We recently got a question from a reader who asked what we think is the best place to take a date for dinner in Kansas City.

In a city that’s loaded with a variety of great eats, that’s a tough question to answer. We can share our favorites, but they may not speak to your taste buds. Or they may be spots that are exactly your speed.

Here are ideas from male and female perspectives. .

Best inexpensive date

Cupcakes at Baby Cakes in River Market, 108 Missouri Ave.

Women love cupcakes. I don’t necessarily get the phenomenon. I just know that it exists. If you offer this up along with a stroll through the scenic River Market area, you’ll please her. — Damon

Dog day (Saturdays) at Charlie Hooper’s Brookside Bar & Grill, 12 W. 63rd St.

All the hot dogs are $1.25-$1.50 until 5 p.m. Win a guy over by saying, “Let’s get hot dogs and beer.” You can get a tasty plain dog or one loaded with black beans, queso and jalapenos. You can hear the guy now: “I like this girl — fun and low-maintenance.” — Pamela

Best place to take a date for drinks

Manifesto, 1924 Main St.

Possibly the swankest speakeasy in Kansas City. It has great bartenders who don’t just mix spirits and mixers. They make drinks that are bound to rival any bar experience you’ve ever had and are likely impress your date. No hyperbole. — Damon

My vote goes to Grünauer, 101 W. 22nd St.

The lighting is romantic, the bartenders are nice and — my key factor — the parking is free and easy. — Pamela

Best fun date

Bowling

Little gets a date going like a little active competition, and unless you’re playing with someone who bowls as a hobby, there’s a good chance that you’ll be evenly matched and have a good story to tell afterward. I have a few, plus others that will never see the light of day. — Damon

Tour the Boulevard Brewing Co., 2501 Southwest Blvd.

You usually have to book the free tours months in advance but you can take a shot, stop by and see if there’s a no-show. You get to see how the local brewery does things, and there’s a beer tasting at the end where you can try samples. — Pamela

Best kept secret dinner date spot

Le Fou Frog, 400 E. Fifth St.

The restaurant isn’t an unknown. But I know that there are a lot of people who have driven by the quaint restaurant in River Market several times and have no clue that it’s there. Excellent French cuisine and even better ambiance. If you’re looking to pop the question over dinner, consider this spot. — Damon

Carmen’s Cafe, 6307 Brookside Plaza

There’s nothing that’s not romantic about this place. It’s great for a first date or an anniversary. Great atmosphere, great wine list, great food, great-looking bar. — Pamela

Best winter date

Movie night at your house

I have an aversion to cold weather. I believe that people who want to play in it should move north. Thus, my choice is a safe one. Pick two movies that neither of you have seen. Get some snacks and a blanket and see where the night leads. — Damon

Gotta disagree with my boy on this one, and he knows more about KC spots than anyone I know. Movie night at your house is a bad idea unless you’re in a committed relationship. One minute you’re laughing, next minute you’re kissing, next thing you know you’re looking for your iPhone at 2 a.m. so you can get your walk of shame over with. Stick with a movie and drinks at AMC Mainstreet 6, 1400 Main St. Get dinner/drinks before or after at the theater’s Marquee Lounge. One-stop shopping and no accidental nooky. — Pamela