http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/roundup/40413 The idea of a cheap date makes most people cringe, but there's a fine line between smart and stingy. Smart: eating gourmet food for free during a swanky lounge's happy hour. Stingy: sharing a Happy Meal and pocketing the extra ketchup packets. Smart: dancing to live music without paying a cover charge. Stingy: insisting your date down three Jaegerbombs in one hour because that's what's on special. See the difference? Err on the side of crafty ingenuity and you may wind up impressing your date with more than just your good looks. Smart <i>is</i> sexy, after all. en Copyright 2004 Wed, 11 Aug 2004 02:13:37 -0700 editor_sanfrancisco@citysearch.com http://images.citysearch.com/roundup/cf/b8/40413r1.jpg http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/roundup/40413 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Red wine and red-sauce pasta for reasonable prices make this quirky Mission hangout the perfect cheap date. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/11572574/san_francisco_ca/emmy_s_spaghetti_shack.html Wed, 11 Aug 2004 02:13:37 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Whether you’re searching for a bite after a few drinks or looking for an affordable dinner before the hitting the bars, this Thai favorite serves up great food in a pleasant setting. You’ll leave happily with stomachs full, but the prices are the best part. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/37229583/san_francisco_ca/osha_thai_restaurant.html Wed, 11 Aug 2004 02:13:37 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles On a sunny day, stop by this Marina district deli, order a couple sandwiches and walk towards the Golden Gate. They’ll even pack up the sandwiches with some sides and a bottle of wine, making the perfect picnic without any prep. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/911207/san_francisco_ca/lucca_delicatessen.html Wed, 11 Aug 2004 02:13:37 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles A prix-fixe meal doesn't have to be pricey, especially when at Home. Their three-course deal from 5pm to 6pm comes with a glass of wine for only $10.99. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/11636201/san_francisco_ca/home.html Wed, 11 Aug 2004 02:13:37 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles This Chicago-style pizzeria is the perfect start to a romantic night out. Stay in to enjoy the ambience, or grab a pie to go and find somewhere more private. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/41839505/san_francisco_ca/patxi_s_chicago_pizza.html Wed, 11 Aug 2004 02:13:37 -0700 http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/roundup/40291/ Wed, 11 Aug 2004 02:13:37 -0700 http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/roundup/38630 Wed, 11 Aug 2004 02:13:37 -0700 http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/roundup/40342/ Wed, 11 Aug 2004 02:13:37 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles One of San Francisco’s smallest venues, Bottom of the Hill books popular indie acts without the hefty price tag of bigger venues in the city. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a show on their schedule that costs more than $20, and their back patio is perfect for escaping the noise for a quick chat. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/880174/san_francisco_ca/bottom_of_the_hill.html Wed, 11 Aug 2004 02:13:37 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Although couples laundry might not sound romantic, this small cafe consistently hosts some of the best live music in the city with no cover charge. The food, beer and coffee are all priced more than fairly, making this one of the best one-stop affordable date plans in the city. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/868269/san_francisco_ca/brain_wash_cafe_and_laundromat.html Wed, 11 Aug 2004 02:13:37 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles This hip Hayes Valley lounge hosts a weekday happy hour with a generous and delicious buffet and a deep discount on drinks. The food runs free until 7:30pm and, on most days, a DJ keeps the night going. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/41833089/san_francisco_ca/sugar_lounge.html Wed, 11 Aug 2004 02:13:37 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Although probably not the best idea for a first date, it can be fun to leave your inhibitions at home and belt out a few favorites for some strangers. To lessen the embarrassment factor, make sure to sing a duet with your date--making you both equally culpable for a bad performance. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/44666223/san_francisco_ca/the_mint.html Wed, 11 Aug 2004 02:13:37 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Do the meet-and-greet over cocktails at this popular Tahitian-themed hangout, where happy hour goes until 9pm. If the talking gets tired, the dance floor is a welcome diversion. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/39696825/san_francisco_ca/vertigo.html Wed, 11 Aug 2004 02:13:37 -0700 http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/roundup/40724 Wed, 11 Aug 2004 02:13:37 -0700 http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/roundup/41735 Wed, 11 Aug 2004 02:13:37 -0700 http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/roundup/42293 Wed, 11 Aug 2004 02:13:37 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles A handful of change is all you need to explore this playground of nickel-and-dime curiosities. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/908071/san_francisco_ca/musee_mecanique.html Wed, 11 Aug 2004 02:13:37 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Probably the cheapest movie theater in the city, this art house plays recent releases and cult favorites on their lone screen. Save a few dollars by catching a matinee before dinner, or stick around for a late-night double-feature. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/899590/san_francisco_ca/castro_theatre.html Wed, 11 Aug 2004 02:13:37 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Ice skating could possibly be the most cliche date idea next to dinner and a movie, but there’s a reason for its popularity. Couples can skate while holding hands and talking, and then stop for snuggle breaks on the side of the rink--and unless there’s a serious accident, it won’t cost an arm and a leg. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/13310731/san_francisco_ca/yerba_buena_ice_skating_and_bowling_center.html Wed, 11 Aug 2004 02:13:37 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but once inside the Tactile Dome, your only option is to touch. The dome immerses you into a pitch-black world and forces you to feel your way through a maze--a unique, intimate, trust-building excursion for two. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/11322292/san_francisco_ca/exploratorium.html Wed, 11 Aug 2004 02:13:37 -0700 Citysearch Editors, Los Angeles Sunset and moonlit outings can be adventurous and romantic, but make sure to dress warmly. The voyage won’t set you back any more than a trip to the movies. San Francisco, CA http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/41773198/san_francisco_ca/city_kayak.html Wed, 11 Aug 2004 02:13:37 -0700 http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/roundup/40584 Wed, 11 Aug 2004 02:13:37 -0700 http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/roundup/41035 Wed, 11 Aug 2004 02:13:37 -0700 http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com Wed, 11 Aug 2004 02:13:37 -0700