Here’s how to take out your boo without breaking the bank.
1
Cafecito at Tierra Mia Coffee
Magical stuff happens at coffee shops. There’s a reason why that one dude made a song about falling in love at one. They’re also pretty affordable if you’re running low on dough so if you’re looking for a cute little intimate spot to get the sparks flying we recommend Tierra Mia Coffee. The romantic Latin tunes they play in the background become your own personal mood setters as you get the conversation flowing over cafecito. And if you’re not falling in love with someone while you’re there, you’re falling in love with the sweets- we recommend the tres leches muffin, horchata latte duo- so consider it a win-win. This artisanal coffee spot is a great place to take someone whether it’s the first date or one hundredth.
Locations:
1202 N. Alvarado Street, Los Angeles, CA
653 Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA
2
Dinner at Chichén Itzá in Mercado La Paloma
Located in South Los Angeles inside the historic Mercado La Paloma, Chichén Itzá is a regional Mexican restaurant that will have your lover on cloud nine with their top rated food and cultural ambiance. Whether it’s the beautiful Mexican décor- they’ve got your abuelita’s colorful printed manteles on each table and Yucateco art on the walls- or the amazingly good tacos de cochinita pibíl that you like, this restaurant will have both of you bonding over something special.
3655 S Grand Ave #C6, Los Angeles, CA 90007
3
A Trip to the MOLAA
The Museum of Latin American Art is a great place to go if you feel like doing something on the artsy side. This museum is the art mecca for all things Latin America. From modern art with a social message to figurative paintings of campesinos, MOLAA has an eclectic variety of art for you and your date to analyze and get deep with. They’ve also got tons of free events going on including free admissions into the museum every Sunday.
628 Alamitos Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802
4
Sharing Music at Amoeba Music
Nothing brings folks together better than good music. Let Amoeba be a musical playground for you and your date as you explore each other’s musical tastes. Go through your fave old school Café Tacvba tracks or search through some obscure hip hop music from Puerto Rico. You’ll be sure to score some points at one of Amoeba’s free concert nights. Bands like La Santa Cecilia, Antibalas and Quetzal have played shows in the past.
6400 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
5
Picnic at Echo Park
Only a movie buff or better yet a true G will recognize this potential date spot- if you haven’t guessed, it was a shooting location for one of L.A.’s most iconic Chola films, Mi Vida Loca. This well-known park makes for an entertaining date when on a budget. It hosts several free festivals during the year, including the Cuban Music Festival this past May, and is perfect for a picnic in front of the lake. There’s also some paddle boating to do if that’s your kinda thing.
6
Tito’s Taco + Playa Combo
Hardshell tacos aren’t for everyone, we know, but Tito’s Tacos in Culver City is a sin we’re willing to commit. They have the best hardshell tacos on the west side for a decent size and price. Once you and your date are done munching on them, head over to Venice Beach for some fun under the sun.
11222 Washington Pl, Culver City, CA 90230
7
Las Perlas
For a date night out in the town, we definitely recommend happy hour at Las Perlas from 6pm to 8pm every Monday through Friday. Las Perlas isn’t just any old Mexican bar in Downtown Los Angeles- it is strictly mezcal, tequila and cerveza only. Their variety of mezcal and tequilas will have your taste buds traveling all over Mexico without leaving the city. Drink specials include $3 tecates and $5 margaritas.
8
Eastside Luv
From live mariachi music to MorrisseyOke (that’s a Morrissey themed karaoke night for ya), Eastside Luv Wine Bar y Queso always has something fun going on – not to mention the bar has a pretty dope old school vibe with Chicano art posted everywhere. Lounge during one of their Pachuco nights or enjoy the latest mixes from DJ group Subsuelo during their regular parties at the bar. Wine, beer, fun music events all for an unbeatable cover price.
1835 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90033
9
Dancing with Mucho Musica
If you wanna seduce your lover with your dance moves, Mucho Musica parties at La Cita are the designated pachangas for the best in Latin jams, Top 40 and old school tunes. At this music night, you’ll get your chance to do that epic spinning move you do during some cumbia and impress your date with your in-depth knowledge of 90s hip-hop lyrics. The patio in the back with the view of the high rises in DTLA is the cherry on top when you need a break from the dancing.
336 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
10
Ice cream tasting at Mateo’s
Bionicos, Paletas, Nieves – need we say more? Mateo’s Ice Cream & Fruit Bars is a dessert place you can take that special somebody with a sweet tooth. Share one of the Mateo’s fresh paletas- they’ve got classic flavors like strawberry and vanilla and unique flavors like guanabana and tejocote. This one is a gem and way cheaper than other over-priced trendy ice cream parlors around the city.
4234 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019
11
Dodgers Game
You might have to save this date for the spring, but that’s ok because Dodgers games are so worth it. You and your date will have a blast eating dodger dogs, singing along to baseball songs and rooting for some of the best in the league – Puig and Adrian Gonzalez – at Chavez Ravine. Who knows you might end up on the kiss cam too! Tickets sell for as little as $10.
1000 Elysian Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012