Walk in the park or coffee is a fantastic first date. If you are getting along, you can always suggest getting a bite.

One girl wanted me to send a limousine to her house to pick her up, surprise me with an expensive French restaurant, etc...after about a month of dating. "I want to be taken to an expensive restaurant because I'm worth it" has always been a huge turn-off for me, in early stages.

That said, box seats at the opera is worth every dollar spent, to reinforce a loving relationship.