I don't mind drinks, but if it's during a day I believe a coffee is never a bad idea. I never have dinner on first dates though. I don't want to spend awkward hour waiting for and eating food
Somewhere that's more noise-free... bars are great and grabbing a drink is always a neutral place to start but it can be hard with so much music / chatting going on. Maybe a lounge-type spot?
Museums and libraries. It's good to see how someone looks in broad daylight. Mainly kidding - but these places are good conversation makers and body language can vary quite a bit. And if he/she is into Sartre while you're a Sports Illustrated person you kinda know what the next steps could be.
Any type of place where you can talk and get to know each other, but there's still something going on around you if things get awkward. Movies is definitely a NO.
A casual time in the park is a good opportunity to see how easily you two can communicate. There's silence, nature to adore and the chance to see the other person's demeanor very clearly.