Go on a Date Without Breaking the Bank!

Are you ready to take advantage of the newest dating trend? The impressive advent of bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) establishments makes a dinner date out a fresh and more affordable adventure. With the arrival of the BYOB restaurant, romance on a budget is not only possible — it's fun! The BYOB world is ripe with off-beat, neighborhood charm that can invigorate dinner with your mate. Most spots are small and privately owned, bringing back some magic to the otherwise predictable dining-out experience.

And with so much great wine out there to try, you can make a night of just eating and drinking. Check your local listings or do an online search for BYOB locations in your area, then stop by your neighborhood spirits shop to pick your poison for the evening. Ask the staff for recommendations based on the cuisine you will be enjoying (Italian, seafood, Spanish, etc.), or get adventurous and just choose something new and exciting. And, remember, you don’t have to go for wine. For example, if you are having sushi, you might pick up a bottle of sake or a six-pack of Japanese beer. Or, if you are enjoying Mexican, pick up a premade margarita mix, or grab a bottle of tequila, triple sec, Grand Marnier, and fresh limes for a homemade version. Don’t forget the salt!

It's also important to keep in mind that BYOBs take the focus off of alcohol (where most restaurants make their money) and put their attention squarely on the food. So whether you love to drink or don't drink at all, know that you are going to have a wonderful, delicious, and, best of all, affordable night out with your date.

If you are looking for some other fun, affordable date-night ideas, consider the following:

Find deals online ahead of time. Check out Web sites like Groupon and Living Social for great date-night specials on restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues in your neighborhood.

Don’t think that you have to shell out big bucks for a night of fun. Hit up your local arcade and play classic games like skee-ball or air hockey, or challenge your partner to a round of Pac-Man. Loser has to buy the winner pizza and pop!

Another fun (and cheap!) date idea is roller-skating. Roller-skating rinks are still around, though most people haven’t been to one since they had braces! Go back for a night of couples’ skating, and then impress your partner with your backward skating skills!

When is the last time you looked up at the stars? Spread out some blankets in your backyard and check out the heavens with your partner. You can even build a little campfire or break out the grill for hot dogs and s’mores. And, the best part is, you can go inside and enjoy modern conveniences like air-conditioning and indoor plumbing when the date is over!

Have a movie-and-dinner date…at home! Plan a theme around the whole evening, such as film-noir movies paired with classic drinks like manhattans or mint juleps, or watch beach or jungle-themed movies with treats like rum punch and fresh fruit. Get creative and make a night of it!