Suggestions for an inexpensive date night?

[okc_smoker]

I'm hoping to get some suggestions for places that give you a lot of bang for your buck. As much as I would love to eat totally unique and gourmet every time, it's just not in the cards for me to be a food snob at this point . I'd basically like to find some new places that we can get out of for $30-40. So far we've found places like Belle Isle Brewery, Elephant Bar, and BJ's that fit the bill, but we need a few more places to add to the rotation to keep things new and interesting. Local is better, but chains are acceptable. So... any takers?

[metro]

How about some locals instead of the chains above. Tom & Jerry's , Flips, Saturn Grill, Cheever's, UrbanStarr to name a few.

[okc_smoker]

Absolutely. As long as they fit the criteria local is definitely preferred! I could be wrong but it seems like, with the exception of Saturn Grill and possibly Flip's, it would be awful tough to stay within our budget at the other places you listed.

[Easy180]

Drive out to Eischens in Okarche....Well worth the half hour drive....Great fried chicken and okra...Can get two pitchers of beer with it for around $30 total for two

[mecarr]

Iron Starr is not that expensive, you could spend $30-$40 and have a good meal...Tom & Jerry's though is expensive...how about 1492? It's a great, semi-formal restaurant.

[bandnerd]

Museum Cafe for Sunday Brunch--very reasonable prices!

[PennyQuilts]

I had a geeky professor once who was trying his hardest to land a wife. He had a big date and took her to the Mall food court. As he explained it, "That way, she can choose any type of food she likes!" I honestly did not know how to respond to this revelation.

The odd thing is that some years later, he actually met Ms. Right and they have been happily married for a long time.

There is someone for everyone.

[FritterGirl]

My husband and I found a great trick to help spare our wallet, and our waistlines....we'll just up and split a meal.

Given the enormous serving amounts found in most restaurants these days (even the locals), it's not unusual for us to select an entree to share. Get a small salad to accompany that, and it's portion- and budget- control extraordinaire.

Sometimes, we'll skip the salads, and opt for an appetizer (shard) and an entree (also shared).

We'll also forego the alcohol, opting for water or tea instead. A nice glass of red back at home before, or after, the meal, and we're perfectly happy.

In some instances, we've been able to cut that $50 or $60 tab down to easily $30, or less!

Some restaurants will charge a "sharing fee" (usually $2.50 or $3.50, which is really a plating charge), but we find that more the exception than the rule.

We've never had anyone make a negative comment about our wanting to split!

[metro]

Good point FritterGirl, my wife and I share pricier plates all the time, and if need be, just order an extra appetizer or side. We too find it very rare that most places will charge you a sharing fee. Especially if you order a $30 dollar steak to split, they probably aren't going to charge you. Only places I found that do that are places we usually don't split at such as mexican restaurants (which most are $10 or less for a entree anyways).

okc_smoker, You can still have a date for two at Urban Starr or Tom & Jerry's for under $40. Tom & Jerry's can be pricey, but they have plenty of meals under $15. They always have one or two specials of the week (which are still first class quality and far superior to anywhere else you'd go) and they are usually $12.95 or less. That's the secret. You can also get on their email list and they'll give you a heads up as they are a true, local upscale restaurant and change their menu all the time.

[Intrepid]

Why limit yourself to just restaurants? Go to your favorite bowling alley, roll a few games and have some good grill food and maybe a beer or two.

If you're into late night bowling (after 10pm) there's always the "Extreme Bowling" that most alleys offer nowadays. Those are usually $10-$12 a person, with shoes.

Also, with the weather improving, plan a picnic at the park, or go hit a few golf balls at the driving range or take a few swings at the batting cages. Whether you're good at it or not, might provide for some good laughs either way.

[lpecan]

Galileo's is good if you don't go on Open Mic night (and that's your crowd). Queen of Sheba is a fun experience that would probably force you to share, though the outside may scare your date. 1492 is a cool joint too, though I personally think the food is terrible. I'll second Iron Starr and Tom&Jerry's, though I've never gotten out cheap, there. Tapas at Bin42 is pretty good, though it can become kind of loungy.

[metro]

Why limit yourself to just restaurants? Go to your favorite bowling alley, roll a few games and have some good grill food and maybe a beer or two.

If you're into late night bowling (after 10pm) there's always the "Extreme Bowling" that most alleys offer nowadays. Those are usually $10-$12 a person, with shoes.

Also, with the weather improving, plan a picnic at the park, or go hit a few golf balls at the driving range or take a few swings at the batting cages. Whether you're good at it or not, might provide for some good laughs either way.

Not to mention RedPin in Bricktown is very nice and has cheap semi-gourmet food and a killer atmosphere.

[okc_smoker]

Thanks guys. Some great ideas here!

[okc_smoker]

Galileo's is good if you don't go on Open Mic night (and that's your crowd).

Is Galileo's still open for business? Their website seems to be down...

www.galileo-okc.com

Tapas at Bin42 is pretty good, though it can become kind of loungy.

What/where is this? Google turned up nothing.

[kmf563]

Are these for first dates, girlfriend dates, or wife dates? Because it matters! If you are trying to make a good first impression and don't want to look like a cheap skate you should just get creative.

The best date places IMO is actually the culinary school places. You get top food from the next best chefs coming out of Oklahoma for cheap cheap.

Cafe Broccato

Chefs di Domani

[okc_smoker]

These are wife dates so looking like a cheapskate isn't much of an issue . Actually, neither of us are cheapskates by nature but we've been forced to re-prioritize our budget a bit recently (trying to finally get out of debt and raise three kids, etc., etc.).

RedPin looks like a GREAT place for a date night! Cool atmosphere, good food, and a break from the normal routine. I was actually planning on make the drive to Eischens for our next date night since it's also a bit of a break from the norm, but this will be at the top of my list after that!

[Markbb]

Two thumbs up for Flips had the chicken lasquana......drooooll

[kmf563]

You would love the culinary school on Memorial then. It is a dress up for dinner kind of place, the food is orgasmic, and the service/atmosphere is top notch. But for under $40 you can have the full course meal, dessert, and wine.

Other than that - when I was married and broke, I loved the more sentimental dates. Grab some cheese, fruit, crackers, and wine then throw a blanket down in front of the sunset at Lake Hefner. Grab a hot dog and walk around the Myriad Gardens and feed the ducks. Even taco bell can be romantic if given the right situation.

[okc_smoker]

You would love the culinary school on Memorial then. It is a dress up for dinner kind of place, the food is orgasmic, and the service/atmosphere is top notch. But for under $40 you can have the full course meal, dessert, and wine.

Sounds interesting! Are you referring to the one mentioned above? If so, unfortunately, it's only open on Thursdays and Fridays which aren't options for us due to babysitting arrangements. I'll keep it in mind though...

[NE Oasis]

I hate to use the term "slumming" but don't be afraid to try a place that has good food and GREAT character. Some of my favorites (in random order) are the club house at Lincoln Park golf course, Leo's Barbeque, and the pizza joint/coffee house in the Paseo district.

[kmf563]

Sounds interesting! Are you referring to the one mentioned above? If so, unfortunately, it's only open on Thursdays and Fridays which aren't options for us due to babysitting arrangements. I'll keep it in mind though...

You might give them a call. They have recently changed their hours and I believe they are now open on Wed and Sat also. I beleive daily for lunch. Not sure on that, but I know they changed.

I hate to use the term "slumming" but don't be afraid to try a place that has good food and GREAT character. Some of my favorites (in random order) are the club house at Lincoln Park golf course, Leo's Barbeque, and the pizza joint/coffee house in the Paseo district.

Sauced! Great, cheap, and full of character.

[CCOKC]

Galileo's is good if you don't go on Open Mic night (and that's your crowd). Queen of Sheba is a fun experience that would probably force you to share, though the outside may scare your date. 1492 is a cool joint too, though I personally think the food is terrible. I'll second Iron Starr and Tom&Jerry's, though I've never gotten out cheap, there. Tapas at Bin42 is pretty good, though it can become kind of loungy.

I think you mean Bin 74 on 74th and Western. That is one of our favorite places for a date night. The tapas are wonerful and you can get a flight of wines
(4 smaller glasses with the same theme).

[kevinpate]

Diners at small area airparks (Ozzie's in Norman has excellent grub, as do others)

Jamil's, early seating used to be a discounted rate, may still be

entertainment.com sells coupon books based on cities. Currently mid-cycle, a typical 25 dollar book stuffed full of 2fer1's is about 10 bucks, with most coupons good into October. You're parents seeking to enjoy and save money. If the thought of coupons is an ick issue, tuck the ick in the glove box and enjoy the food and the company of your spouse and feel icky another day, for tonight you eat well for less, that's all.

Ditto what others have said. When one can focus on the companionship, taco bell on the hood of a car enjoying a sunset, or seeing the sparkle in the eye during a mickey d sunrise are both memorable outings.

[okc_smoker]

entertainment.com sells coupon books based on cities. Currently mid-cycle, a typical 25 dollar book stuffed full of 2fer1's is about 10 bucks, with most coupons good into October. You're parents seeking to enjoy and save money. If the thought of coupons is an ick issue, tuck the ick in the glove box and enjoy the food and the company of your spouse and feel icky another day, for tonight you eat well for less, that's all.

No problem with using coupons here! That's actually not a bad idea. The only drawback is that IME most of the places in coupon books tend to be chains. I'm not opposed to chains, but I don't want to limit myself to them either.

[kevinpate]

Definitely take a look at the entertainment book option. There are many local operations in there, for food and other areas as well. I became interested in the books years back when friends had children in student groups that used the books as a fundraiser. After their children were grown, I have either found a new group or simply gotten one online.