1. Get Your Sideways On
A good rule of thumb for first dates: Rather than make dinner reservations and take her to an event, make the location of the date the event itself, says Steinberg. “This is why wine tasting is such a successful first-date go-to,” she says. Who needs to drop a couple fifties on a bottle of top-notch vino when you can taste multiple selections for few bucks?


2. Think Pub, Not Club
You don’t need to take her out to a loud, raging bar to show her a good time. Instead, bring her to one of your favorite dive bars, grab a pitcher of beer, and challenge her to a game of pool, suggests Steinberg. “There’s something sexy about keeping the date simple, but intimate,” says Steinberg. Having that playful one-on-one time at one of your favorite spots makes for a more relaxed SPAM.

3. Head Outdoors
Sure, movies can be nice. But instead of sitting in a crowded, dark room full of strangers, take advantage of the weather, Steinberg says. If the sun is shining and the temp’s in triple digits, pick up a cold six pack and head for the lake. When the leaves start to change this fall, take her apple picking or venture to the local pumpkin patch for a hayride and some cider. And when it’s cold and snowy out, fill up a thermos with hot chocolate and hit the ice rink.

4. Go Ahead, Be a Cliché
Your date ultimately wants to see that you put in the effort to make her feel special for the day. So if you don’t mind a little romance, nothing’s more charming than rounding up wine, fruit, and cheese for an evening sunset session, Steinberg says. (Need a good cheap bottle to get things started? Check out our list of 10 Reds Under $15.)

5. Play Up Her Interests
Want to plan the ultimate night out? Do your homework first, suggests Steinberg. If you met her online, scan her dating profile and social networks to really zero in on her interests. Then, make your move. Is she a foodie? Schedule a cook-off at your place, invite your buddies over, and have everyone bring a dish. That way, you can use your prep time to be alone with her before the competition starts.