Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Austin

Cheap date spots

A cheap date that feels intentional and fun instead of just a way to save money on a night out.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Lady Bird Lake Rentals & Tours image 1
Lady Bird Lake Rentals & Tours image 2
Lady Bird Lake Rentals & Tours image 3
View all
Water sports equipment rental service

Calm lake waters offer beautiful city skyline views and a peaceful escape amid urban surroundings. Comfortable, inflatable kayaks and paddleboards make paddling easy and enjoyable. Quiet rental spot provides secure storage and a relaxed atmosphere away from crowds.

Tandem kayaks rent for $25 per hour, making it a solid choice for couples. Paddle boarding and kayaking offer shared outdoor activities that work well for dates.

Prices stay consistently cheap for rentals and tours. The activity offers affordable options that keep costs low.

People are saying

"I had a blast with the fun activities here."

"It's so easy to get out on the water without much fuss."

"I thought the rental prices were super cheap."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required for kayak rentals, but it's recommended to arrive early.

2

The rental location is easy to find and has free parking available.

3

Kayaks and paddle boards are available at reasonable prices.

02
Claw & Fun Austin image 1
Video arcade

Bright, colorful arcade filled with variety of claw machines and virtual reality experiences creates a lively and fun atmosphere. The space feels welcoming for families and kids, with winnable prizes and engaging games. Music and vibrant lights add to the energetic vibe.

Offers a fun atmosphere ideal for couples and families. Provides a setting that creates unforgettable moments for date nights.

Cheap prices on tokens make it easy to play many arcade games. The variety of games stays affordable and easy to enjoy.

People are saying

"This place has so many fun games and is super entertaining."

"The virtual reality experiences here are so fun."

"It's a must-visit for date night with a variety of fun games."

Good to know

1

Claw & Fun Austin offers a variety of claw machines and arcade games.

2

Prices for games are affordable, allowing for extended playtime.

3

The arcade features VR games for an additional experience.

03
Machi Sushi All You Can Eat (Austin) image 1

Robot servers deliver food and interact with diners in a space decorated with Transformer and bumblebee sculptures. Lighting enhances a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels lively despite some areas being less inviting. The vibe mixes unique decor with a casual, energetic dining experience.

Soft lighting and a calm vibe create a relaxed setting for couples. The Japanese fried rice stands out as a flavorful dish to share during a date night.

All-you-can-eat menu offers cheap prices. Most cheap sushi options here avoid being severely lacking in quality.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh, especially the sushi."

"The food at these Date Spots is super fresh and tastes amazing."

"The all-you-can-eat sushi here is surprisingly cheap."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2 pm to 8 pm with $3 sakes.

2

The all-you-can-eat lunch special costs $24.95.

3

Dinner costs $38 for all-you-can-eat sushi, including nigiri and sashimi.

04
Mian & Bao image 1
Asian restaurant

Small Asian restaurant with semi-open kitchen and red lanterns creates a cozy, ambient vibe. Music stays chill, matching the warm, modern dรฉcor that feels welcoming and relaxing. Space suits pairs or solo diners, though tables are tight for larger groups.

Super cute decor and ambience create a cozy vibe for couples. The setting feels intimate and inviting for a date.

Steamed egg, cucumbers, and fruit tea come at a cheap price and taste great. Mian & Bao offers cheap, fast, and good options, which is rare at similar spots.

People are saying

"The soup dumplings here are the best Chinese food I've had."

"The steamed egg, cucumbers, and fruit tea are cheap and great."

"The pan-fried pork buns are a must-try for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging over the weekends, often requiring a walk of about a block.

2

Expect to wait 10-15 minutes for a table during busy hours.

3

They close at 9:30 PM, so plan to arrive earlier.

05
Peter Pan Mini-Golf image 1
Miniature golf course

Miniature golf course features quirky, hand-painted sculptures including dinosaurs and Peter Pan-themed decorations. Atmosphere feels whimsical and nostalgic with a magical chill vibe despite being busy and tight. Visitors enjoy a playful, family-friendly setting with a BYOB policy and shaded picnic areas.

Mini golf offers a fun and casual activity for dates, making it easy to relax and enjoy time together. The BYOB policy adds a laid-back vibe, perfect for after dinner outings or first dates.

Games cost very little, making it a spot for cheap entertainment. The low price keeps it accessible and fun for casual visits.

People are saying

"It's a fun time with friends, a really nostalgic mini-golf experience."

"It's a fun, whimsical spot for mini golf."

"I found it to be a great place for cheap entertainment and fun."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited, so plan to arrive early.

2

They allow you to bring your own alcohol.

3

They close at 10pm, so plan your game accordingly.

06
The Bon Aire image 1

Large bar with many TVs and both indoor and outdoor seating creates an electric atmosphere during game days. Affordable, charbroiled burgers and a condiment bar add to the casual, lively vibe. Activities like pool, darts, trivia, and cornhole on the patio keep energy varied and engaging.

Low-key vibe suits couples finishing drinks after dinner. Menu includes beef shish kebabs and hamburgers. Good for grabbing drinks and a casual meal together.

Bar food and backyard style burgers come at dirt cheap prices here. Food and drinks stay affordable even in an expensive city, with tasty options and friendly service.

People are saying

"The food here is cheap and delicious."

"It's a great spot for watching Steelers games."

"It's a great spot for drinks with friends and a hometown bar feel."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers.

2

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 7 PM.

3

Arrive early for Steelers games to secure a seat.

07
Casino El Camino image 1
Bar & grill

Dive bar with punk rock and metal vibe combines pre-colonial Mexica decor and lucha Libre elements for a unique atmosphere. Loud music upstairs and a classic jukebox set a buzzing, wild tone. Functional pool tables and a smoking patio add to the laid-back, alternative energy.

Wings and the Chicago burger stand out as solid choices for a date meal. The spot works well if a great burger is on the menu request.

Prices stay very cheap for the area with cheap draft beers and strong happy hour drinks. Food includes a killer burger and the staff keeps the vibe cool.

People are saying

"I thought this place had one of the best burgers I ever had."

"I thought the burgers here were the best I'd ever eaten."

"You have to try the burgers; they're incredible and worth returning for."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Expect long wait times after 5pm due to high crowd volume.

3

Take-out orders are available if you prefer to avoid the crowd.

08
Dan's Hamburgers - Austin image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Vintage diner with 50s style decor and glittery seats creates a cozy, old-school atmosphere. Busy and lively at lunchtime, it draws a mix of locals enjoying classic burgers and shakes. Long-standing family operation maintains a down-home, nostalgic vibe reminiscent of classic American diners.

Cheeseburgers stand out as a solid choice for a dinner date. Breakfast and dinner visits both offer a casual spot that impresses with its classic burger flavors.

Burgers come at a fairly cheap price and taste good. Food overall is cheap and satisfying.

People are saying

"I loved the juicy, flavorful onion rings, fresh off the grill."

"These burgers are the best I've had in so long."

"I found the burgers here to be cheap and very good."

Good to know

1

Breakfast is served until 10:30 AM on weekends.

2

Dan's Hamburgers has a popular Saturday and Sunday breakfast menu.

3

Game night occurs regularly, offering a fun atmosphere.

09
85ยฐC Bakery Cafe image 1

Modern bakery with extensive pastry selection and casual atmosphere draws a young, lively crowd. Space offers limited seating with two kiosks for ordering, creating a somewhat bare but welcoming environment. Popular spot often gets crowded, reflecting its strong local following.

Hot taro lavender latte stands out as a unique drink that draws people from afar. Couples enjoy loading up a tray with a variety of treats, making it a fun spot to share and savor together.

Prices stay very cheap, with pastries averaging around $3 to $5. The taste matches the low cost, making everything feel like a great deal.

People are saying

"The pastries here are delicious with unique flavors and great variety."

"I found the pastries to be very cheap, around $3 to $5."

"The tiger boba latte is rich, balanced, and yummy."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines, especially on weekends, with waits up to 50 minutes.

2

Parking can be very limited, so consider arriving early.

3

Ordering ahead helps avoid long wait times during busy hours.

10
Museum of the Weird image 1

Small, three-story building with tight corridors and secret rooms creates a unique layout to explore. Atmosphere blends creepy vintage horror with quirky sideshow oddities, offering a fun and memorable vibe. Live performances and photo-friendly displays add dynamic energy to the experience.

Exhibits focus on the fun side of life with quirky and unusual displays. The atmosphere suits first dates looking for a unique and entertaining experience.

Entry costs stay low, making it a cheap spot to visit. The space feels small and tight, adding to its quirky vibe.

People are saying

"It's a fun, quirky spot with lots of oddities and playful displays."

"It's cheap, weird, and totally unforgettable."

"I found the Museum of the Weird super fun for a date spot."

Good to know

1

Admission is $12 for entry to the museum.

2

Allow time to find parking in downtown Austin.

3

The museum lacks accessibility due to uneven steps between exhibits.

11
Broken Spoke image 1
Dance hall

Old-fashioned honky tonk dance hall with vintage memorabilia and a huge smooth dance floor. Loud live country music and authentic Texas swing bands create a lively atmosphere. Diverse crowd includes older cowboys and college-age couples enjoying dancing and socializing.

A lively spot where diverse crowds from older cowboys to college couples dance together. Staff help create a special atmosphere for celebrations and casual visits alike.

Cheap beer and basic southern fare make up the menu. Drinks stay affordable throughout.

People are saying

"It's a great dance spot with a fun, inclusive community."

"It's a great spot for dancing with live music."

"I found the drinks to be cheap."

Good to know

1

Entry cost is $10 cash per person, with dance lessons also costing $10 each.

2

Dancing costs $15 each and requires cash in the dance hall out back.

3

Show up at 9 pm for great live music and a vibrant dance community.

12
Enchiladas Y Mas image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Small, cozy Tex-Mex spot with a loud, lively atmosphere and a friendly, neighborhood vibe. Known for authentic cheese enchiladas and strong, well-priced margaritas. Space feels a bit cramped and simple, reflecting a long-standing local charm.

Food offers good value with large portions for a cheap price. Regular enchilada plates seem inexpensive but add $3 for rice and beans.

People are saying

"I thought the enchiladas were among the best I had."

"I found the food to be good value for a cheap price."

"The Tex-Mex here is amazing, especially the salsa."

Good to know

1

Enchiladas Y Mas does not open on Sundays or Mondays.

2

Parking can be difficult, especially during lunch hours.

3

The restaurant is very busy, often requiring a wait for a table.

13
Sandy's Hamburgers image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Outdoor seating consists of covered picnic tables near a drive-thru window that maintains an old-time vibe. The atmosphere feels nostalgic and vintage, reflecting a style unchanged since the 1940s. The place offers a simple, classic burger joint experience with a strong sense of history.

Classic burgers and frozen custard create a nostalgic vibe for dates. Sharing a pineapple milkshake adds a sweet touch to the experience.

Prices stay consistently cheap here, especially for the burgers. The food offers higher than normal quality for fast food at a low cost.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were pretty good."

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

"It's a great spot for a cute date with classic burgers."

Good to know

1

On Thursdays and Saturdays, they offer a hamburger, fries, and drink for $7.49.

2

Expect a wait time of 15-30 minutes during busy hours.

3

The drive-thru line can get long, especially on weekends.

14
Texas Chili Parlor image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Dive bar with classic rock music and glowing red lights creates a cozy, authentic Texan vibe. Strong Mad Dog Margaritas and chunky beef chili draw a steady crowd. Atmosphere shifts from laid-back to loud on game days with sports on big screens.

Couples enjoy Mad Dog Margaritas and a variety of dishes like the chili sampler and fresh salads. The spot offers a casual vibe for spontaneous date nights.

Offers cheap drinks and reasonable food prices compared to downtown. Food quality varies but stays tasty and affordable. Queso uses a basic, inexpensive cheese.

People are saying

"I thought the chili was next level, some of the best I ever had."

"The chili here is amazing, perfect for date spots."

"I found the drinks and food prices to be really cheap."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are offered every day.

2

Parking is available nearby but can be limited.

3

Chili prices are on the higher side.

Discover more

Austin, Texas

Area guide
Loading Map...