Cheap, Tasty Date Spots for the 99%
The best restaurants in NYC for dating on a budget!

Let's face it. Being single in NYC is tough. It's even worse when you're broke and on a budget. So we're here to ease up the stress of it all --at least a little bit. Want to impress someone with good food, and a great atmosphere at an affordable price? Tired of spending way too much money on dinner but don't want to let go of the quality? Don't worry, we got ya covered! Here are five places that you can take a date to dinner, without draining your bank account. 

 

tastingtable.com
Salt and Fat

41-16 Queens Boulevard  Sunnyside, NY  718-433-3702

 

This Queen's establishment is just the place to take someone special to enjoy a great meal. They kick off the meal with a bag of popcorn, in place of the traditional bread basket. Staying true to their name, the popcorn is cooked in bacon and is addicting. Be careful to still pay attention to your company because the food is incredible. Serving small-medium sized plates it is easy to order 4 plates to share plus a dessert and a glass or wine or beer without emptying your wallet. Try the Oxtail Terrine with caramelized onion puree and roasted mushrooms or the Pappardelle with slow cooked egg, broccoli rabe and roasted mushrooms. Most dishes are under $15 and all of them are worth way more to the palate. 

 




thepurplepassport.com
Caracas Arepa Bar

93 1/2 East 7th St   New York, NY  212-529-2314

An arepa is a beautiful thing, a dish made from Venezuelan corn dough that makes any other sandwich seem subpar. Enjoy these tiny, tasty delights with a date. Make memories and enjoy something that won't keep you from saving, while indulging for not that much money. Every Arepa is under $10, get a side to go with it and you have yourself a meal that's affordable.

 

grubstreet.com
Yakitori Totto 

251 West 55th Street  New York, NY 212-245-4555

By far the best Yakitori place in the city. Nothing is more than $10, so you and your company can share an appetizer and try a bunch of skewered meats that are filled with so much taste meant to make your mouth water. Feeling adventurous? The liver and the heart are bursting with flavor and are cooked perfectly. The chef's counter is the perfect place to cuddle up and enjoy the experience. 

 

 

foursquare.com

 

Oliva

 

161 E Houston St New YorkNY 212-228-4143

 

This tapas place is a comfortable yet upbeat environment to visit if you are looking for light snacks, some sangria and possibly a live band. Feel free to dance your evening away, the space is small but they make room for you to have a good time. The bacon-wrapped dates and ham croquettes are really scrumptious. As for the noise level, it is probably best to take your date here if you are looking for a lively scene, it could be a little too much if you are looking to engage in deep conversation. At least the prices are reasonable. 

 

 

newyorkstreetfood.com
Souvlaki GR

116 Stanton St. New York, NY  212-777-0116

This establishment was born from a popular food truck and has the feeling of Greece from top to bottom. This restaurant is supposed to feel like home and the bathroom, just like your greek grandmother's. The European vibe makes it a cute place to take a date for some Mediterranean cuisine. Be careful since most of the menu is made on pita, wouldn't want to make a mess of yourself. Try the greek burger with the greek fries. The chicken pita souvlaki is delectable and only $4.50. Vacation the night away in Greece, where the charred and tender pork that is grilled in the back makes you feel like you are nibbling on the authentic cuisine in the country itself. All of this, for a very low price.