menu · Check show schedule

Carlsbad

For the couple who reads together

Do the crossword together over coffee at Marla's, the café built right into Carlsbad Village Books, then get lost in the stacks arguing about what you got wrong.

Rate → $ · See store hours

Encinitas

For the couple who shares a Letterboxd account

North County's only single-screen movie theater has been running since 1928 — catch whatever's playing at La Paloma, then talk through plot devices over sliders a few blocks down at Rosemarie's Buns & Brews.

Rate → $$ · See what's playing · See Rosemarie's menu

Oceanside

For the couple who wants a change of pace

Build your own spread by filling up a basket with sake, snacks and sushi at Kyoto Japanese Market. Then, grab a blanket and eat it under the trees at Buddy Todd Park. For extra credit, go at sunset. You won't be disappointed by the view.

Rate → $ · See what's in stock

Cardiff

For the couple who wants a night by the water

Watch the sunset from the beach in Cardiff, then eat where you can still see it — Pacific Coast Grill does the whole thing beachside. Book ahead; walk-ins get bar seating at best.

Rate → $$$ · Reserve a table

Encinitas

For the couple who'd rather sweat it out together

Fifty minutes, five modalities, one reset at Club House in Encinitas — cold plunge, sauna, red light, compression boots, vibration plate, no hidden fees. First session is $20. Acai after at Lotus, a six-minute walk down Coast Hwy 101.

Rate → $$ · Book a session · See Lotus menu

Escondido

For the couple who shares something quietly different

Start the morning at Queen Califia's Magical Circle in Kit Carson Park — the strangest, most beautiful thing you'll find in Escondido, open only Tuesday mornings and every other Saturday. Save the evening for Vintana, perched on the third floor above a Lexus dealership — their Tuesday special runs two entrées and a bottle of wine, the whole city lit up below you.

Rate → $$ · Confirm garden hours · Reserve at Vintana

Carlsbad

For the couple who bonds over solving something together

A private hour inside Mansion Murder at Escapology in Carlsbad — no strangers, just the two of you and a body that needs explaining — then dinner at Yard House, a few steps from the door.

Rate → $$$ · Book Mansion Murder · See Yard House menu

Oceanside

For the couple who can't agree on a drink order

Meantime pours a $5 pinot next to a $5 Michelob Ultra, weekday happy hour. Order whatever actually matches the two of you, then walk to the pier and watch for the green flash.

Rate → $ · Follow @themeantimebar

Go be annoying about how much you like each other, just for a night.
— The Sort