Let’s set the scene. You’re 17 minutes into a first date. Your cocktail hasn’t kicked in yet, the water’s already warm, and your date just said the words, “I’m not like other guys, I’m brutally honest.” The waiter swings by to ask if you’re ready to order and you realize, with horror, that you’re now committed to appetizers, entrees, and probably at least one shared dessert.

We’ve all been there. And that’s exactly why first dates should never start with dinner. Ever.

Say it with me: Dinner is a second date activity. It’s reserved for people you already know you can sit across from without plotting your escape. First dates, on the other hand? They’re chemistry checks with cocktails. And they should always—always—start with just a drink.

Grab a glass of wine, and let me tell you  why..

It’s low-commitment with high potential.

Grabbing a drink gives you the perfect built-in exit strategy. One drink = 45 minutes. If it’s not clicking, you can politely wrap it up and Uber home without the whole production of “Oh no, I totally forgot I have a thing after this!”

But if the vibe is good? Easy. Stay for a second round. Or head somewhere else and let the date evolve. Starting casual means you get to decide if it’s worth extending—not sit there counting how many bites you have left before it’s socially acceptable to leave.

Dinner is expensive. Disappointment shouldn’t be.

We’re not in a “$92 truffle risotto for a stranger” economy. One drink? 

Manageable. Fun. Economical. But dinner on a first date? That’s a financial and emotional investment you can’t get back—and for what? Someone who says "I just don't believe in therapy?"

Let’s save the big nights out for people who actually spark something. Drinks keep things casual—for both your heart and your bank account.

First dates are awkward enough—why add table manners?

You’re already trying to figure out if they’re funny, emotionally available, or even look like their profile. Do you really need to also navigate silverware, timing your bites, and praying you don’t get spinach in your teeth?

A drink keeps things simple. You’re sitting, chatting, sipping—not strategizing how to gracefully eat spaghetti while pretending to care about their high school lacrosse career.

The drink is the preview, not the performance.

The best first dates feel like a trailer, not a full-length feature film. You want a teaser. You want to know if there’s chemistry, if the banter flows, and if you’d actually want to spend more time with this person.

Dinner locks you in before you even know if there’s a plot worth following. Drinks? They give you space to explore without overcommitting.

A drink leaves the door open—or lets you walk out.

Here’s the beauty of a first drink: it can lead anywhere. Another bar. A late-night bite. A kiss on the street. Or just a clear, kind goodbye. You’re not trapped in a chair, trying to time your exit with the check. You’re in control. You get to pivot. And sometimes, that’s the most empowering part.

So, what should a first date look like?

One drink. One bar. One chance to see if the spark is real—or if it’s just your anxiety and the mezcal talking.

Because when there’s chemistry? You’ll both want to keep the night going. But if not? You can finish your drink, smile sweetly, and go home with your time, energy, and dignity intact.

PS: If you’re tired of swiping, small talk, and 4-hour dinner traps, First Round’s On Me is your new dating secret weapon.
One match per day. One chat. One real-life drink.
No pen pals. No pressure. Just real connection—over a great cocktail. 🍸