9 reasons why coffee is the best option for a first date

I have many reasons for this statement

I’m a guy who’s been on a lot of first dates. As a result of navigating these uncertain waters, I have become something of an unofficial expert on the dos, don’ts and where to go.

Based on this self-earned title, I’m going to tell you what the best first date is—though I’m sure you can already guess from the title.

Outside of Korean BBQ (yes, you read that right; for some inexplicable reason, I’ve had great success on dates where I’ve spent most of my time cooking solid portions of thinly sliced ​​meats in the middle of the table), I’ve found that going out for a cup of coffee is the perfect first meeting.

I have many reasons for this statement – and none of them is romantic, because first dates are not about romance.

In an age where singles meet online or through an app, first dates are more about exploration; to see if the person looks cool – and more importantly, to assess the risk that this person is a potential killer. In practice, the first date is a prelude to the more romantic, second date.

So if you’ve ever been worried about where to go on a first date to gauge the person against you, I advise you to pop in for coffee.

Here are 9 reasons that support my position.

1. It’s Cheap

Even at a high-end coffee shop, you won’t spend more than $20 on a coffee date, and that probably even includes a treat to share.

An expensive first date is unnecessary because most first dates happen between two people who don’t know each other very well.

A first date, while it can be nice and fun, is a small investment – ​​literally. If you approach this question smartly, it makes sense to consider that dating a potential small emotional investment requires a small monetary investment.

2. You can tell a lot about a person by their coffee order

Does he talk down to the barista? Does he want his drink “super-hot” or does he have certain milk preferences? Does he drink coffee at all?

Ordering a coffee says a lot about a person’s character – and by the time you order, you can at least sort of judge something about them.

3. Cafes are perfect for conversation

You sit at a small, round table, with only two hot drinks between you. What else to do but talk? Nothing.

And that’s exactly why coffee is a perfect solution for a first date.

A first date is about getting to know someone better outside the confines of where you met – online, through an app, through a friend, etc. – so now it’s time to gauge whether this date will lead to a second one by seeing eye to eye.

You’re likely to find out more about someone over coffee than you would with other traditional first date ideas. Because like I said before, that’s all you can do.

4. You won’t get drunk

This has many benefits. Are you drunk too sincere? Or over sharing? Do you drunkenly say things you don’t really mean or do things you don’t want to?

By opting for coffee instead of cocktails, you can instead end the night without everyone learning everything they need to know about your horrible ex-partner who you broke up with a few weeks ago. In addition, alcohol can lead to a loss of judgment and possibly contribute to drunk driving.

5. If there’s no spark, it’s easy to get away

Don’t like your potential partner? No problem, coffee doesn’t take that much time to consume (if you don’t like the person at first sight, order some coffee!), so if you feel like nothing is jumping between you, finish your coffee, say you’re done – and smoke be gone!

6. Also, coffee is really good for you

Although you’ve probably heard that coffee cures many diseases, a new study by New York University Langone Medical Center of 430,000 participants found that adding just two cups of coffee to your diet resulted in a 44% lower risk from cirrhosis, an incurable liver disease usually caused by excessive alcohol consumption.

So with coffee you can at least somewhat compensate for what you did to your liver the night before.

7. Such meetings are super-casual

You don’t need to dress up in shiny clothes. You can just go to the coffee shop after work and have a coffee with the potential partner.

Relax on the sofa with a hot drink and – possibly – meaningful conversations! It’s cold outside, so order something warm and relax on the leather armchair. If it’s warm, why not go outside on the porch with an iced coffee?

8. Great People Watching

Whether you’re going to a local store, a chain coffee shop, or a venue that hosts improv poetry recitals, you’re bound to see some interesting faces—and they too will become an endless topic of conversation.

9. They work around your schedule

Unlike bars and restaurants, coffee dates can happen at any time of the day.

You can do it before work, during lunch, after work, or any time during the weekend. And if you have an important day coming up the next day, you won’t have to worry about a hangover.