What Women Really Want
When planning a date, some guys have the best of intentions, but spectacularly fail. They imagine candlelight and “special” chains, while most women simply want tasty food, good atmosphere, and somewhere they can actually hear their date speak. So with that in mind, here are 10 restaurants men wrongly think women want to go to, and 10 places they actually want to go to.
1. Olive Garden
Men believe Olive Garden is romantic because it's Italian. Olive Garden, in men's eyes, is like a restaurant from The Godfather where women will enjoy candlelight dinners and wine. Olive Garden for women, however, is underwhelming; it's a chain restaurant with fluorescent lights. It's greasy, carb-heavy food masquerading as Italian.
2. The Cheesecake Factory
Guys think The Cheesecake Factory will dazzle women. It's a sleek place with a massive menu and, yeah, it has cheesecake in the name. They think you want some lazy day splurge-time and a place to chill. But many women see it as loud, crowded, and a long menu isn’t always a good thing.
3. Sports Bars
Men have it all wrong when they think a sports bar is an ideal place to impress women. To guys, sports bars are casual, full of energy, and have the best wings in town. Of course, women are going to love how laid-back and fun the vibe is with a game on! The problem is, women often feel like an afterthought in a sports bar: competing for attention with the TV, the crowd, and game talk every second of the night.
4. Buffets
Men think buffets are the perfect solution, since there's unlimited variety for everyone, making it easy to accommodate a date's preferences. They imagine women being thrilled at the multitude of choices and sheer abundance. Women often view them as the exact opposite, with concerns about hygiene, long crowded lines, and the social and physical chaos of communal dining.
5. Rainforest Café
Men envision Rainforest Café as whimsical, playful, nostalgic, a themed escape. They think women will love the décor and animatronic animals. Women can get distracted or annoyed by the blaring thunderstorms, flashing lights, and nonstop animal noises. Hard to have a conversation or flirt comfortably.
6. Instagram Spots
Men imagine women will fall in love with Instagram-perfect restaurants. They think pink wallpaper, flowers, and carefully plated food make a great date. Women are more interested in taste and value than in presentation. Overpriced salads and cheesy décor annoy them if the food tastes bad.
7. Hibachi Grills
Men think women will love hibachi restaurants. There's fire and knives and a guy flipping around and doing tricks, making the dinner feel like a show. They assume that women will think it's exciting and an event, too. But the strong smells and the distracting entertainment can make it hard to get to know one another.
8. The Keg
The Keg is a classic steakhouse, and many men have the impression that women want to go to a classy restaurant on a date. Women can be let down by the experience. Food is expensive for what it is and not as good as it should be for the price. Men also have the impression that women like to go to “fancy” restaurants on a date, when in reality they often prefer something a bit more low-key for a first date.
Raysonho @ Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine on Wikimedia
9. Red Lobster
Men view Red Lobster as a safe, clean option with an abundance of great seafood in a comfortable, laid-back atmosphere. Men assume women will like the classic staples of lobster, shrimp, and cheesy biscuits. Women view the menu as too heavy or seafood-focused for a first date.
10. Fancy Sushi
Men believe sushi restaurants are upscale, airy, and refined. They have the impression women will swoon over the artistry of expensive rolls and sashimi. Women may be turned off if they don't love seafood or feel embarrassed by their chopstick skills.
Now that we've talked about restaurants women don’t want to go to, here are 10 first-date options they love!
1. Late Night Diners
Late-night diners are for those times when there's nothing else open and you're craving pancakes and eggs doused in ketchup at 2 a.m. Women love them for their low-key casualness, where they can kick back with a friend over comfort food, a glass of wine, and catch up on gossip or half-drunk philosophy. The dingy, after-hours atmosphere gives a night out an anything-can-happen feel and makes the evening memorable.
2. Local Gems
Local hidden gems signal that a person has put effort into doing research and seeking out authentic, one-of-a-kind experiences. Ladies love them because they feel personal, curated, and slightly daring. Local gems often boast flavors and dishes you can’t find at commercial chains. Sharing a meal at a local hidden gem feels like the person put thought into the decision and cared about making the date special.
3. IHOP
IHOP late at night conjures up all sorts of sappy, childhood nostalgia, and what's more is it's silly and fun, which are things that most women don't expect out of a last-minute date after work. She'll love the laid-back, no-fuss attitude, the fun and freedom of eating pancakes and other comfort foods guilt-free, and making a regular night out extra special with some silliness and shared energy.
4. Casa Bonita
Casa Bonita is a totally over-the-top, family-style restaurant. It's not just a meal; it's an experience. The woman you're taking will love the restaurant's kitschy, crazy, and attention-grabbing visuals, surprises, and details. It's an adventure into another world, making the date feel whimsical and exciting. The food and entertainment combo is a surefire ice breaker.
5. Family-Owned Asian Restaurants
Independent, family-run Asian restaurants exude a cozy, homey vibe that women find very appealing. The genuine flavors and meticulous preparation signal a deep passion for Asian cooking. Diners often appreciate the opportunity to support a small, devoted staff.
6. Local Taquerias
Local taquerias have the advantage of being fresh, simple, and tasty. Women love them because they are low-key, colorful, and spunky. You are getting a real, straight-up taco or burrito, and it's super satisfying and authentic. The laid-back atmosphere makes for easy conversation and messy indulgence. It will make a date feel down-to-earth and real.
Jarritos Mexican Soda on Unsplash
7. Ethiopian Restaurants
Ethiopian restaurants are special. You eat with your hands and share everything in the middle of the table. Women love them because it's so personal, interactive, and playful. It makes you feel close to each other. The flavors, the communal platters, and cultural experience make each meal special. It's about the connection as much as the food.
Temesgen Woldezion (edited by Merhawie Woldezion) on Wikimedia
8. Indian Spots
Cozy Indian restaurants are full of flavor, spices, and culture. They're a way to try something new in a romantic, intimate atmosphere. Sampling curries, naan, and other dishes makes for great conversation. Indian restaurants make you feel both exotic and at home.
9. Food Trucks
Food trucks work best on nice weather days when you're both feeling spontaneous and adventurous. Women like food trucks because they're fun, casual, and outdoorsy, and make for a creative date filled with local street eats and goodies. A date at a food truck is mobile, free-spirited, carefree, and playful. It also gives you the space to wander and people-watch.
10. Taco Bell
Picking up Taco Bell at 2 a.m. and heading to a random parking overlook is a weirdly fun late-night activity. Girls love it because it transforms fast food into a shared, silly experience. Eating in the open air under the stars, enjoying simple nostalgic foods, allows for bonding and laughter. It’s casual and free-form, letting the night dictate the flow of conversation and moments.
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