Where is the best place to meet up with an online friend?

First of all, make sure you’ve done your due diligence in searching them online. Make sure what they’ve told you matches up with their profiles. Check Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc to see as well. It’s not being weird or creepy, it’s being safe. I would also hope that you’ve talked to them on the phone, so again, you could begin to see if what they say matches up. Once you’ve gone through those steps, I would recommend a meeting at a completely public place like a restaurant. Not outside the restaurant- inside is where you could meet. If possible, have a friend nearby until you feel comfortable. At the very least, turn on “Find My Friend” app on your phone or a similar app so a trusted friend can temporarily track your whereabouts.
Under no circumstances should you be alone with this person on your first meeting. Not even if the meeting went great and you feel more comfortable. Give it a chance to settle with you and be smart!