Top fast food restaurants where men prioritize women

More and more Americans are complaining about dating during inflation, so what are cash-strapped singles supposed to do?

Well, it turns out that in the age of casual dating, casual dining is acceptable to most people.

Not only does it ease the financial burden on you, but it sets a super-relaxed tone for getting to know your date without the pressure of a Michelin-starred menu hanging over your head.

DatingNews.com surveyed 3,000 U.S. singles to choose their favorite affordable date spots.

The No. 1 answer is Chick-fil-A, with more than 16 percent of daters choosing the chicken restaurant as their preferred fast food date spot.

A national favorite is also a top choice among New Yorkers.

The next best option is Dairy Queen – who doesn’t love ice cream? — followed by Sonic Drive-In and Pizza Hut.

A significant 66% of women would even agree if a man invited them on a first date at a place like McDonald’s.

But wait, it gets even more affordable. When it comes to splitting the bill, a majority (56%) agree to put down two cards.

So, what’s the secret to making an affordable first date more appealing? 41% of respondents said they would participate as long as the venue had a good vibe and the date was fun.

Additionally, about 40% of respondents said they would be more willing to accept a drive-thru date if the person was honest about their budget.

“The old-fashioned way of taking a new date out to dinner has been replaced by casual speed dates at coffee shops, bars and even fast food restaurants,” said Amber Brooks, editor-in-chief of DatingNews.com. explain.

“First dates are risky, and in the current economy, modern singles are saving time and money by choosing a chicken sandwich over chicken marsala.”

But fast food isn’t the only affordable way to date.

About a quarter (26%) of those surveyed favor going on a coffee shop date to maintain coffee intake and comfort while getting to know each other and their coffee order.

Next up, we have a classic movie marathon at home, with 24% saying it’s a great way to watch and connect without breaking the bank.

Then, there are food truck stops and walks around town, which received 23 percent support.

Finally, there’s the super-creative picnic meal featuring the dollar menu, which 12 percent of respondents said was the next best option for a casual date.