A Viral Bad Date List Is Putting Chains Like The Cheesecake Factory, Waffle House and Red Lobster on Blast

Would you refuse to go to the Cheesecake Factory for a first date? If so, at least one person on this planet agrees with you. Earlier this month, a TikToker went viral for refusing to leave the car when a date brought her to the fast-casual chain.

Personally, I love their Chicken Costoletta and brown bread, but Cheesecake Factory-gate has sparked a massive discussion about what is or isn’t an acceptable place to bring someone for a first date. Even the View hosts got into it this week, with Sonny Hostin declaring that the dairy-forward chain has “the best dirty martini.” (It’s also worth noting that Cheesecake Factory has a practically unlimited menu selection).

Now, a viral list is going around of unacceptable spots for a first date. And some of our favorites over at The Root are on there:

Cheesecake Factory

Applebee’s

Chili’s

Chipotle

Olive Garden

The Movies

Your House

Any Fast Food Chain

Buffalo Wild Wings

Wingstop

Red Lobster

A Buffet

IHOP

Denny’s

The gym

Church

Starbucks

Coffee dates

Ice cream dates

Family functions

Movie night (Netflix, Hulu, and etc.)

Somewhere that requires a long drive

Bowling

Nightclubs

Hookah Bar

A bar for just-drinks

Waffle House

Sports events

While some of these no-go spots make sense (do not take me to meet your family on the first date), others seem like perfectly acceptable first-date ideas. Although it’s been a while since I’ve been on a first date, meeting someone at a bar for drinks or grabbing some ice cream seems like a delightful idea. (Who doesn’t love ice cream!!!?)

But what do you, our dear readers, think? Would you enjoy any of these first dates, or would you demand a five-star dining experience? We promise we’re not judging either way!