Dating in today’s time is a crazy ride. The game has changed, and the expectations are astronomical. A viral social media checklist of 28 locations women claim are absolute no-gos for a first date has been met with laughter, argument, and some hard side-eye. TikTok user Jess Lucero called it out: “Every place ever, where are we supposed to go on a first date?
” From chain restaurants to straight-up weird options, let’s break down the first 14 places on this list and see why they’re getting a hard pass.
1. The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory leads the viral list as the ultimate first-date don’t. A TikTok video lit the internet on fire when a woman refused to go in, saying, “Who takes someone that looks like this to a chain restaurant? I cannot go in Cheesecake Factory. I will die.” Brutal? Perhaps. But to some, a chain equates with low-effort.
Not all the experts are on the same page. X clapped back at the restaurant with a tongue-in-cheek post of a dancing child wearing a British flag shirt. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith bellowed, “Ain’t nothing wrong with Cheesecake Factory! It ain’t that cheap!” The View’s Sunny Hostin gushed over their martinis. But the hectic atmosphere and enormous menu can put a damper on a first-date conversation. Women particularly desire a place that has a sense of purpose about it, not a default dinner destination.
2. Chipotle
Chipotle is a popular favorite for fast eats, but as a date restaurant? No way. One X user was blunt: “Be f***ing forreal you don’t need to be dating anyone if you taking them to Chipotle.” It’s “low budget” and low effort, particularly in the eyes of some Latina women who’d rather forgo fast-casual tacos.
Practical issues close the date. Cilantro stuck in your teeth? A random bathroom break? Not the atmosphere for a first impression. A date is about connection, not worrying about burrito accidents. Chipotle’s perfect for friends, but on a date, it’s a fail.
3. Red Lobster
Beyoncé can sing about the action, “When he f*** me good I take his a** to Red Lobster,” but that cheddar biscuit action isn’t scoring first-date points. People on Instagram declared it “messy,” and they’re not mistaken. Breaking crab legs open or shelling out shrimp spatters while attempting to flirt? No thank you.
The loud, casual atmosphere doesn’t help. A first date needs intimacy and ease, not a bustling seafood joint where you’re battling butter stains. Red Lobster’s fine for later, but for that crucial first spark, it’s not the move.
4. Any Fast Food Chain
Fast food McDonald’s, Taco Bell, you get the idea is an across-the-board no. Made for efficiency, not romance, these places are not private and don’t have atmosphere. One user summed it up perfectly: it’s a “grab and go” atmosphere, not a “let’s bond” one. Rows of noisy counters and greasy trays don’t exactly facilitate conversation.
For most, fast food screams effortlessness. If you’re attempting to demonstrate that you hold someone’s time in regard, driving through won’t do. Furthermore, health-conscious singles may shudder at the offerings. Hold off on the fries for a hook-up, not a date.
5. The Gym
The gym on a first date is a joke from a sitcom. One X user groaned, “I don’t like to go by myself so I def ain’t going on a first date to the gym.” Sweat, grunting, and blaring music are not conducive to romance. And logistics are clunky guest passes? Spotting one another?
The gym is a performance-centric environment, not an emotive one. A date should be about casual flirting, not stressing about the form of your squat. It’s an intense environment that’s more suited for single-person workouts than igniting chemistry.
6. Your House
Having someone over to your home for a first date? Huge red flag. As noted by one X user, “You could be an [axe] murderer.” Safety is paramount, particularly for women meeting someone they don’t know. A home environment bypasses the trust leg that a public environment provides.
A first date should feel safe and low-stakes, where either person can leave easily. Your couch, no matter how comfy, doesn’t provide that. Save home visits for when you’ve built mutual comfort, maybe around date ten.
7. At-home Movie Night (Netflix, Hulu, etc.)
“Netflix and chill” is fine for couples, but for a first date? Hard pass. It raises the same safety concerns as a house visit and screams low effort. You’re not talking you’re just watching a screen. One user pointed out it’s tough to “really talk and get to know one another.”
The location can also come across as a hookup pitch, which is not what most first dates are about. A shared, public place encourages honest conversation, not strained silences on a sofa. Reserve movie nights for another time.
8. Applebee’s
Applebee’s, even with its country song name-drops, wasn’t on the no-go list. Country artist Walker Hayes was “dis_may_ed” to hear it singled out. The food is decent, but the laid-back, family atmosphere comes across like a routine errand, not a special treat.
For a first date, many women want a spot that shows thoughtfulness. Applebee’s busy atmosphere can make it hard to connect. It’s great for a low-key night with friends, but for romance, it might fall flat.
9. Chili’s
Chili’s joins the chain restaurant blacklist, with The View hosts weighing in. Those sizzling fajitas are a hit, but the noisy, crowded setting isn’t ideal for intimate chats. Chili’s even jumped on X, asking, “Who hurt u???”
As with other chains, it’s too low-key for the first date. Women desire an ambiance that feels edited, not default. In your chemistry gauge, you want a place that promotes connection, not birthday songs.
10. Olive Garden
Olive Garden’s breadsticks are legendary, but they couldn’t save it from the list. Social media users called it a “low-effort” choice. The family-style dining and busy tables don’t always scream romance.
It’s not about the food it’s the message. A first date should feel like you’ve put in some thought. Olive Garden’s cozy for family dinners, but for a first impression, it might not hit the mark.
11. The Movies
Movies as a first date? Not anymore. Sitting in silence for two hours limits connection. One user noted it’s hard to “talk and get to know one another.” Sticky floors and pricey snacks don’t help either.
Even with theaters offering food or drinks, the core experience watching a screen stifles conversation. A first date needs interaction, not shared silence. Save movies for when you’ve got a rapport going.
12. A Buffet
Buffets are convenient, but sexy? Not. The list accuses them of being “low budget” and germ-ridden. Standing in a self-serve line while trying to impress is stressful, and the frenetic atmosphere kills the mood.
A first date needs to be special, not an all-you-can-eat free-for-all. Buffets take the spotlight away from connection and onto food. Avoid them for a spot that’s more about chemistry than chafing dishes.
13. Church
Church as a first-date destination? Ew. One X user wondered, “Who attempted to take this woman to church for a first date?” Shared values are important, but a religious service is too intimate and intense for a first encounter.
It’s not a site for joking around it’s serious and community-oriented. A first date should be simple and fun, not a jumping headlong into one’s spiritual realm. Save church for later.
14. Family Functions
Family functions take the cake for boldest no-go. One X user said, “Who tf doin a first date at a family function?” Meeting the whole clan parents, cousins, nosy aunts before you’ve shared a coffee? Disaster.
A first date needs one-on-one time, not an FBI-level interrogation from someone’s tía. Save family events for when you’re ready to introduce a partner, not when you’re still learning their name.
What It All Means This is a ridiculous list, yet it highlights a truth: first dates are all about effort, safety, and connecting. It’s not always fancy places just somewhere that demonstrates you care. Ask the date what they’d like, and you’re already in good shape. Good luck dating!
