Frequently asked questions

The Date Better Guide is a curated guidebook of the best date spots in your county — handpicked venues across 10 categories including rooftop bars, golf simulators, pottery classes, coffee shops, art galleries, comedy shows, and more. Each venue comes with an exclusive offer only available to book holders. It's available in print, digital, or both.

Every venue in the guide has been personally vetted through our speed dating event network — not pulled from an algorithm or paid ranking. You also get exclusive offers at each venue that aren't available anywhere else, plus the print book becomes a physical keepsake you collect stamps and signatures in as you visit each spot.

Everyone. The guide is designed for people going on first dates, couples looking for date night ideas, and anyone who wants to explore their city's best experiences with someone they care about. We've intentionally kept the language and venue selection inclusive for all relationship types and stages.

San Diego County is available now. Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Kern, San Luis Obispo, and Imperial counties are coming throughout 2025–2026. Visit our Counties page to sign up for notifications.

Simply show up to the venue with your guide (print or digital), mention The Date Better Guide, and the offer is unlocked. No codes, no apps to open — just the book. Each venue page shows the exact offer and any conditions (for example, some require ordering two entrées).

For most venues we recommend booking ahead and mentioning The Date Better Guide at the time of reservation — this helps the venue prepare your exclusive offer. Each venue page includes a QR code linking directly to their booking page.

Each offer is valid once per venue per book. Since the print edition has a physical stamp page, the venue stamps it on your first visit. If you want to go back (and many people do!), you'll just pay the regular price — but honestly, discovering how good these spots are is the real reward.

We work closely with our venue partners to keep offers current. Digital edition holders automatically get updated venue info. If a venue closes or changes its offer, we'll notify digital holders and update the next print edition. Contact us if you encounter an issue and we'll sort it out.

All venues are sourced through our speed dating event network and personally vetted by our team. We look for places with great energy, staff who actually care, and experiences that create real conversation and connection. No paid placements — every venue earns its spot.

The print edition ($42) is a beautifully designed 5×7" hardcover book you bring to venues. It has stamp and signature pages, a date log, conversation starters, and QR codes for each venue. It becomes a keepsake over time. The digital edition ($22) is an interactive PDF you access on your phone — ideal for instant access or gifting. The bundle ($55) gets you both and saves $9.

After purchase you'll receive a download link by email. The digital edition is an interactive PDF that works on any device — iPhone, Android, tablet, or desktop. No app required.

Absolutely — the guide makes a great gift. Digital editions can be sent instantly by email to anyone, anywhere. Print editions can be shipped to a gift address. Select the bundle for the best gifting experience, and add a personal message at checkout.

Digital edition holders get updates when new venues are added or existing offers change. Print editions are published in annual volumes — a new edition comes out each year with refreshed venues. If you hold a previous edition, your offers are still valid at the venues listed in your book.

Standard shipping within the US takes 5–8 business days. Expedited shipping (2–3 business days) is available at checkout for an additional fee. We currently ship within the United States only.

Standard shipping is $4.99. Expedited shipping is $12.99. Orders over $60 qualify for free standard shipping.

Not yet — we're currently US-only for print editions. The digital edition is available worldwide instantly. Reach out if you're outside the US and interested in a print edition — we're working on expanding.

Yes — you'll receive a tracking number by email once your order ships. You can track it through the carrier's website directly.

We accept returns on print editions within 14 days of delivery, as long as the book is unused (no stamps redeemed) and in original condition. Digital editions are non-refundable once downloaded. If your book arrives damaged or incorrect, we'll replace it at no cost — just contact us with a photo.

We're sorry to hear that! Email us at hello@thedatebetterguide.com with your order number and a photo of the damage. We'll send a replacement right away, no questions asked.

Contact us with your order number and reason for return. We'll provide a prepaid return label within 1 business day. Refunds are processed within 5–7 business days after we receive the returned item.