$1 Cocktails + FREE Burlesque Show = Cheap yet classy date!
If you are going to be a "cheap date", then do it at The Edison in Downtown LA on Wed-Fri 5-7 PM. Cocktails normally cost at least 10 bucks each in LA, but during Happy Hour that's equivalent to a whopping 10 drinks at $1 each. Heck, you can afford to show off to your date by offering a free round to strangers at the bar. The best day to go is on Thursdays, so you can stick around to view the FREE burlesque show at 8:30-11:30 PM (2/4, 2/18, 3/4, etc.) or every other Thursday dance to the tunes of a DJ. The website does not quite say how long the "Centennial Celebration Cocktail Hour" lasts, but it's on the calendar through April 2010.
I normally don't blog too much about Happy Hours for cheap date ideas, but The Edison is a classy spot to take a date. When I went with my girlfriends, we were surprised by a snake charmer who came out for a free performance, but I don't know how often that happens. Needless to say, I definitely want to go back again with my man. The ambiance here is incomparable with fancy and weird lighting decor (the place is named after the guy who invited light bulbs). If you call for reservations in advance, you can grab a bite to eat there too, but be forewarned that it's not cheap here ($25 minimum per person).
This upscale lounge/restaurant (don't forget to dress to impress) is a cool place to go anytime of the year on Wednesdays-Saturdays, but it will be open for a special event on Sunday of Valentine's Day at 7 PM. On-line tickets are going for $20, which include admission that day as well as one free martini. Valet parking is always $9 unless you are lucky enough to find a street meter.
UPDATE 03/30/10: The price has jumped from 35-cents to $1, but that's still not bad for a cheap date! Thanks @dateonadime for the update!
UPDATE 05/13/10: Yay, the 100¢ cocktail happy hour and free burlesque show are on The Edison calendar through the month of July 2010.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = 100¢ Drink + Tip + $9 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $40 Minimum.
Kiss & Tell Idea by @RecessionistaLA