There’s a very fine line between going out (uyyy) and just hanging out (ay). If you’re at this very confusing and exhilarating stage, don’t pull your hair out from the stress of trying to figure things out. Keep a few strands for your upcoming date/hangout because you definitely still want to look cute despite being unsure what exactly is going on.

Enjoy the mystery of things with great food, booze and even better company. Here are 8 food spots that are safe for both a date and a hangout.

Fourth Floor, SM Aura Premier, 26th Street Corner McKinley Parkway, Taguig City
(02) 815 2872
Open everyday from 10am to 10pm

A food court is a great option for a date/hangout because it’s relaxed, has a number of available options and is located in a mall with other non-awkward activities (rather than just staring at each other munching).

Head to SM Aura for a pristine food court that has one of the most well-curated and extensive choices. There’s Brasas Latin American Street Food, Four Seasons Chinese Cuisine, Yakitori One for Japanese barbecue, as well as comfort food favorites – Sbarro, Pepper Lunch and Cinnabon. The list of awesome concessionaires go on, but you’re gonna have to discover it with your “friend.”

Fourth Floor, Century City Mall, Kalayaan Avenue, Poblacion, Makati City
(02) 403 8080 | Website 
11AM to 1AM from Friday to Saturday; 11AM to 11PM from Sunday to Thursday

Here’s another food court on steroids that will be perfect for both just hanging out and going out. If you run out of things to talk about, Hole in the Wall’s interiors are unique and worthy of being a conversation topic.

Of course, the food stalls are excellent. These are concessionaires that you won’t easily find anywhere else. Crowd favorites are Bad Bird for its umami chicken and sweet potato waffles, Scout’s Honor for its make-your-own and freshly-baked cookies, as well as Mister Delicious for its humongous and mouthwatering sandwiches.

56-A East Capitol Drive, Kapitolyo, Pasig City
0915 513 5908 | Facebook
Open everyday from 11AM to 2PM for lunch, 6PM to 11PM for dinner

Dates are usually equated to quality meat, fine dining and romantic ambiance. If you’re a meat-lover that’s struggling to find a good place that doesn’t scream “I love you” to your companion, worry no more.

Kapitolyo’s Tomahawk Chops & Grill offers excellent chops in a very chill environment and an equally chill price tag. Satisfy your cravings with the Grilled Tomahawk Chops (P295) or the Chicharon-Crusted Tomahawk Chops (P325).

Unit C, The Fort Strip, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City | Molito Commercial Complex, Alabang, Muntinlupa City | Third Floor, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City | First Floor, Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center, Makati City (for more details about each location, check here.)

A gastropub is definitely a safe choice. Draft is upscale enough if you want it to be a date and relaxed enough if things begin to lean more towards a hangout. With its extensive European-American menu, you’ll find a fish that will tickle your appetite for sure. If it’s going to be the first time for you and your “buddy” at Draft, you can share among the Sausage Platter (P450), Shrimp Linguine (P290, solo) and Blue Cheeseburger (P395).

Draft also has an extensive selection of alcoholic beverages from draft beers, wines and champagnes. You might want to order a whole bottle or a bucket if you’re itching to find out what’s the real deal with you two.

1547 Adriatico Street corner Pedro Gil Street, opposite Robinson’s Place, Ermita, Manila
(02) 394 8612 or (02) 521 9540 | Facebook
Open everyday from 11AM to 6AM

Casual environment–check. Scrumptious food–check. Opportunities for intimacy–big check.

Makchang is an authentic Korean restaurant that specializes in grilled meat. The place is usually packed with Koreans, so you know this is where locals get a piece of home. As you guys grill your meat, this is your chance to do something nice for each other.

Will grilling meat for your “friend” be received as a friendly gesture? Or a romantic move? Hmmm, magka-alamanan na nga kayo!

Ayala Triangle Gardens, Salcedo Village, Makati City | Ground Floor, UP Ayala Technohub, Commonwealth Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City | Westgate Center, Filinvest City, Muntinlupa City | The Hub, Greenfield District, Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City | F7 Building, Scout Rallos Street Corner Tomas Morato Avenue, Laging Handa, Quezon City (for details about each location, check them out here.)

Kanin Club does straightforward and reliable Filipino food that always hits the spot. Dishes are usually served family style, so it’ll give you a chance to see how your “buddy” is like with sharing. Madamot ba o masarap ka-share?

Try the Crispy Dinuguan (P290) and the Seafood Kare Kare (P330)!

 106B Scout Gandia, Quezon City
0922 805 1688 | Facebook 
10AM to 12AM

This QC café is a quaint and quirky little nook for those who like Harry Potter, Alighieri, Lord of the Rings and books in general. If those didn’t raise any interest in you, come for the food and this unassuming café will not disappoint. They have Mayura Wagyu Steak n’ Potatoes (P2,700), Pinoy Breakfast Pasta (P180) and Lamb Kaldareta Pies (P165) among many other dishes. Aside from the usual coffee offerings, they also have TWG Tea and unique hot chocolate concoctions like Cinnamon Ginger and Hibiscus. Harry Potter fans, you’ll be pleased to know that they serve Butter Beer as well.

If things get awkward, you can always grab a book, and go for some quiet time with your comforting drink.

Basement Floor, 22 Jupiter Corner Galazy Street, Bel-Air, Makati City
(02) 832 5330 | Facebook 
11AM to 3AM

Does your “buddy” like bacon? Maybe the answer to this question is the last thing you need to determine whether you want to be dating or hanging out with this person. If you’re too shy to ask, take them to Lazy Bastard.

A great place to unwind, Lazy Bastard serves really tasty burgers and hotdogs. The burgers are done well, but it’s the hot dogs that are really extraordinary. Prime examples are the Kimchi Dog (P190) and the Avocadog (P190). All hot dogs are wrapped in bacon aside from its delectable toppings, by the way.

If your friendly hangout turns out to be more date- worthy, then just head to ABV Speakeasy. There’s a hidden door behind a wall in Lazy Bastard that leads to it.

Got any more food spots that are safe for both a date and/or a hangout? Hook us up in the Comments Section!