Best and Worst First Date Ideas
Listen up, gentlemen. You've managed to score a first date – congratulations! I always aim to sleep with a girl on the first date, I’m not saying it always happens but I like to maximize my chances and also plan efficient fun dates that aren’t going to leave me broke.
By far, the best first date idea and location is a local bar near your place:
It strikes the perfect balance between casual and romantic
A well-chosen bar (emphasis on well-chosen, gentlemen) offers the perfect mix of atmosphere and social lubricant. Opt for a spot with decent mood lighting and a noise level that doesn't require screaming.
I love bars because you can escape quickly if your date isn’t vibing.
If the date is going well, you can invite her over to your place very easily.
And most bars aren’t going to break the bank and you can also skip having to secure an annoying reservation.
I like to have a 2nd and even 3rd bar option, close to the first bar so if its too packed, you show you have a back up plan. Also moving locations on a date is proven to build more trust and increase the chances that she comes back home with you.
The main drawback of a bar is if you don’t drink much. Do be careful not to get too drunk/sloppy, it can hamper your performance and turn off your date too. Make sure to eat a bit, mix in water and mocktails.
Other good first date ideas are:
The Classic Coffee Shop
Perfect for: A quick vibe check and can be during the day if you are busy and have multiple dates in one day
Why it works: Low pressure, easy escape if things go south, and caffeine-induced conversation flow. Plus, if things are going well, you can always extend it into a walk or lunch.
The major con and why I personally don’t like coffee dates is that they feel TOO CASUAL and really lowers the chance that you get laid on the first date. Some people like it though, and can be a pre-cursor to a night date.
“Mid” Ideas for a First Date:
These are date ideas that I personally don’t like doing but if you aren’t a bar person or a coffee person (which I get for some people), here are some alternative options :
A light meal, something like tapas. Avoid doing some major full dinner or something fancy and sit down on a first date. (More on this below)
Mini Golf: Decent activity that usually doesn’t last too long and something that is a bit more physical
The Farmers Market Stroll: bit niche but could be good for certain kinds of girls
Cooking Class: I personally like this as an activity but you can get trapped for a while if the date isn’t great. Not for me for a first date but can work for others
Beach, Park, Nature Event: saves $, but can also turn a girl off who wants a “proper date”. Has the advantage of meeting casually and dodging if needed though
And then finally we have the WORST FIRST DATE ideas. (Emphasis on first, some of these are great for follow up dates)
Formal Dinner at a Nice Place: I used to take girls out to nice dinners on the first date. This is a big mistake, it cost a lot of money, you are trapped if the date isn’t going well, and subtlely shows how much of a pedestal you are putting her on before the date even begins.
This is great for a date after you have seen her for a while, but keep it light and casual in the beginning. Probably the biggest mistake I see guys making is choosing this.
A Horror Movie or Movies in General: This only works for like 1-5% of women. I also dislike movies in general because you cant talk or bond with the other person. Its also awkward to get touchy in some theaters, it smells like butter and isn’t the right environment.
Of course bringing a girl back to your place for a “movie” is a great idea, just not in an actual theater
An Intense Workout Class: Nothing says "I'm an adrenaline junkie with questionable judgment" like suggesting skydiving or Barry’s Bootcamp for a first date. Save the near-death experiences for when they're already emotionally invested and we want to test cardio in the bedroom, not on a first date.
Final Words of Wisdom
Remember, the perfect first date isn't about impressing them with grand gestures or extreme activities. It's about creating an environment where you can actually talk, laugh, and get to know each other while remaining efficient with your time and wallet.