Best of Restaurants: Date-Friendly Restaurants

October 1, 10:15 PMRestaurant ExaminerShelley Owens

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Planning a first date? Know before you go. The chain restaurants below are a safe bet  for most appetities.

T.G.I. Friday’s: T.G.I. Friday’s has what Generation Y is looking for: affordable prices, Martinis, tasty food, Martinis, barbeque, Martinis, veggies, Martini’s, brews and Cosmopolitans. It’s a little noisy for intellectual pursuits – ask the host to seat you in the quietest area possible – but if it’s a first date and you really can’t think of anything brilliant to say, this might be just the place.

Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar: Like Friday’s, Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar has plenty of affordable fare plus a full-service bar – complete with an AppleBeeTini – that attracts the Gen Y diner. A little easier to carry on a conversation. But be sure to ask if the bottled water is carbonated before you order.

The Cheesecake Factory: Los Angeles-based The Cheesecake Factory is a favorite among men and women according to national surveys and the 200-item menu has enough variety to overcome a veto-vote by any date.  And items like fair-trade coffee and antibiotic-free chicken make it great for a Gen Y date. Not everyone who dates is a member of Generation Y. This restaurant appeals to people of all age groups. The average guest check, according to their website, is $18. It’s not the cheapest place you could go but it’s a darn good choice to telegraph your social status to a prospective date. There are 143 locations in 36 states and the District of Columbia.

Yard House: There is no dishonor in taking your date to a beer and burger joint – as long as it’s an upscale beer and burger joint. Yard House attracts a surprising number of couples from all age groups, maybe it’s the classic rock. But it’s also a Gen Y hangout – why not double date. You may see your friends here anyway. After all, Yard House does have the “World’s Largest Selection of Draft Beer” There are 41 Yard House restaurants in nine states

Dave & Busters: Speaking of double dates, why not Dave & Buster’s? There are 49 of these restaurant/entertainment combos with in-store games from Skeeball and Space Invaders to Fast and Furious with Motion and Ferrari F355 DLX simulator. Go to Dave & Buster’s to telegraph your social status (or not). Or go because it’s a safe date place where you can have fun with friends.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery: Beer and pizza go together and so do brewhouses and dining. Forget baristas, this chain hires brewers to produce a variety of microbrews to serve in the restaurants. An extensive and affordable American menu has a variety of foods. And Gen Y diners will love that they can check the menus and prices online before heading to one of the 79 stores in 13 states. BJ’s is based in Huntington Beach, California.

Ethnic Restaurants – People love new and different. That’s especially true of Generation Y. So, if it’s not a first date, why not try an ethnic restaurant? The chains take pains to make sure the dishes appeal to the palate of the average American diner.

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro is an upscale mall favorite. Pei Wei Asian Diner is it’s quick casual sister found in shopping centers and outparcels.  Vegan? Order your meal with tofu.

Benihana’s is a safe bet, too. This Japanese steakhouse is long part of the mainstream American dining experience.