Culture

List Of 28 Places Women Refuse To Go On A First Date Has The Internet Divided

#Dating
by Last Updated
awkward first date couple

iStockphoto / AntonioGuillem


There is a First Date List that has been circulating the Internet and causing major rifts as people argue over its substance.

The viral First Date List is a semi-anonymous list of 28 places ‘that women absolutely refuse to go (to) on a first date’ and after taking social media by storm it jumped to radio DJs and celebrities discussing it. Before we get deep into how the Internet is talking about this first date list, let’s take a look at the actual list itself.

‘First Date List’ Of 28 Places Women Refuse To Go On A First Date

  1. Cheesecake Factory
  2. Applebee’s
  3. Chili’s
  4. Chipotle
  5. Olive Garden
  6. The Movies
  7. Your House
  8. Any Fast Food Chain
  9. Buffalo Wild Wings
  10. Wingstop
  11. Red Lobster
  12. A buffet
  13. IHOP
  14. Denny’s
  15. The Gym
  16. Church
  17. Starbucks
  18. Coffee Dates
  19. Ice Cream Dates
  20. Family Functions
  21. Movie Night (Netflix, Hulu, etc)
  22. Somewhere That Requires A Long Drive
  23. Bowling
  24. Nightclubs
  25. Hookah Bar
  26. A Bar Just For Drinks
  27. Waffle House
  28. Sports Events

This list is causing war out in the streets (streets = anywhere people can reply to each other on the Internet).

Let me start by saying there are some valid points on this list. I personally believe that ‘family functions’ are too personal for any first date. I can also understand that Nightclubs aren’t for everyone and ‘Somewhere There Requires A Long Drive’ is simply inconvenient.

From there, I have to admit how hilarious it is to see so many innocent brands dragged into the mud on this. What did the Cheesecake Factory or Buffalo Wild Wings do to deserve winding up on this list that’s getting shared by millions online? Buffalo Wild Wings actually responded to their inclusion, writing “🚩if she doesn’t like wings, beer, and sports” on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Is there any acceptable location for a first date?!

Moving on, Stephen A. Smith asked a question that is on EVERYONE’s mind after seeing this list. Stephen A. tweeted “Well damn, where can we go? Ladies, what IS an acceptable first date??”

That sentiment shared by Stephen A. Smith (and millions of others) was also echoed on The Breakfast Club. They discussed this list at length and actually agreed with many more of the bullet points than I do but the question remains, where can guys take a lady on a first date other than ‘high-end local restaurant’?

What seems lost on these talking heads is what dating looks like outside of cities. Sure, if you live in a medium-to-large city then choosing Cheesecake Factory might seem lazy for a first date because there are endless options.

But what about the countless small towns from coast to coast where the only restaurant within 30 miles is an Applebee’s or a Chili’s? In those cases, the list says it’s both a place that women refuse to go on a first date AND a long drive. So should you just not date at all if you’re from a small town?

The First Date List Is Making Things Too Difficult

The two that really kills me here are The Movies and Bowling. I haven’t been bowling in 10+ years but how is that not a great first date? There are very nice bowling alleys with top-shelf bars and great food options. It’s not too loud and you are staying somewhat active the entire time to break up any potentially awkward lulls in the conversation. One might argue that it is, in fact, one of the best first date ideas there is.

And the movie theater? You might not be talking all night but if it’s a theater that serves food or has a bar you make a night out of it. There’s plenty of the ‘getting to know you’ before and after the film if it’s a Cinebistro or Alamo Draft House.

Peeling the onion back a few more layers, what if you are someone who lives an uncomplicated life and are looking for a similar partner? If that describes you then this First Date List of 28 locations women refuse to go might be the biggest red flag of all time.

And that brings me to my final talking point: we need to make this a dating challenge before it’s too late. I encourage any singles out there to take this article and go forth into the world and try all 28 on a first date. See how those go. Report back here when you’re done or email me at cass@brobible.com. I’m fairly confident you’ll be married before you get through all 28 first date ‘no-nos’ but we’ll see.

For what it’s worth, I got curious and asked AI/ChatGPT ‘what are the best places to go for a first date?’ Ladies, if you agree with the viral First Date List then I’ve got some bad news for you… The first idea suggested by AI was ‘cafe/coffee.’ After that, however, there were some decent options like a botanical garden, cooking class, comedy club, winery, and live music venue/concert. I could spend time explaining why each of those options could prove to be a horrible choice but I won’t.