Good spot for a first date?

[Mike_Lowery]

Since I'm getting closer to adulthood (I'm a 26 yo male) everyday, it's time I got serious about dating. Where does one take a woman on a first date to dinner on Oahu? I don't want a place that's too cocky, cheap, extravagant, or straightforward for a first date. Suggestions?

[Adri]

Re: Good spot for a first date?

Try Palomino. It's in Harbor Court (66 Queen Street). It can be expensive but they have a reasonable happy hour (half off pupu menu, really good beverages) and they occasionally have specials. The last one I saw was $20 per person for a 3 course meal.

[tutusue]

Re: Good spot for a first date?

How about an extra special late night picnic while watching the submarine races from the Diamond Head lookout?

Meeeeeeemoooooooories!

[damontucker]

Re: Good spot for a first date?

(I'm a 26 yo male) everyday, it's time I got serious about dating

I'd say it's about time...

Go VEGAS! BUFFET's!!! all out... spend the big bucks.... if you get em

Really impress... if your flying from Kauai... take the extra flight...go vegas...

Otherwise... Makino Chai!

[Shan-n]

Re: Good spot for a first date?

Here are a few suggestions. And before anyones asks....Yes I have been to all these places on first dates

1) Nick's Fishmarket is a nice romantic restaurant. Maybe kinda expensive though but it is awesome! 2) The Cheesecake Factory is also a great place for a first date. Dinner is really good but you don't necessarily have to have dinner there, you could do drinks and pupus then stroll around Waikiki or the beach. 3) Dave and Buster's is another possibility. Again you could do just drinks and pupus and then challenge each other at some games. That is always fun! Good luck!!!

[1stwahine]

Re: Good spot for a first date?

I went to bed thinking about this thread. I still thinking. Hmmmmm...so hard wen one is old. I forget wea I went on First Dates! Been too long. Whatever you do...no take um to Zippy's! And no eat her Steak!!!!

Auntie Lynn

[pzarquon]

Re: Good spot for a first date?

Man. It's been ages since I've dated... if I ever dated at all! (My wife had to inform me, after we'd been going out for a while, that those were, in fact, dates.) Back then, it was Ken's House of Pancakes with a group, Restaurant Miwa for just the two of us, and a (likely bad) movie at Waiakea Plaza.

I'll agree with Shan-n that Nick's Fishmarket is expensive (probably too strong a statement for a first outing)... Cheesecake Factory and Dave & Busters are also good, if you're looking for the disarming cover of crowds and noise. Lord knows it might be a bit early to have a candle-lit corner booth, you know?

Where are the "cool" places these days? In the "restaurants near other attractions" category? Irifune (classic)? Shokudo (modern)? Is the revamped Hanohano Room all it was promised to be? The O Lounge (okay, no dinner, but pupus and drinks)? Is Indigo hip anymore?

These days, when we get a "date night," it's almost always Molly's Smokehouse, and sometimes Stuart Anderson's. Though with Kilinahe's birthday coming up... I'm long overdue in introducing her to Sushi Sasabune.

[Leo Lakio]

Re: Good spot for a first date?

Go VEGAS! BUFFET's!!! all out... spend the big bucks.... if you get em
Really impress... if your flying from Kauai... take the extra flight...go vegas...

On a FIRST date?!? Methinks that would be a little overboard, and might send the wrong signals (as in: "look how much I put out for this date, now it's your turn..."), or at the very least, may come across as too serious too soon, which further translates as "desparate."

If the Palomino's there is comparable to the one in Seattle (yeah, I know, CONUS to Hawai`i comparisons can be odious, but it's a chain, after all), that's a nice idea. A classy restaurant, but not too pretentious - conducive to good conversation, which should be a key part of a first date. I would guess Cheesecake Factory is not as good for that.

Remember - you owe us now, so you have to report back on where you end up going!

[Pua'i Mana'o]

Re: Good spot for a first date?

do a dinner cruise!

[Tiabla]

Re: Good spot for a first date?

do a dinner cruise!

No way! If the date isn't going well, then you're both stuck!

[Leo Lakio]

Re: Good spot for a first date?

No way! If the date isn't going well, then you're both stuck!

What - no can swim? Unless the cruise is up the Ala Wai...

[Adri]

Re: Good spot for a first date?

Also, as a practical matter, it really depends on the person you're dating and you as well. Is there anything either of you won't eat? Anything you guys really like? Are you casual people or get all dressed up and party people? Makes a difference to what would be the best place for any date would be

[Pua'i Mana'o]

Re: Good spot for a first date?

No way! If the date isn't going well, then you're both stuck!

just throw em ovaboard! No more evidence, no gotta drive em home, perfect!

[Leo Lakio]

Re: Good spot for a first date?

just throw em ovaboard! No more evidence, no gotta drive em home, perfect!

Hee-hee...I feel sorry for the people who post queries to HT and actually expect only SERIOUS answers!

[craigwatanabe]

Re: Good spot for a first date?

If it's a first date then nothing has been established yet right? You may want to consider a luncheon first before treading into a dinner date which carries a ton of implied baggage, like is this date going to be romantic or is it a nice to meet you kind of primer. What are you going to do after dinner, then after that.

A lunch is informal and allows for a more casual, open date than a dinner date. In other words your natural self will more apparent and so will her's. Plus if the lunch goes off well, you got the entire day to spend to get to know each other better with less implications. Do the day things together like going to the beach, watching a matinee at the theater, go shopping, drive around the island.

If it was a first time dinner date, the type of restaurant will denote the demeanor of the night's expectations. As dessert is served and the bill is presented, your date will wonder what will happen next. Movie, clubbing? romantic walk along the beach, submarine races? If she's not into making a strong first appearance then she may back out early after dinner and there goes your chances and your wallet for a very expensive dinner that left you striking out.

A daylong adventure date will take you around the bases faster with more meaning. If it goes well...then heck go for dinner that night as a cap for the evening. She'll get to know you in more ways than a dinner.

A dinner date should always be reserved for either the second or third date. Start with lunch at a good place like Sam Choy's then let the day take off from there.