WHERE DO I TAKE THE NEW HOTTIE ON A SECOND DATE?

Most guys have a solid, go-to first date locale, but a lot of the dudes I know get stumped on where to take a girl on a second date. You want to impress her, have a good time, but still not spend all your benjamins because you aren’t yet sure if she’s worth the investment. Here are some options:

1. Dolce Vita ($$)

This is a great date place because it’s casual but not too casual and allows for start-to-finish shared dishes, which is important because: (1) chics like to split dishes…they feel less guilty about indulging when they split entrees; and (2) chics dig guys who are willing to share their food. To start, suggest splitting the cheese plate – it’s fantastic, and the gnocchi – also outstanding. For the main course, split the calabrese pizza – it’s the best pizza they have (their version of a pepperoni pizza) and you sound refined ordering it. I’m not too big on their desserts, and dessert is a must on a second date. So I recommend heading across the street to So Vino to split the smores and have a nightcap. You’ll have her eating out of the palm of your hands…a fire, chocolate, and marshmallows coupled with the fact that you planned ahead and thought of two separate places to take her.

http://www.dolcevitahouston.com/; http://www.sovinowines.com/

2. Benjy’s ($$$)

This is the second-date place for a girl you are really into because it’s a little pricier than others on the list. This New American, trendy restaurant is sure to impress. The original Benjy’s is in Rice Village, and is always a great option. But to show her you are “with the times”, I recommend taking her to the new Benjy’s, on the very hip Washington strip. Start with the pistachio crusted goat cheese cakes. For your main course, you can’t go wrong with the crusted chicken, buffalo hanger steak, or scallops. You absolutely have to order the mom’s chocolate cake for dessert and watch her go all dreamy on you – chics really dig guys that order dessert, especially chocolate. Aside from creative and tasty cocktails, Benjy’s has a great wine list, and if scouring a wine list isn’t your thing, check out my post on how to order wine on a date.

http://www.benjys.com/

3. Lucio’s ($$)

This BYOB is great for a second date because its intimate, quiet setting ensures good conversation, and the BYOB aspect allows you to show off your wine ordering skills while not breaking the bank [see my post on ordering wine on a date if you are lost]. To start, I recommend the spinach dip or fried calamari, both are fantastic and easy to eat on a date. All of their salads are awesome – my favorite is the goat cheese apple salad. If your date is looking for something on the lighter side, the sesame crusted ahi tuna is exceptional. But their best dish on the menu is the pasta mixta (not at all on the lighter side). One of you has to get the blue cheese torte – it’s probably the best thing on their menu. For dessert, their crème brulee is among the best in town.

http://www/luciosbyob.com

4. Azuma ($$)

Even though it's in the crowded, construction-filled Rice Village, Azuma is my favorite sushi restaurant in town. Sushi is a solid second-date option because, once again, it allows you to share food (see No. 1) and find out whether you've got a picky eater on your hands. Their best speciality rolls are: the crazy irishman , sumo, patriot, and azuma. I'm also a big fan of their spicy tuna roll (it's spicier than most) and their Philadelphia roll (order it with fresh instead of smoked salmon). Azuma's nigiri sushi (raw fish on rice) is always fresh, and they make some of the best escolar in town. If you actually plan ahead and make a reservation (such a small thing that earns big points with the ladies), ask the hostess to seat you in one of the corner-edge booths – it allows for the possibility of some incidental touching.

http://www.azumajapanese.com/