The occasional bad first date cannot be avoided. Sometimes things just don’t line up and disaster happens. That’s life. What can be avoided is where you choose to go on a first date.

Here are the Top Five Worst Places to Eat For a First Date:

5. Themed Restaurants

If your waitress is dressed up in costume, you probably aren’t getting a second date. Unless your date is into “Medieval Times.” A first date is designed to get to know the person you are with. And the obligatory jousting match after the main course can be a bit distracting.

4. Italian Restaurants

Who doesn’t love a good Italian restaurant? Just don’t choose it for a first date. I won’t get into the issues pasta can cause on your stomach…you can figure that out on your own. On top of that, you don’t want breath that reeks of garlic. Italian restaurants on a first date…forgetaboutit (necessary cliché Italian-American saying).

3. Buffets

Nothing shows your date that you like to gorge yourself on semi-good food on a budget like a buffet. Impress your date with how much food you can stack on your first round trip to the buffet. Your date will love the class that comes with a buffet restaurant. By the way, I hope you picked up the sarcasm.

2. Fast-Food Restaurants

Just in case you weren’t aware already, let me say this: Taking your date to McDonald’s for a first date is a bad idea. Seriously. If you are on your first date and the restaurant has a drive-thru, you should go ahead and start looking through your black book for a new date.

1. Your Mom’s House

Worst idea ever. Sure, your mom cooks a delicious meat loaf, but in case I didn’t make it clear earlier…WORST IDEA EVER! Meeting the parents on the first date is not only unusual, but it is creepy. Please don’t do this. But if you have done this, please tell us about it in the comment section. Please.

Hopefully these tips can help you succeed on your first date with your significant other. We can help with the location, but the rest is up to you. Good luck.