New year, new goals — right? For some of us, that means saving more. But don't think for one second that a budget means you can't date a little bit as well. Here's a list of 12 places you can take your "bae" in New Orleans, even if you're monitoring your bank account. The prices associated with each date are for two people.
1. Frenchmen Hotel Rooftop Bar
Frenchmen Hotel opened their rooftop bar in fall of 2017, and they're open seven days a week if the weather permits. The nightly Happy Hour runs from 5 to 9 p.m. Pop-up food venues are available Wednesday thru Friday from 7 till 11 p.m., and Wednesday thru Sunday, live bands perform from 8 till 11 p.m. The best part is, there's no cover charge! You just need a little cash if you choose to eat and drink.
Price: varies.
2. Live music
Every Tuesday night, you can catch the Rebirth Brass Band performing live at the Maple Leaf Bar on Oak Street. It gets pretty packed, but if you get there early enough, you can grab a spot right in front of the stage. There's also a bar area and a patio if you want something cozier. The show starts at 11 p.m., but the bartenders advise you to get there by at least 10.
Price: $40.
3. Boating and Biking in City Park
Riding a bike or kayaking is a fun way to get active and is also a great way to bond, as you're pedaling side-by-side. Rentals are available from 10 a.m. to sunset on weekdays and 9 a.m. to sunset on weekends.
Price: $20-$36.
4. Seafood picnic
You absolutely cannot go wrong with a few pounds of crawfish on a sunny day. One of my favorite spots is Mid City Seafood, located right off the St. Bernard Avenue and Broad Street intersection. The crawfish is really good, the turkey necks are huge, and the red potatoes are loaded with flavor. Some other good spots are Broadview Seafood, Cajun Seafood, and Danny's Seafood. Bring a blanket and daiquiris and you have yourself the perfect date.
Price: Under $30.
Surrey's serves breakfast and lunch daily from open to close — 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. They're known for their cuisine and organic juices, and the menu is fairly inexpensive. You can also BYOB. Bottomless mimosas, anyone?
Price: Under $40.
6. Movies
You can go see a movie pretty much anywhere, but if you're looking for a local experience, check out The Broad Theater on Broad Street (Downtown) or the Prytania Theatre on Prytania Street (Uptown). Prytania allows you to BYOB.
Price: Under $30.
7. Food trucks
Maybe you just want to have a quick lunch date or something on the go. Food trucks are perfect because they're inexpensive, and food delivery is much faster than at a dine-in spot. Try Tasty Treat Restaurant on Old Gentilly Road if you love Southern-style food. If you're vegan, check out Ms. Beasley's Catering Co. on Tulane Avenue. Every entrée on her menu is $7 and all smoothies are $5.
Price: Under $30.
8. Wine tasting
"Wine" down with your date one evening. Try wine tasting at Second Vine Wine on Touro Street, complimentary from 6 to 8:30 p.m. every Friday. Martin Wine Cellar on Baronne Street Uptown offers free wine tasting as well, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Friday, along with a full menu and daily food specials, including brunch, salads, and deli.
Price: Under $30.
9. Karaoke Night
Break the ice and hit Kajun's Pub for Karaoke Night. It starts around 8 p.m. every night. There is no cover charge, but a one-drink minimum per guest.
Price: Under $20.
10. Dessert date
Dessert dates are always good for weekdays when you and your date have had a long day and just want a chance to catch up briefly. Give Pinkberry a shot if you're looking for something light and refreshing. If you want to indulge in something sweeter, check out Sucré.
Price: Under $20.
New Orleans is full of art galleries. You just have to figure out what genre you'd like to explore and where to find it.
Price: Free.
12. Be a tourist in your own city
There's always something going on in New Orleans. If you walk through the French Quarter, you're bound to run into something, and the stroll in and of itself can be a date. This, of course, is free, too.
