I consider first dates (assuming your intention is got serious relationships) to be seen as a way to test chemistry and physical attraction. But I notice a lot of people saying asking a woman out for a coffee means you are either cheap or not interested. But isn’t the first date to see whether you two “click”? A meal can run close to $100 for two, and drinks can easily go up that high in a city. Why spent all that money (well the guy is paying) to test a genuine connection? If someone really wants to get to know you then it doesn’t matter if it is in park, she and him will show up.