hmm tricky. since it's the girl asking for an EB, the guy is not obliged to pay for anything (ako lang ni ha). what he can do is show up at a coffee shop early. make sure it's not meal time. he can order for himself a cup of java or whatever. when the girl arrives, he doesn't have to offer her anything. the girl can take this as a cue that she should pay for her own drink.
now if you don't want to appear cheap, ayaw nalang mo tuga2x og meet sa mall. just hang out at home, okay? at least sa balay maka serve pa ka juice drink and cookies.