Want to score a second date? Order the fried chicken and a bloody Mary

Turning a first date into a second date is far more deliciously simple than previously thought.
 By 
Cassie Murdoch
 on 
Want to score a second date? Order the fried chicken and a bloody Mary
Simply irresistible Credit: Shutterstock / Twinsterphoto

Just when you thought fried chicken couldn't get any better, it turns out it's the ideal first date food.

Seriously, this is the best dating news we've had in a long time. It comes from a newly released survey from the dating app Hinge. They asked 8,000 of their members across five U.S. cities about which kinds of first dates led to those illusive second dates. The results are instructive -- and may make you thirsty.

That's a good thing since grabbing drinks was definitely the most effective first date move. Thirty-seven percent of people said that drinks had led to a second date. That was followed by the equally casual coffee date (34 percent saw success). Lunch and dinner, both far more of a serious time commitment, were lower on the list.

Hookup apps for everyone

AdultFriendFinder readers’ pick for casual connections

Hinge popular choice for regular meetups

Products available for purchase through affiliate links. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

If you want to get specific about which drinks worked, your best bet is a bloody Mary, which had a 57 percent success rate. Who can say no to all those garnishes? After that came the old fashioned, with 35 percent, followed by beer at 27 percent. Tequila was at the bottom of the list, at just 20 percent. Just say no to shots if you want a shot at a second date.

The most satisfying news is that 24 percent of people responded best to an outing for fried chicken. Oddly, grabbing vegan came in at 23 percent. You really gotta land on the right side of that one or you’re really out of luck. Sushi (19 percent) and pizza (15 percent) were also on the list. Surprisingly, pancakes came in at the bottom of the list with only 9 percent.

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Hinge also came up with a bunch of city-specific date locations that work well -- like Golden Gate Park in San Francisco or Chicago’s Wrigley Field. IRL, their online magazine has the details if you want to pour over them to find a place near you. Overall, though, while parks were a popular first date spot, going to a movie was the on average the most likely to score you a second date.

Obviously these results don't necessarily apply across the board, since they're all from Hinge users, but what's the worst that can happen if you use them as guidance? You go to a movie, then head out for fried chicken (or your favorite vegan fried chicken spot!) and order a bloody Mary.

You'll have the date of your dreams even if it doesn't turn into true romance.

Topics Social Media

Mashable Image
Cassie Murdoch

Cassie Murdoch is Mashable's Culture Editor.. Before coming here, Cassie was Senior Culture Writer at Vocativ. She previously wrote for Jezebel and The Hairpin. Cassie spends most of her time thinking about and consuming cheese in all its glorious forms.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You

More in Life

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 4, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 4, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!