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Hi everyone, I've been trying to decide on where to take someone I'm just going out with for the first time in Raleigh. I've seen some different places mentioned (i.e. the luna cafe), but am thinking about the Rockford. I'm looking for a place that is quiet enough to have a conversation and nice enough to impress her, without going too far. Any ideas?
42nd street? Are you wanting regional dining or just a night with good food? The Pit is another good choice. I have heard a lot about 4 Square, but it is in Durham.
Also Second Empire, Melting Pot and Duck & Dumpling...the list goes on..
^I'm mostly looking for good food with casual dining. I should also add that I'm 21 and she's 19. So places centered around alcohol are out of the question.
No, the rockford is not nice enough to impress anyone.
Personally, I think The Rockford is an ideal choice, although there are certainly other good options, too. To me, if the OP is relying on the fanciness of the restaurant to "impress" his date, it would indicate that there's something wrong either with him, or with her, or with the dynamic between them. The Rockford is simple, understated, and unpretentious, but still fun and distinctive. Plus, as you say, it's quiet and calm enough that you can actually have a real conversation, it's not outrageously expensive, and it's not an establishment focused solely on alcohol. And best of all, the food is really good, so that both you and she are likely to find something to eat there. If that (plus you yourself) doesn't impress her, then she ain't worth impressin', IMHO. But it's all a matter of preference and opinion, and maybe your (or your date's) personality or opinion are different. Best of luck!
A lot of people dont remember what its like to be 21 and 19, but trust your instinct. I don't know the Rockford, but I am weary of any advice that says its not good enough, especially from somebody who doesn't know you (no offense intended, just think the guy should trust his instincts and be true to who he is).
If it were me I'd go somewhere good and fun. Definitely not a chain, be unique, but maybe a good Italian place, or if you are both adventurous try a Thai place, or maybe Neo Asia, or something like that. Even an upscale pizza place would be OK.
I would avoid getting anything "on the bone". Wings, ribs, bone-in chicken all can be messy and are potentially bad for a date.
Me? I am old,and not trying to impress anyone, so I'd probably take her to Roast Grill for some hot dogs and a bottle of coke. If she didn't laugh in my face I'd know she is a-ok... :-)
Personally, I think The Rockford is an ideal choice, although there are certainly other good options, too. To me, if the OP is relying on the fanciness of the restaurant to "impress" his date, it would indicate that there's something wrong either with him, or with her, or with the dynamic between them. The Rockford is simple, understated, and unpretentious, but still fun and distinctive. Plus, as you can say, it's quiet and calm enough that you can actually have a real conversation, it's not outrageously expensive, and it's not an establishment focused solely on alcohol. And best of all, the food is really good, so that both you and she are likely to find something to eat there. If that (plus you yourself) doesn't impress her, then she ain't worth impressin', IMHO. But it's all a matter of preference and opinion, and maybe your (or your date's) personality or opinion are different. Best of luck!
I completely agree. Remember, the OP is 21 and his date is 19. When I was a State student, it was a big deal to go somewhere like the Rockford (okay...so the Rockford didn't exist when I was at State...but, I digress...). There is absolutely nothing wrong with that choice. Similar in vibe but a few bucks more expensive is 5 Star in the Warehouse District. Just be careful not to go too late or they might start carding for entrance. They don't card during normal dinner hours. Especially if you sit in the back dining room, it's quiet and easy to have a nice conversation. I can taste the crispy sesame beef right now! Yum....
The two times I've been to The Rockford, it was loud enough that I had trouble talking with my small group. I guess it depends if you are going on a peak day/time or not. I would suggest Irregardless.
Remedy Diner
Rockford
Irregardless Cafe
Gravy
Sitti
Buku
I would recommend any of those listed above. I have them in order of most casual (top) to more "fancy" (bottom).
Remedy is loud, small and very cramped. Neighbors are too close for comfort if I was trying to get to know someone. Irregardless, Gravy and Sitti are sort of pricy for a college student and Buku is seriously high end for a college student first date. That's more of a yuppie first date place IMO.
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