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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Bowery

Cheap date spots

You want to plan a memorable date that respects your budget without feeling cheap.

Based on 542 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Cozy Cafe image 1
Cozy Cafe image 2
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Hookah bar

Hookah lounge offers comfortable seating with ambient lighting that creates a warm, intimate vibe. Guests enjoy customizable music and some of the best hookah flavors in the city. The space feels like a cozy, welcoming home where groups can relax and have conversations.

Cozy atmosphere creates a quiet lounge ideal for one-on-one or first dates. The setting suits calm, intimate evenings and casual hangouts with friends.

Prices stay consistently cheap across drinks and hookah. Quality remains high despite the low cost.

People are saying

"The Cozy hookah here is smooth and well-prepared."

"The service here makes you feel like an old friend."

"The drinks were good and cheap."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers affordable drinks from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

Karaoke starts at 10pm on Thursdays with a two-drink minimum.

3

An automatic 18% gratuity is added to all bills.

02
Chubby Crab - Asian Wok & Cajun Kitchen image 1

Cozy, no-frills seafood spot offers affordable seafood boils with free rice refills and double-bagged packaging for easy eating. The small, simple space features Japanese music and quirky decorations that create a welcoming, chill vibe. Portions are filling, and the menu blends Asian wok and Cajun flavors.

Seafood boils for two offer a shared dining experience with mussels and crab legs as popular choices. Chicken and fries provide a savory, juicy alternative for those who prefer non-seafood options.

Meals cost around $7, making the food very cheap. Quality stays good despite low prices.

People are saying

"The seafood boil here is delicious and well-seasoned."

"The seafood boil here is outstanding, you'll want to reorder it."

"I found the food here to be really cheap and delicious."

Good to know

1

The cashier said that customers cannot sit unless they purchase something for at least $40.

2

Keep in mind that it may take longer to get your order around 6:30-7:00.

3

The price is $30 per person, which is a great deal.

03
8-Bit Bites image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Retro video games and arcade cabinets create a gaming-themed environment with a fun, welcoming atmosphere. The space draws a student crowd and stays lively late into the night. Burgers and fries complement the playful vibe, making it a unique late-night spot for casual dining and entertainment.

Offers a fun atmosphere suitable for casual dates or hanging out with friends. Fried foods are common, so be mindful of potential digestive effects during a date.

Prices appear low but deliver deceivingly cheap value. Food tastes delicious without stretching the budget.

People are saying

"The burgers here are wonderful and perfectly cooked."

"The customer service here is great."

"I found the food to be surprisingly good and cheap."

Good to know

1

Everything on the menu is Halal.

2

The restaurant is solid and open very late.

3

The meal cost $24, which is considered expensive for what was received.

04
Yunnan Rice Noodle image 1
Chinese restaurant

Bright, fresh dining area with beautiful furnishings and modern Chinese music creates an energetic atmosphere. Open 24/7, it offers generous portions and clearly labeled menu options for easy ordering. The environment feels clean and relaxing, making it suitable for late-night meals.

Sharing a bowl of Yunnan rice noodles creates a cozy, intimate vibe. This spot suits couples looking for a simple, relaxed meal together.

Meat skewers cost just 2.50 dollars and taste good. Beers run between 3 to 5 dollars, keeping drinks cheap. Freshly squeezed juice adds value without raising prices.

People are saying

"The food portions here are huge for the price."

"The noodle soup portions are gigantic and the price is cheap."

"The food here is yummy and the beers are cheap."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers generous portions, making it a great value for money.

2

New rice dishes are available, adding variety to the menu.

3

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

05
Shu Jiao Fu Zhou image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small space with authentic Chinatown vibe and casual atmosphere draws crowds despite limited seating. Quiet and orderly kitchen supports quick, cash-only service with self-serve condiments. Known for best dumplings and affordable prices, it offers a simple menu and frozen goods to take home.

Meals cost under $15 for two, with options like large pork chive dumplings and wheat noodles to share. The spot does not suit a romantic or family date vibe.

Prices stay extremely cheap while the food remains amazing and filling. Meals come fast and offer great value without sacrificing flavor.

People are saying

"These dumplings are juicy, filled with pork and chives."

"I thought the food was cheap and delicious."

"The food here is delicious and ridiculously cheap for date spots."

Good to know

1

This place is cash only, so bring money.

2

You need to order at the counter and specify whether itโ€™s takeout or dine-in.

3

The prices are super reasonable at $4.50 for 10 dumplings.

06
Wah Fung No.1 Fast Food image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, cramped space with an open kitchen and high-volume takeout creates a fast-paced vibe. Crowds form outside, drawn by unparalleled BBQ pork and cash-only policy. Nearby park offers a relaxed spot to enjoy food away from the busy, colorful streets.

Sharing food works well here with generous portions at a low price. Some dishes like duck can surprise even those who usually avoid them. Experiences vary, so dining together can be a mixed bag.

Prices stay super cheap with portions that are plentiful. Roasted meats like char siu come at low cost and taste great.

People are saying

"The pork and duck food here is incredibly flavorful and tender."

"The BBQ pork and roast pig were perfectly crispy and juicy."

"The wait for these Date Spots is long, but the roasted pork is worth it."

Good to know

1

They only take cash; no credit cards accepted.

2

The food is takeout only; no dining in is available.

3

Be prepared for a waiting line of around 30-40 minutes.

07
Spicy Village image 1
Chinese restaurant

Tiny, crowded space with a hole-in-the-wall vibe and friendly atmosphere. Lines move quickly despite limited seating and close quarters. Outdoor seating near a small park offers a brief alternative to the cramped interior.

Shared tables create a close setting with other couples, and the spot has a small, sketchy vibe. Braised beef noodles stand out as a tasty dish for dates, while vegetarian options are available. Seating waits are short even on busy nights.

Huge portions come with super cheap pricing, making meals very affordable even by Chinatown standards. Three people can eat a lot for around $50, which is rare for the area.

People are saying

"The dumplings here are handmade, hot, and fresh."

"The spicy beef brisket with noodles is the real deal."

"The food here is really great for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

This is a cash-only establishment; bring cash for payment.

2

Customers should come prepared with cash as cards are not accepted.

3

The restaurant only has 6 tables, making indoor seating competitive.

08
99 Favor Taste image 1
Chinese restaurant

Large dining space combines Chinese and Western styles with multiple stories and wooden architecture. Loud, energetic atmosphere features frequent birthday songs that dominate the soundscape. An expansive sauce bar and digital ordering system support a casual, group-friendly experience.

Variety of options and the experience of eating together create a solid setting for a date. The spot works well for both couples and groups of friends, offering a casual vibe and shared enjoyment.

Prices stay cheap for an all-you-can-eat hotpot with decently high-quality meat. The place offers value compared to others nearby but lacks appeal beyond its low cost.

People are saying

"The hot pot here is a solid choice with fresh ingredients."

"They offer a free meal on your birthday, plus buy-one-get-one drinks."

"It's pretty cheap for an all-you-can-eat option."

Good to know

1

You eat for free on your birthday if you bring a guest.

2

The birthday person gets their meal free, but check conditions on their website.

3

There is a 1.5 hours time limit for parties of 2.

09
Gyu-Ichiro Japanese BBQ image 1
Japanese restaurant

Private booths with tabletop grills create an interactive and cozy dining experience. Interior features hidden lighting and intimate nooks that enhance privacy. Digital ordering via iPads streamlines service in a space known for high-quality sushi and perfectly cooked meats.

Private nooks create a cozy setting for an intimate date. The atmosphere suits a relaxed date night.

Prices stay super cheap compared to other spots. Meals with squid, takoyaki, pork, chicken, and some beef cuts cost just over $100 for three people.

People are saying

"The bottomless sushi and meats were an amazing adventure."

"The food here is great, especially the garlic shrimp."

"The price was super cheap compared to other places."

Good to know

1

The lunch all-you-can-eat menu is available Tuesday to Thursday from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM for $29.99.

2

The dinner all-you-can-eat menu is available Tuesday to Thursday for $39.99.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

10
Dumpling Story image 1
Chinese restaurant

Spacious dining area features wood-themed decor and lush foliage, including a large tree trunk at the entrance. Atmosphere stays calm and uplifting with modern ordering technology like tablets at tables. Connected bubble tea spot adds convenience for pairing drinks with meals.

Up-to-date technology like a tablet sign-in adds a modern touch. The spot suits both dates and family dinners well.

Prices vary, with some dishes around 18 dollars and others close to higher-end spots. Overall, it offers cheap eats for lunch or dinner but not consistently across the menu.

People are saying

"The soup dumplings here are so flavorful and fresh."

"I found the prices to be cheap, with plates costing only 18 dollars."

"This is a perfect place for a date."

Good to know

1

They offer a Valentine's meal for 2.

2

You receive a free dessert after spending $30.

3

The xiaolongbao cost only 8.95 for 5 pieces.

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Bowery, New York

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