187. The London Happy Hour

Be fabulous at a classy happy hour at The London!
The London Hotel offers two full hours of happiness on weekdays (5-7 PM) from now until the end of June. Not only is this a classy spot for a happy hour, but Gordon Ramsay is famous for his fine dining. It's not normally a cheap date, but the "London After Five" special makes it affordable with $5 specials starting at 5 PM. Plus to celebrate the sequel's release, the happy hour theme is in honor of the Sex and The City 2.

@foodphotos Martini Collage
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

The "London After Five" specials are:

• $5 Specialty cocktails with 5 choices inspired by the 5 characters of Sex and the City
• $5 Sake or Champagne
• $5 Tasty appetizers, including a mini lobster burger, kebabs & more
• $5 Valet parking with validation ($10 regularly; street parking is possible but not likely due to limited space)

If you are in that part of LA (WeHo), you must stop by here, especially if you're going to watch SATC2. Why you may ask? Because you deserve 2 hours of happiness. That is at least happiness on any weekday at The London from now til the end of June. I'm sure tomorrow will be crazy with it being Friday and the start of a long holiday weekend. For more happy hour date ideas, click HERE. Be a fun cheap date and be safe!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $15 minimum.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @TheLondonWeho

176. OC Beer Fest

Unlimited beer of 98 varieties in 3 hours for only $20?!
Like I said on Cheap Date Idea #170, the festival season is upon us. Next up: @DrinkEatPlay is hosting the Orange County Beer Festival on this Saturday, May 15th, 1-4 PM. The OC Beer Fest is not usually a cheap date ($40 regularly), but discount tickets are available online today only at a mere $20! Considering how much you'd spend on drinks within a 3-hour span at a typical bar in LA or OC, this qualifies for a cheap date! Drink unlimited 4-oz pours of 98+ different beers while rocking out to a live 80's band under the sun. Food is optional but available at an additional cost (bbq and various food trucks).

BR2D2...beertooD2
Originally uploaded
by Lockwasher

With mostly sunny and a high of 74°F expected, invite your friends and make it an outdoorsy group date! Parking is only $5, but carpooling is always a good idea, especially since the event location is at Irvine Lake (not the city of Irvine, but rather in Silverado). If you don't have a DD, sober up by enjoying the lakeside by fishing (no license is required) or boating or sunbathing, or check out Irvine Lake website for more ideas. For fun under the sun, don't forget the essentials: sunblock, hat, sun glasses, water and a camera (the last one is optional, but makes it more fun).

Hurry and get your discounted tickets online today via LivingSocial.com. Otherwise, regular tickets are $40 til 5/14 and then it jumps to $60 at the door. For more information, refer to the event website, Yelp review and venue website.

Disclaimer: The photo here is intended for fun only and is not affiliated with the event. Sorry, there will be no special appearance by R2D2's cousin from The Netherlands.

UPDATE 05/13/10: The deal is over now. Wow, 533 passes were purchased. General admission is still available for purchase online until midnight tomorrow (5/14 11:59 PM) and then the price jumps to $60 at the door on the day of the event 5/15.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $20 Per Person + $5 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $85 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @drinkeattravel

172. Free Bowling at Lucky Strike

Free bowling is a great group date idea!
Lucky Strike at L.A. Live is offering a free game with free shoes on Wednesday, May 12th. All you have to do is show up and say the magic words, "Bangerang Bowling", in honor of the movie, Hook. The alley will be open at 11:30 AM til 1 AM (must be 21+ after 7 PM). Depending on when you go, games are about $6-7 and shoe rental is $5. If Wednesday doesn't work for you, pay for bowling on Monday 5/10 and get a free entree. If free bowling wasn't enticing enough, maybe free food will?

Originally uploaded by arnthora

If those days don't work for you, pick any day during the week! Their Lunch & Bowl special sounds like a pretty good deal too: Pay $7.95 for lunch and get a free game and shoes between 11:30 AM - 4 PM on Mon-Fri. If you prefer drink specials, then Lucky Hour is 4-7 PM daily (yes, including weekends!): $5 well drinks, $3 draft beer, $4 shots, $5 house wine by the glass and various food specials. Check out the website for other specials on Sundays and Tuesdays for 1/2 price bowling. As for parking, L.A. Live parking lot charges $5 for the first 2 hours.

If downtown LA is too far for you, check out these other bowling date ideas:

• Cheap Date Idea #61: Sunday brunch and bowling plus $2 mimosas!
• Cheap Date Idea #70: 2 Buck bowling, beer & more!
• Cheap Date Idea #72: Free bowling on your birthday and more!

UPDATE 05/26/10: The next FREE bowling day at Lucky Strike will be June 14th. To get a free game and shoes, the secret code is "The Dude sent me".


Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $22 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @LuckyStrikeLA and @Andres_ocon

154. XIV Happy Hour by Michael Mina

Happy Hours can be a classy date idea at the right spot.
Due to work and traffic, making it to Happy Hour on a weekday is not always realistic. Well, Michael Mina makes it possible at XIV Terrace in West Hollywood. Enjoy 1/2 off appetizers and 1/2 off cocktails with $5 well drinks every day of the week 5-8 PM except Sundays. Where else can you be happy for 3 whole hours on Saturdays?

MICHAEL MINA'S XIV
Originally uploaded by cathydanh

Parking on Sunset Boulevard is limited, so the $5 valet during happy hour may be worth it. The drink and food menus are available online. For more info, click HERE for a detailed review by a fellow blogger, Gastronomer. Although not the cheapest, this has to be one of the most affordable yet classy date ideas on Sunset Boulevard for a Saturday night. This cheap date idea is on my list to do. I can't wait until we go!

For other happy hours at classy spots, check out Cheap Date Idea #143 at The London, which is in WeHo as well, and also Cheap Date Idea #97 at The Edison in Downtown LA.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = 1/2 OFf Apps & Drink.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @Andres_ocon and @LA_Now

143. Mad Hatter Tea Party

It's like being Alice in Wonderland at The London WeHo!

What a wonderful idea! Mad Hatter Tea Party is such a classy yet fun date idea in the Boxwood Cafe at The London Hotel in West Hollywood. Due to overwhelming popularity, this special menu will be extended through the month of April. Enjoy scrumptious desserts and tea (see photo on right by @TheLondonWeho) at 3-5 PM daily (yes, even on weekends!).

LWH Mad Hatter Tea Time
Originally uploaded by
365 Cheap Dates

On weekdays, stay for the "After Five" Happy Hour at 5-7 PM. Enjoy $5 champagne or sake, $5 bites and even $5 valet parking with validation. This is a great deal especially for a high-class hotel lounge in West Hollywood. The Mad Hatter Tea Party and the After Five Happy Hour make for good group date ideas too!

I've been to The London Hotel for a friend's birthday and a networking event, but definitely want to come back for the Mad Hatter Tea Party. I wonder if people dress up like in the movie... My fiance and I were Mad Hatter and Alice for last Halloween (see our photo), hmm...

UPDATE 03/31/10: Just found out the cost is $28 per person. Not quite cheap, but it is a unique experience. Call 310.358.7788 for reservations.

UPDATE 05/31/10: There's a new Happy Hour at The London, see Cheap Date Idea #187.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $5 Valet Parking + Food & Drink.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @TheLAScene & @TheLondonWeho

130. FREE St. Patrick's Day Festival - 3/17

Tomorrow is the only day of the year it's ok to drink green beer!
The weather will be beautiful tomorrow to hang out outdoors for the FREE St. Patrick's Festival inside Nokia Plaza at LA Live in Downtown LA. If you are lucky to not work, come check out the free live music between 11 AM - 3 PM. All the bands will be "irish-inspired" to help set the jolly mood on St. Patrick's Day. If you have never been to LA Live, it's a cool place to hang out and people watch.

St. Patrick's Day Cocktails
Originally uploaded by pattie74_99

Stay into the evening or simply pop in after work to watch a free boxing match (7-10 PM). Enjoy more green beer at the beer garden. For maps, parking and more info, click HERE. For something bigger to do, check out the shamROCK Block Party in San Diego tomorrow (see Cheap Date Idea #118). Or simply stay at home and put green food dye into your own beer. Be safe and have fun whatever you do!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free Admission + Drinks & Food + Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.

115. Wine & Dine for Only $10-20

Going out for a nice dinner is not usually a cheap date but...
I was strolling through the Fashion Island Shopping Center in Newport Beach on Friday with my best friend when I discovered one of the best "cheap date" dinner date ideas! My friend just informed me that the French 75 turned into Brasserie Pascal here. If it's anything like the French 75 in Burbank, the ambiance here is classy and the food, delicious. New menu options were recently introduced at a price point ($10-20), which is quite reasonable for a French Bistro. The best part is that this special is good anytime, any day of the week, any time of the day!

Cheap Date Idea #115
Originally uploaded
by 365 Cheap Dates

Where else can you get Surf & Turf for $20 per person!! Or you can "settle" for a filet mignon (or halibut or a specialty crepe) AND an appetizer or dessert- 2-course meal for just $15! One of you can get the appetizer with your entree and the other, dessert, then split it, or go for double the dessert. Every entree comes with fixed sides. There are at least 3 choices for each course. My best friend has personally tasted the filet mignon when it was part of the $10 menu and confirms that Brasserie Pascal is a great cheap (yet classy) date spot.

I took a photo of the meal-deal ad (see right), but check out the full menu online (click HERE). Reservations are available online through either their website or on OpenTable.com. Actually, this is good deal for large birthday parties or group dates, because the bill is easier to split with set prices. The restaurant must have picked up on this because the one limitation in fine print is the $15 deal is not good for parties over 6 guests. By the way, parking at Fashion Island is free and plentiful.

Looking for something more casual than dinner? Check out their happy hour 4-7 PM on weeknights (website says 5-7 PM, but I called to confirm that it does start at 4 PM). For a mere $5, you have the choice of several champagne cocktails, some house wine as well as all well drinks. Based on Yelp reviewers, the "Pascal Patchwork" sampler tray for 2 more people is worth it at $10 per person. I'm definitely going to ask my significant other to come back here with me!

UPDATE 05/11/10: The Le Parfait Deal is back for the months of May and June. For a mere $10, enjoy 3 special meals almost any time any day except for dinner on the weekends (after 5pm on Fri-Sat and after 4pm on Sunday). I'm not talking about sandwiches either, but rather 2 sides with a main entree of grilled filet mignon, sauteed halibut or plat du jour (French for chef's daily special). I'd love to come here on a weeknight for a nice early dinner during happy hour (hint hint if my better half is reading).

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $10-20 per person + tax + tip.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by Mrs. Roberts

108. Wii, Karaoke, Guitar Hero Nights, What Else?

Don't be a couch potato at home, so come out and play!

Wii Nintendo is not just for kids! Playing games with your partner can bring out the competitiveness and hopefully teamwork spirit between the two of you, especially when playing against other couples. After investing some money into the gaming system itself (AKA capital), then it's a FREE date idea after that. Invite friends over for a group date night.

Or better yet, head out to Barney's Beanery for some fun on a weeknight. There are 4 bar locations from which to choose across Los Angeles: West Hollywood (WeHo), Burbank, Santa Monica (SM) and Pasadena. These make for good late date night since the start time is usually 8, 9, or 10 PM (check their Google Calendar online for updates at each specific location). One of these weekly themed activities should tickle your fancy:

Wii Tennis: Their Own Enemies (Part Deux)
Originally uploaded by geeky artist librarian

• Bingo Night - Something easy to do on Mondays in WeHo
• Comedy Night - Laughing is always good for the soul on Mondays in Pasadena.
• Wii Sports Night - Feel like you are IN the game with their 10-foot wide big screen on Tuesdays in SM (Wii Sports game include bowling, tennis, golf, baseball and boxing)
• Karaoke Night - Perfect for serenading your partner on mostly Wednesdays everywhere, sometimes Sundays and Tuesdays
• Trivia Night - Show off your useless knowledge on Wednesdays in Burbank and Thursdays in Pasadena
• Guitar Hero Night - Make it a group date night on Thursdays in SM

If weeknights are "school nights" for you, Happy Hour either on weekdays at all locations OR Weekend Happy Hour at the original WeHo Barney's (yes, every Saturday and Sunday!) may work for you, always 4-7 PM. Keep yourself entertained with air hockey tables, pool tables, foosball tables, arcade games, shuffleboard- what else can you ask for? By the way, I've never seen an extensive menu like the one at Barney's Beanery. Seriously, there is something for everybody's palette, plus breakfast is served 24/7!

Or if you prefer to stay at home altogether, try the couple's challenge by EA Active. Click HERE for more info. Thanks to @normzrib for sharing the DIY cheap date idea.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free Admission + Food & Drinks

Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless

97. 100¢ Cocktail Night at The Edison

$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.

Night at Edison
Originally uploaded
by Scani - Salina Canizales

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

76. FREE Coffee Bean Ice Blended Drinks

Boy, am I feelin' the latte love this week!
After you're done getting your BOGO (buy one, get one) coffee at Peet's Coffee (download coupon from Cheap Date Idea #73), pick up your FREE drink at Coffee Bean & Teal Leaf (CBTL) TOMORROW afternoon. This offer is only good for one day, Thursday, January 14th, 4-7 PM (click HERE for more info, no coupon required). No date is required for this offer, but why go solo when it's one drink free per person?

If you don't like one of the two Ice Blended flavors, they are also offering a free cafe mocha.

Pin It Up.
Originally uploaded by love-letters

By the way, all Coffee Beans offer FREE Wi-Fi, so bring your laptops, if you two are techies. I do have to admit that it's a smart marketing move to force a 10-minute coffee break every 2 hours. It's still not a bad deal, plus it gives a leg up on Starbucks.

I suggesting hitting the Coffee Beans in Manhattan Beach or Hermosa Beach since those locations are only a block or two away from the beach. While you're at the beach, check out other date ideas in those areas, such as Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach (click on hyperlink or pull-down menu bar above). The MB store has a a good-sized covered patio area if you prefer outdoor seating, while the one in HB offers more tables upstairs. There is a parking structure with cheap meters right behind the CBTL in MB (2-hour limit, 75 cents per hour). Street parking (not metered) in the Hermosa neighborhoods about 2 blocks is free right now during off-peak season until May (double check the street signs when you park).

If you miss out on this freebie, check out Cheap Date Idea #73 before it expires on Monday, January 18th (Martin Luther King's Day). Enjoy!

UPDATE 03/01/10: Come back again for a free drink on Thursday, March 4th, 4-7 PM, for their Spring Peach Tea Party. Enjoy the Peach FruTea or Spring Peach Tea Latte (hot or cold). Click HERE for info, but no coupon is required.


UPDATE 05/09/10: Enjoy a FREE Ultimate Ice Blended drink at a participating CBTL near you on Tuesday, May 11th, at 4-7 PM (click HERE for details). Thanks to Savings Cents with Sense! If you miss that or you want to go on another coffee date, Starbucks is still offering their happy hour: 1/2 off Frappuccinos at 3-5 PM daily until May 19th, so it's like a BOGO deal. Enjoy.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $7.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @FreeFunGuides

9. Tapas Tuesdays in Hermosa Beach

Mediterraneo in Hermosa Beach offers Happy Hour with 1/2 off tapas and $3 draft beer and house wine on week days from 5-7 PM, except tapas are 1/2 off all night on "Tapas Tuesdays". Reservations are highly recommended, especially for the outdoor patio seating during happy hours, sunset and summertime, but inside seating is just as lively. The atmosphere at Mediterraneo tends to be on the classy and trendy side compared to the other restaurant bars in Hermosa Beach.

Mediterraneo
Originally uploaded by « Joseph »

This place is ideal for a first date or a birthday party or simply a friendly gathering. Most tapas range $5-7 per plate, but the full menu is available online. A parking garage is available between Coffee Bean and Starbucks on Hermosa Ave for a $1 per hour but it does get full at the end of the day during summer and weekends. If you are lucky, some street parking in the neighborhood away from the pier is free since permits are not required after 5 PM during off-peak season (Sept-May). Click here for my review about Mediterraneo on Yelp.com.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $25 depending on how much you order.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Click here for map