Dave and Buster's is cool. You can eat a good meal then play some games afterwards if she's into that. It's always fun watching the chicks straddle the motorcycle games.
Well, Cheddars is an easy going atmosphere. I took a gal there for our first date/dinner. I am going to have to try out those restaurants next time I head to Houston (arab food). I had a swarma in Saudi a month ago, so I am interested in comparing them. Then again, anything with that flavor would so make my day. I can't wait.
No chain restaurants. You'll score points by picking out an original spot. She can eat Macaroni Grill with her family.
OH yeah Uprising, why doesn't he just take her to ****ing Mickey D's and roll around in the kiddie pool full of synthetic balls and piss while he's at it.
Im a firm believer in that strategy as well. At least id like to think it seems like you put more effort into picking the place.
giddyup, yeah the hobbit hole is still around; and I highly suggest it as a vegetarian first date option. I actually used it as such and had excellent results.
Jeff, I've "known" you for quite awhile through the BBS and I've met you, and I was sorry to hear about you separating from your wife. Have fun, but please take it easy. I hope that is not too personal. Some places that I would recommend - Canyon Cafe on Post Oak , Benjis in the Village (a bit less casual). Also, I know Houston's is a chain, but it just seems like a really good first date atmosphere and a few drinks at the bar may help ease the tension! Finally, if you are looking for a real hole in the wall, try La Vista on Fountain View and San Felipe. Not much to look at but really popular and great food.
Man, that was the first place I thought of. Going to the Hobbit Hole, and then going to a movie at the River Oaks (see a French film! Nothing sexier than sub-titles!!) is hard to beat, if you're looking for veggie, kinky, and something kind of low key. They know what to do with an avocado. The rest is up to you.
Village : Nit Noi has good tofu, and everything else is good. It's also quite romantic, and not too pricey. Upstairs at Thai Spice is also a nice setting. Benjy's is a nice suggestion, with reservation. Good food, good cocktails, nice setting. More casual, Ruggles Cafe Bakery is counter service, and BYOB. You ask for glasses when you order. That is rather nice, and gets the wine flowing . The salads are good there, esp the apple walnut, goat cheese, if you eat that, and the spinich cobb (eggs? no bacon, I guess). Adding chicken breast to the salads is optional. The desserts are very nice, served with panache, and you can split. That would make dinner with wine and dessert somewhere around $ 25. More casual still, there's BW3, Brian O'Neil's, Two Rows, or whatever, for the game, beer, and pizza or sandwich. Dumplings and tofu at Fu's Garden with Kingfisher - quiet conversation, bookstore next door. Prego is a nice Italian restaurant. Get something YOU want, and let her tag along. You'll enjoy showing her what you like, and she'll have more fun.
Congrats on the date Jeff. While I think some of the suggestions like river cafe are better than this I'd also suggest Barnaby's. Nice, casual and you can find non-meety stuff on the menu. And they have great lemonaid.
Jeff....if you want casual with lots of vegetarian selections, I would go to either Hungry's or Ruggles Grille in the Village.
Miss Saigon in Rice Village is good too... veggie options, good pho... pricier than alot of the places mentioned in the pho thread earlier (but I'll bet the kitchen is cleaner than most of them too).