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If you've already met the guy and think you can handle his company a few hours: a restaurant. It's cliché for a reason – you can get to see how he treats you, it's made for conversation, and you'll have plenty of time to figure out whether you like him or just tolerate him.

If you need something less intense: coffee. Same dynamic as a restaurant, but you can bail much more easily.

There are other things you can do, of course, but restaurants and coffee shops are foolproof.

Thanks Reggie. Any particular restaurants that are good? I've always thought that sushi restaurants are great date spots, because if you don't like sushi, I probably won't like You.

The best first date I had actually took place at a grocery store. Well, most of the date happened there.

I was invited over for dinner and when I got to her place, she told me she still needed to go to the store to buy what was needed for dinner. I was a bit miffed at first, but we ended up having a great conversation where we learned a lot about each other. And we both had a few laughs over our eating habits--where they were similar and how they also differed.

The worst place for a first date is a pool party. I was only an observer during the summer of the swimming pools, but I witnessed a couple disasters in that season.

I hate to be lame and predictable, but I'm with Reggie about first dates: restaurants are perfect.

You get to asses his manners, his personality, his posture; if he takes me somewhere like Olive Garden, I already know enough about him to have a 7 a.m. meeting that I have to rest up for. Alcohol is an option, but not a given.

And to be super boring, I like a pretty mainstream restaurant, too. Sushi works fine, but if a guy asked me to Ethiopian or something more out-there, I immediately read "trying too hard."

That said, I had a pretty good first date at a drive-through burger place, we ate in his truck and drove around the guy's hometown. But we already knew each other a little bit, so it wasn't so much of a risk.

ah but making your own sushi at home is one i can't wait to try again. I learned how to do it and have tried my "craft" out on a couple of folks who were surprised by its close comparison to local sushi fare. Having a sushi date at home or double dating may make things fun. Its about the same cost as going to a restaurant.

Ben and Jerry's at the shops at friendly is a good one.

I find that the new Four Seasons Grand is a good place to yap for a second and see a movie. they have a small cafe off to the left when you first walk in. I've been to see 4 movies there and the most it was ever packed was last friday for "I am Legend" and even then, we still got middle section slightly off center seats. for other movies, its been almost dead. It may be taboo to talk during a movie if you are 6 rows and 30 seats away from the next person, using your "indoor voice" is kinda fun when joking about the movie.

Table 16 and 223 in downtown Greensboro are great restaurants to take a date.

I would save Leblon for a 4th or 5th date when its ok to be completely stuffed in front of the other person.

Does anyone besides me miss Putt Putt? The one at celebration station isn't the same.

Day dates....the zoo, Natural science center. You never know how much of an animal someone could be until you put them beside another animal.

I love day dates. Museums, even the zoo, something to spark intelligent conversation, or at least get away from the small talk. They're more fun, in my opinion, and, if things are going really well, you can always extend it into the night!

I recently had a first date sort of and went to one of the nice fall festivals that happen as the weather is turning from summer and had a great time!

First dates are just like pick-up lines: If she's really interested the lamest pick-up line in the world will work and if she's not interested there is no line good enough to change her mind. Fact!

As for first dates: if you click it's a good first date, if you don't click the most romantic location in the world won't make it work for either of you.

Guys: If she's right for you you can ask her to go anywhere.

And Gals: If you're over the age of 25 and still expect men to sweep you off your feet you've probably led a very sheltered life as most adult women have already seen every stunt a man can pull to get your attention and have become quite jaded. So cut the guy some slack and allow him to be himself and don't expect him to be Superman.

I've had perfect dates in restaurants, bars, concerts, on picnics and parked on a back road somewhere but I've had all my worst dates in exactly those same places.

Does anyone have a special place that you only take a date once you know it's for real?

Yes. Bed.

I would probably choose to go somewhere I feel comfortable at like local coffee shops or whatever. We can get to know each other better when we're cozy :)