"While many of the bars and cafes on this list have a distinctly retro vibe, Blank Slate mixes in some modern. There’s a turntable and a crate of records at the end of the bar, yes, but there’s also a cutting-edge laser projector on a mid-century credenza to match the tunes to visuals. And the hi-fi setup is more than window dressing: The bartenders bring their own vinyl and program weekly themes like “tropical goth” and “sensual Star Trek.” The overall design here is sleek, floral, and contemporary, with a bold color palette blending acorn hardwood with creme-de-menthe green. The cocktail menu features adventurous notes like hibiscus, cardamom, and Peche de Vigre, and there’s an expansive selection of mocktails, making this one of the classier first date spots on upper Glisan." - Ben Coleman
