If its a first date or a blind date than meeting for drinks somewhere NICE for the first time is the way to go. This way you can figure out if the two of you are compatible without having to sit through a three course meal. If theres good conversation and you enjoy the persons company then its the perfect time to set up plans for a second date. Like a comedy show and dinner or dinner and concert or just dinner. Have a few ideas in mind and while having those drinks you could say "I heard so and so is hilarious. He's gonna be up at ____________ Comedy Club this weekend, you wanna go check it out?" Or if you find that she likes classic rock you could say
"There's this really great local cover band playing at _________,
you wanna go check them out? (and start with some dinner)" If theres
no conversation or you figure out that this person isnt for you, then you only wasted a half hour and ten bucks on drinks! Just remember if you do like this person, dont get hammered and show her the drunk idiot you may become. Have a few drinks, conversate, find out what interests her so you can plan a great second date, dont wait a week to call her, and cut the evening short (one - two hours is just enough time to find out if you like each other enough for a second date).