Around Town

Where should I take my Tinder date? South End edition

By Richard Brooke
flickerBooth

Before you ask, yes, I am on Tinder. No, I am not ashamed of it. Yes, I will take you on a date if we match.

Online dating has changed so much in the past three years that meeting someone online isn’t uncommon among young Charlotteans. The rise of the mobile apps that connect people (i.e. Tinder, Hinge, OKCupid, etc.) provide an avenue to seek out people you wouldn’t normally get to meet.

But there’s a problem: Where do you take your match on a first date?

Introducing the Tinderness Scale — a measurement tool to help decide where to take your online sweetheart for your first face-to-face interaction! This scale has been created by trial and (mostly) error by the author.

The ground rules

-The Tinderness Scale rates an establishment based on its suitability for taking someone you met online on a first date. It is NOT a review on the establishment itself. Every establishment reviewed on the Tinderness Scale is frequented and beloved by the author.

-Each establishment is reviewed on a o-5 flame scale. The rating is based on: casualness, price, visibility, atmosphere and originality.

We debut the scale in Historic South End — where residents fight over whether they want a craft beer or a mimosa.

All American Pub/Oak Room

//><!--This is not going to work. I’m distracted. There are sports everywhere. I can’t carry on a conversation. Why is everyone here attractive? She’s looking at that other guy.//--><!

Oh no, a group of people I know just walked into the building. They just saw me, and they’re coming over. My cover is blown. I’m going to tell them that she’s a Tinder date.

She definitely hates me now.

2.5/5 flames

Nan and Byron’s

//><!--This works! The drinks and atmosphere are great and it’s trendy enough that I’m considered “cool” to take her here. I’m only having one cocktail though. I don’t know this person well enough to say, “Sure! Let’s have multiple drinks here!” That’s only for a girlfriend.//--><!

3.5/5 flames

Food Truck Friday

//><!--Casual? Check. Atmosphere? Yes. Originality? Yup. Easy on the wallet? You bet. The problem here is that you’re going to see somebody you know. If you can get over that, this weekly event is hot fire.//--><!

4/5 flames

Sullivan’s

What am I doing here? This is too expensive for a first date. I’ve set the bar too high. I don’t know this person at all. Who recommended this? Why are we the youngest people in here by 15 years? I made a mista- WOW THIS STEAK IS PHENOMENAL.

2/5 flames

Any of the South End breweries

Sugar Creek. OMB. Triple C. Unknown. Take your pick, because I can’t recommend them enough. Each of these provides a fantastic atmosphere, a great vibe, and even better beers. Let’s be real, if you don’t like a good craft beer, then we won’t be dating long.

4.5/5 flames

Fuel Pizza

That face you make when you realize all of that goodness is just for you. #slicelife #lunchgoals #dceats #clteats

A photo posted by Fuel Pizza and Wings (@fuelpizza) on Mar 10, 2015 at 6:09am PDT

This is not a date. This is me eating pizza and you joining me for pizza. I did not want to eat alone and I am breaking the ice with you so I figured pizza would be a good starting point.

Are you enjoying your Hawaiian pizza slice? It’s good here, I know. Do you enjoy pizza as much as I do? It doesn’t look like it because you aren’t eating much of your …

Wait, you’re leaving?

Was it something I said?

1/5 flames

Photo: Courtesy of Gaines Brown/Observer file photo

Related content “Where Should I Take My Tinder Date?” is a multi-part series about where you should take your online match for a first date. @RichardMBrooke is an Associate Producer at Raycom Sports. When he’s not making television magic, he can be found vandalizing whiteboards and drinking coffee. 

This story was originally published April 21, 2015 at 3:22 PM with the headline "Where should I take my Tinder date? South End edition."

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