Holding hands in Zilker Park is a rite of passage for any Austin couple.
Mikala Compton/American-Statesman
Ah, February in Austin. The air is crisp, the flowers are overpriced, and everyone seems suddenly obsessed with hearts and chocolate.
But what if I told you romance doesn’t have to drain your wallet? Welcome to our “Dating on a Dime” series, where each month we hunt down affordable date ideas that won’t leave your bank account crying—and yes, we’re bringing you some Valentine’s Day inspiration, too.
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Related: Top 10 most romantic restaurants in Austin for date night
$20: Coffee, culture and classic movie romance
If you can’t get to the Central Library downtown, the Austin Public Library has introduced an eCard that allows adults who don’t live in Austin to get a year of access to the library’s online materials for $22. [JAY JANNER / AMERICAN-STATESMAN]
Austin American-Statesman
Start your day at Intelligentsia Coffee in downtown Austin near the Central Library, where an avena latte warms your hands and a flaky pastry warms your heart. You can steal sips from each other’s cups while the world hustles past outside the window.
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Then, wander over to the Central Library and dive into its DVD collection. Sure, streaming is convenient, but nothing says “romantic nostalgia” like physically picking up a copy of “Before Sunrise,” “Cinema Paradiso,” or “Mississippi Masala.” If you don’t have a DVD player, you can stream titles on Kanopy, Hoopla or Libby using your library account. Settle in at home for a cozy movie night.
Three experiences, one day, less than $20. Who says love can’t be thrifty?
Central Library: 710 W. Cesar Chavez St. 512-974-7400, library.austintexas.gov
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Intelligentsia: 607 W. Third St. 737-414-6696, intelligentsia.com
$30: Latin beats and tacos on a Sunday
Popular bar Hotel Vegas is located at 1502 E. Sixth St in Austin, Texas.
DEBORAH SENGUPTA STITH/AMERICAN-STATESMAN
If early rising is your love language, Sunday mornings are for Primos on the Patio at Hotel Vegas. Imagine swaying to Latin rhythms, a taco in one hand, your partner’s hand in the other. The crowd is lively, the energy contagious — and the best part? Free tacos.
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Add a couple of drinks from the bar, and you’ve got a date that’s festive, flirtatious and just a little spicy — much like your relationship should be. The morning ends, the sun dips, and you leave with memories rather than scary card statements.
1502 E. Sixth St. texashotelvegas.com.
$40: Wednesday pick-me up deal at Holiday
Holiday’s Mexican martini comes in a cute cactus glass.
Photo provided by Holiday on 7th
For a midweek pick-me-up, head to Holiday on Seventh Street for their Wednesday Happy Meal. They serve wagyu smashburgers with fries and your choice of a mini spaghett or mini cosmopolitan for $15. Casual, charming, wallet-friendly and a perfect replacement for cooking or doom-scrolling on the couch.
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If you got some extra dollars to spend, don’t miss out on Holiday’s signature frozen Mexican martini.
5020 E. Seventh St. holidayon7th.com.
The perfect Valentine’s date if you want to go the extra mile
For the foodie couple who wants a slightly more intimate night, grab a weekly sushi bento from the foodie + tina pop-ups at Strangelove ($40) and a bottle of wine recommended by the cafe’s friendly staff. Pre-orders can be placed online every Monday, and pick-ups happen every Friday. Eat under string lights on the patio, toast to love and let the city fade away for a few hours. Or take your haul to go and pair it with one of those library DVD classics. Romance has never been so simple.
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2614 E. Cesar Chavez St. 512-337-2170, strangelove.wine.