I think some women do want a guy to spend a lot on them, but I'll bet that a larger portion just want it to seem like he made an effort. A cute family owned Italian bistro probably doesn't cost any more than dinner at the Cheesecake factory but it sends out a totally different vibe. I totally agree that if you are already really hitting it off, where you go and what you do makes a lot less of a difference. I can totally see a great conversation after fast food working - in the right circumstances with the right person. But, if you are still getting to know each other, and trying to convey that you put some time and effort in, chain restaurants and coffee at Starbucks probably don't do the trick. Coffee at the indie shop that roasts it's own beans and plays live music on Saturday nights says something more about you.

A date is kind of like a job interview in some ways, and it's a good idea to put your best foot forward. That doesn't have to mean spending a lot, but it should at least convey something about what you are all about. My husband and I went on our first date to the free Natural History Museum. We neither of us had much money, but we had a lot of fun looking at dinos and amazing gemstones and getting to know each other better. One of my favorite dates of all time, really.