It is my opinion that a coffee house is an ideal place for a first date. It is quiet, cozy, and a nice environment for two people to talk and try to get acquainted. At a bar, on the other hand, it is more difficult to converse because of loud music and TV's as well as obnoxious patrons. Also, alcohol may get in the way of the two people truly getting to know eachother. It is no secret that people act differently after a few drinks. A first date, to me is an early step toward what will hopefully become a long term relationship. I'm not looking for a drinking buddy. Unfortunately, many people seem to think that a first date or dating in general MUST involve alcohol. I am looking to meet a special someone, not looking to become an alcoholic! That is why I feel that a coffee house is the best place for a first date to take place.

It's always good to know what you want.

If a man thinks that alcohol is a must, then he isn't looking for an on-going relationship. He's looking for a one-night stand.

Poker in the front. Liquor in the rear........

I hope she wiped...

Liquor in the front works better.

Wait. What were we talking about again?

I'm not sure Alf. Cats perhaps.......

Are you kiddin me?!
Every Starbuck's I've been in
has been over-run by youth's hopped up
on caffine... like a bunch of tweekers.

Shhh! Not so loud. I don't want the Alien Task Force to hear.

Yes I agree with the OP. I won't drink any alcohol with a guy until I've met him a few times and feel that I can trust him.

Not that I drink a lot or often! But because I drink so infrequently it doesn't take me a lot to get tipsy.

I'd rather be in full control, especially when meeting someone new.

This message is sponsored by FearandLoathing. Maybe it was once a quiet nice place for a date, but now it has been taken over by little sh*ts.

Thank you denny4844! You were the only serious reply to my post! I agree with you 100% Also, alcohol doesn't bring out the best in people. A good first date should involve thoughtful conversation, not drunken debauchery!

I agree with no alcohol, but also agree about the coffee shops - It's been in the high 90's here, so even sitting outside for a little privacy is almost impossible. I've actually, been wondering about best venues.

I was serious.

Depends on the people. Alcoholics would probably love the bar for their first date. As well, I've had some good dates at a bar, complete with thoughtful conversation.

Hey...do me a favor, don't lump everyone into this melting pot of **** because you don't like to go to a bar for a date. That's cool and all, but telling people that perhaps like to hit a bar for a date that it is just 'drunken debauchery' well, isn't actually cool at all.

*Disclaimer* Anytime you post in these forums, be prepared to bust your gut laughing at responses

I totally agree with you by the way. I will not drink with someone I just met nor would I appreciate them getting **** faced

Drunken debauchery? S**tfaced? Are you guys going for a drink or to a frat party? I insist on a drink for the first date. Just cause someone has a marguerita or a beer does NOT make them an alcoholic....when a chick is powering down drinks...THEN you may assume alcoholic. If a person turns down any form of a drink on the first date (NEVER happened in my experience) then you know right off the bat you are dealing with an uptight person who WILL be letting you know that they don't approve of your ways.

If you are going to a place with gangsta rap blaring and cant hear yourself think...may I suggest ANY decent resteraunt...some place nice and semi casual where the atmosphere is tame and actually has ambience ....never hit a coffee house that had even a slightly romantic feel to it. A nice italian resteraunt with a lil vin de grapa and bread sticks beats the crap out of friggen Starbucks everyday of the damned week.

Besides...if a chick can drop $6 on a double decaf mocha latte....that tells me that chick will drop $ on some seriously stupid s**t.

Thank you, Loy 822! A walk in a park, or in a mall when the weather is inclement may be a good idea. A restaurant or museum is also nice.

You should do what's best for you and let others do what they want. Meeting at a coffee shop isn't a bad thing at all. However, having a drink or two on a first date isn't a bad thing either. You're spending more time putting down others for something you don't like than talking about what you do like. Don't worry about others so much.

Yeah, we got some nice art galleries and museums downtown.

Word of warning to the guys....if you are taking a prospective ginch to an art gallery or museum, you had better have something to say that is a bit deeper and more philosophical than laughing at the tiny lil peckers on the cherubs.

Here are some helpful pointers.....

if the piece is crap= "excellent use of negative space"

if the piece sucks= "the flow of colour defines the emotion"

if the piece blows but still manages to suck="excellent visual symetry"

if the piece has nice boobs= "Nice try but he should have painted you instead"

if it is yet another still life...flowers/ fruit in a bowl/ crap like that= "Reminds me of Degass or Monet" (both of who blow monkey choad)

That should help you guys BS your way through a successful date to any art gallery in North America and leaving the gal thinking you arent an uncultured swine who would rather be watching Mud wrestling or midget bowling.