Noise matters
A restaurant can have great food and still be terrible for conversation if it is extremely loud.
Avoid logistical drama
Complicated parking, an hour-long wait or a far drive adds pressure before the date starts.
Choose a moderate commitment
Coffee, lunch, tacos, ramen or a casual sit-down meal can be easier than a long tasting-menu experience for a first meeting.
Have a second stop nearby
A walk, dessert shop or coffee place gives the night somewhere to go if conversation is good.
Let PlateLuck finish the decision
Once the group has a real boundary, use the nearby picker to turn the remaining options into one result.