Double(/blind) Date... Suggestions?

[hungrycoed]

So, my best girlfriend has made it her mission to set me up, and she's arranged a double date for the two us. Clearly, the situation is going to be awkward enough, so I wanted to pick the restaurant, to avoid recommendations like CPK or Joe's.

I'm in search of a good restaurant thats $20 pp or under with tip (no drinks, though I'm sure I'll need one), in the back bay/ south end/ fenway area, quiet enough on a Tuesday evening to carry a conversation, and preferably with outdoor seating. I don't know the guy or how adventurous he is with food, so a more conventional cuisine would be a plus.

I appreciate any suggestions you may have! Thanks again!

[BostonBarGuy]

So how did it go????????????

[gansu girl]

Have to throw in a vote for PICCO - nice casual atmosphere for a first/blind date. I also think that Audubon Circle would be good - love their food and they never hurry you out, so if you actually end up having a good time . . . .

And have to laugh at your post - I met my husband on a blind date at Joe's!

[BostonBarGuy]

Request an 8 x 10 glossy ahead of time.... -Shallow Hal

[Bob Dobalina]

Not outdoors, but Masa may be the place - the bar area in particular - good, reasonably priced tapas and decent wines by the glass. The website indicates a special summer menu of app, entree and dessert for $29, so if you wanted to splurge...and who knows, if you hit it off with your date, they specialize in tequila. At least, you could get a quality margarita.

[Joanie]

Masa has some outdoor seating.

[twentyoystahs]

Masa entrees are pricey though, so it would really only work if they went for those dollar tapas and ordered a bunch of them for the group.
I'd suggest Delux. No outdoor seating but all entrees are around $13 or less. It's a fun, hip, casual environment with excellent food. One caveat: it's almost always busy, so even on a Tues night you probably wouldn't want to go during peak hrs, ie. 7:30ish.

[Bob Dobalina]

For Masa, you can a sampler of one of each of 10 for $5.

[jules127]

The Parish Cafe is inexpensive, has a patio and is within the neighborhoods you're looking at.

[jules127]

Another is PICCO on Tremont has a patio. As stated here last week, they have great fish tacos for 10 bucks, paninis, pasta, pizza.

[Delhiwala]

PICCO is a great suggestion. Excellent ice cream too. I met my spouse on a double/blind date - so have fun and who knows...

[lschow]

i also like to recommend PICCO. had their fish tacos last week - so delicious (even better than el pelon's??), and of course pizza and ice cream are good, too.

[limster]

I'd rate it better than El Pelon's too (although I've never considered El Pelon's version particularly special). I liked the ones at Cafe D a bit more, but haven't tried them in a long time.

[Blumie]

Does PICCO always have fish tacos? They are not on their online menu.

[limster]

I've seen that written on their blackboard as a special. Can't remember if I've seen it on their menu or not.

[lschow]

although they were on the board as a special, our waiter said they were "basically on their menu", so i have a good feeling the tacos are here to stay!

[twentyoystahs]

Last time I went...maybe a few weeks ago..they were on the menu. So I think it's official :)

[BBHound]

Audobon Circle might work. They even have a patio out back. Do not go there before a Red Sox home game; after the game starts, however, it will probably be fine.

Another possibility might be the new CODA on Columbus Ave. I have not been there but the reviews sound promising and the price points are right on.

www.codaboston.net

[Joanie]

Also Columbus Cafe.

[newhound]

Cambridge One has just opened a second spot near Fenway-- haven't been but we go regularly to the Harvard Square original. Sleek, good for a date, interesting pizzas and salads, fairly hip but not pretentious, and you can linger if it's going well or clock in at under an hour if that's what becomes apparent. I don't know if they have outdoor seating.

[ScubaSteve]

that's a tough price point. i was gonna suggest Eastern Standard, but you'd be over your price a little bit.

[lissy]

Pop's his a nice outdoor patio, is very reasonably priced and has conventional cuisine. The food is pretty good and I have enjoyed my many trips there. It's not mind blowing but it sounds like it would be perfect for what you are looking for.

[ScubaSteve]

just checking Pop's menu and their starts are from $7.5-$14 and mains run $17-$25. that would put them around $30+/pp w/tip.

[lissy]

I usually order off the app/sandwich/burger portion of the menu which stays within their parameters.