News flash, ladies and gentlemen; the traditional date night at the movies to see the latest romantic comedy starring Kate Hudson, followed by dinner at Red Lobster, just doesn't cut it anymore. As if it ever did, shame on you! The jaded young adults of Generations X and Y expect a little more thought, creativity and excitement when it comes to the dating scene. You'd better deliver the goods, or get relegated to the dreaded “super good friends” category. Don't get your panties or boxers in a bunch just yet, we've compiled a list of local St. Louis places, perfect for every type of big night out. So whether you're already committed, or just wanna “hit it and quit it”, you've got options.

The First Date: Conversation is the key element in a first date. Sure, they may have looked hot and had all the right moves at the club, but what happens when they start talking and you discover that their head is as empty as the martini glass in your hand?  Deal breaker. That's why, for first dates, movies, concerts and dance clubs are not good options. Instead, head down to Maplewood for dinner at Schlafly Bottleworks , then walk arm-in-arm down the block to Jive N' Wail for raucous piano and cocktails.

Schlafly Bottleworks is not only home to St. Louis' favorite micro-brewery, it's also a very hip, very affordable restaurant. Carnivores will salivate over the bison burgers, while vegetarians can enjoy several entrees, guilt-free. If the weather is pleasant, you can often find local bands playing out on the spacious covered patio. After dinner, go to Jive N' Wail, on Manchester, for a nightcap and a chance to get rowdy. You can test your date's musical chops by requesting your favorite song from the pianist, then gauge your date's reaction. Nose wrinkled? Gagging sounds? Bad sign. Sings every word loudly? In tune? Keeper!

The Second Date: Now that you two know each other's middle names and favorite breakfast cereals, it's time to move on to a date that's a bit more informal. Slip into your trainers and don't forget the kneepads, because you are about to get down and dirty at the City Museum . Don't worry, you won't find dusty bones and stuffy paintings at this museum. You will find, however, endless tunnels and simulated caves to crawl through (dark enough for a quick smooch). The museum also houses an aquarium, featuring a shark tank that you can slide through, and an outdoor playland where you can climb up several catwalk contraptions into the hollowed guts of an old plane. Scared of heights? Back on the ground you can get some grub and sip wine outside a log cabin bar, while you nurse each other's wounds. Sexy.

The “Quickie” Date: Sometimes you just don't have the time, or the cash, to take your honey out to dinner, but you still want to hook up. The solution? Drinks at the uber-cool South Grand hide-away, Urban . Urban is part bar, part music lounge; the perfect place to cozy up on one of the couches and chill with one of their unique fresh-fruit cocktails. Dimly lit, this den has the feel of an exclusive club from another country; a bit Asian or Moroccan perhaps. The vibe is urban chic, but not pretentious, so please, leave the striped button-down shirt at home. The music the DJ spins varies, but it's never Top 40 and it's never so loud that you can't hear the person next to you. It's still recommended that you lean in close to the ear to speak... just as long as you're not a “spit-talker.”

The Artsy/Sensitive Type Date: Still think that Donatello was most famous for being a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle? That's okay, you lovable dumb-ass, your artsy date doesn't have to know that! Pack yourselves a picnic basket for a delightful lunch at Laumeier Sculpture Park in Sunset Hills. Here, you can dine under the gaze of a giant eyeball sculpture, then walk together through a forest trail, lined with modern sculptures. Don't forget the bug spray, itching is not attractive.

Perhaps you'd rather play up your sensitive side. This is the plan; after a casual lunch overlooking the water at The Boathouse in Forest Park, rent a canoe and take a romantic row around the scenic Grand Basin. This will give you a chance to impress your date with your biceps and athletic prowess. Steer clear of the giant, gushing fountains, though. Your date may not appreciate that wet dog look.

Afterwards, take them to the St. Louis Zoo . The Zoo, you ask? Isn't the zoo filled with screaming babies and hoosiers? Yes it is, but they sell beer at the zoo, so drink some of that and you won't notice the mullets as much. Besides, girls are suckers, I mean absolute suckers, for cute critters like fuzzy ring-tailed lemurs. If you mention how much you adore these creatures, she'll be eating out of the palm of your hand (the girl, not the lemur. Weirdo.).

Do you have a great St. Louis date idea? Like to share any memories of these suggested date spots? Don't be shy players, we wanna hear from you!

Also, be sure to check out "Dating: What to do in the Lou? Part II"!