LA Dates on the Cheap

Two couples on a budget-friendly date at a bar in LA

Jun 2, 2012 — There’s no shortage of the models and bottles scene in Los Angeles, but that doesn’t mean everybody has to cough up a Double Magnum of Dom on their first date, even if it is with a model...We tried. Super hard on the throat.

Glitz and glamour can be grand, don’t get us wrong, so if you’re looking to drop mad coin on your quest to impress a new guy or girl, we’ve got plenty of options for you too.

But before you become a famous actor or that screenplay of yours wins the Best Picture AcadEmmy Award (that’s an Oscar AND an Emmy at once, it was THAT good!), maybe you should look at this little roundup of a few Los Angeles bars and other cool LA venues that promise a good time without totally defiling your bank account.

1
La Poubelle

Bar / Bistro / Café / French Restaurant
Why: Because this cozy French bistro – located directly across the street from the Scientology Center – transitions from a festive restaurant to a hopping little bar as the night wears on. And though the entrées aren’t exactly cheap, the late night menu will let the two of you nibble on Parisian ham and bruschetta and still have plenty of cash left over for a bottle of rosé.
Last Word: “Scientology teaches us we’re all immortal. Eat more cheese!”
- Review
- Gallery
Hollywood

5907 Franklin Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90068

323‑465‑0807
Liked By:
2
Griffith Park

Concert Venue / Landmark / Outdoor Activity / Park
Why: Because this massive urban park is bursting with free fun, from hiking to the Hollywood Sign, dropping in on the gorgeous Observatory, or just roaming the less-traversed ranges like Cahuenga Peak to catch stunning views of the entire LA basin. And because it’s a proven fact that even brief stints in nature make you smarter (which will help you quickly realize that, yeah, this guy’s doll collection is just a little too weird to warrant a second date).
Last Word: “Park-ing in LA is a lot more fun than parking in LA!”
- Review
- Gallery
- Schedule
Los Feliz / Atwater Village

4730 Crystal Springs Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027

323‑913‑4688
Liked By:
3
Abbot Kinney

Nightlife Area / Outdoor Activity / Shopping Area
Why: Because this cozy strip of Venice is like a trip to a small town, bursting with mom & pop retailers ideal for great window shopping and lots of kooky locals that promise stellar people-watching. And because the first Friday of every month sees the street play host to a massive party, with special discounts at most of the stores, free live music, and loads of food trucks weighed down with cheap and delicious food and drinks.
Last Word: “After this organic corndog, let’s go for a stroll along the Venice canals!”
- Review
- Gallery
- Schedule
Venice

Abbot Kinney Boulevard roughly from
Main Street on the north to
Washington Boulevard on the south
Venice, CA 90291
Liked By:
4
White Horse Inn Cocktail Lounge

Dive Bar
Why: Because it’s an awesome craphole, located on the first floor of a Super 8 motel, and stocked with bowls of complimentary cheese puffs doled out by chatty old bartenders who make it easy to keep awkward first date conversations flowing. And because the pool table doubles as the buffet table when they bring the free hot dogs out.
Last Word: “If you love something, take it to a dirty dive bar. If it comes back to you, it’ll be yours forever. If it doesn’t…at least the cheese puffs and dogs were on the house.”
- Review
- Gallery
Hollywood

1532 North Western Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90027

323‑462‑8088
Liked By:
5
Copa d'Oro

Bar / Lounge
Why: Because this classy Santa Monica lounge is warm and comfy, and the dapper dudes behind the bar gladly let customers choose their own ingredients to go into creative custom drinks. And because Happy Hour includes $5 cocktails and $5 savory bites like their signature tuna melt, proving a little pregame at “Cup of Gold” doesn’t have to cost one.
Last Word: “Whatever you do, don’t Google ‘Two Girls, One Copa.’”
- Review
- Gallery
Santa Monica / Westside

217 Broadway
Santa Monica, CA 90401

310‑576‑3030
Liked By:

Links: Bars in LA Things to Do in LA
Tags: Budget-friendly, Free, Date Place, Outdoor Activity, Nightlife, Food & Drink

4 User Comments

The New Gallery: Your Local Watering Hole

Out of the Underground: Unique Neighborhoods Around the World

Amazing DJs, Amazing Nights

February’s Finest: Events You Can’t Miss

The Best Jazz Clubs in the U.S.!

Globespotting: Six Unbelievable Rooftop Bars

The Best Bars and Clubs in the World to Spot a Celebrity

Rock Around the Globe

Featured Reviews

Oldfield's Liquor Room
Bar
- review
- user reviews (5)
Culver City – Built in tribute to Berna Oldfield, a famous race car driver buried in a cemetery two miles away, Oldfield’s Liquor Room is a classic drinking den that... read review
The Short Stop
Dive Bar in Echo Park
Spitz
Bar / Restaurant in Downtown
Wurstküche (Venice)
Beer Hall / Restaurant in Venice

La Poubelle

Griffith Park

Abbot Kinney

White Horse Inn Cocktail Lounge

Copa d'Oro

Related Articles

User Comments

Featured Reviews

Upcoming Events in Los Angeles