The best cheap date ideas in Chicago

Not only is the Lincoln Park Zoo open every day of the year, it's also 100 percent free to visit. Get cozy while you check out the lions, tigers and bears, and be sure to head back in December, when the grounds are illuminated with colorful holiday lights for ZooLights.

Make it a date: Once you’re done looking at the animals, grab a bite to eat at nearby Butcher & the Burger in Lincoln Park. The house patty is less than $15, and complimentary toppings include Sriracha mayo, tomato, onion and lettuce. As an added bonus, it's BYOB, so bring along a bottle of wine to save a few more bucks.

While it's undeniably one of Chicago's biggest tourist traps, Millennium Park has a lot to offer to local couples looking for affordable entertainment. Come summer, you can lay out a blanket on the lawn of Pritzker Pavilion and check out free concerts, movies and festivals.

Make it a date: Swing by Goddess and the Baker and sandwiches to go (booze is banned at some Millennium Park summer events, but outside food is almost always allowed).

Looking for a toe-tapping night out? On most Mondays, the Empty Bottle hosts free shows featuring local acts and touring bands, including indie rockers and experimental electronic artists.

Make it a date: Grab a table next door at Pizza Friendly Pizza and order a $5 slice for some energy to keep you dancing all night. 

The Garfield Park Conservatory is one of Chicago’s most stunning sights and best of all, it doesn’t cost a cent (but donations are appreciated). Bring your date here to marvel at “landscape art under glass,” which features thousands of plants from around the world spread across eight indoor display gardens. During summertime, wander through the 12-acre outdoor gardens to escape the urban bustle of the city. Reservations are required and can be made online.

Make it a date: Not too far, stumble across Inspiration Kitchens, a non-profit restaurant in East Garfield Park funding the organization’s job training program. Dine-in for a good cause and try rich “shrimp n grits” or chili-roasted cauliflower steak.

The Music Box's 90-year-old main theater is the most romantic place to see a movie, with its Italian architecture and simulated clouds rolling across the ceiling. The prices are just as nice: Adult admission is just $11, but weekend matinees are $7 for members.

Make it a date: After the credits roll, walk two blocks south to the Butcher's Tap, which features a menu of affordable sandwiches and more than 115 beers.

Lakeview comedy club the Laugh Factory highlights both established and and up-and-coming comics. At least once a week, you can score free tickets to see standup shows from some of the best local acts. Who knows, you may just see the next big star during your visit.

Make it a date: Grab dinner across the street at Chicken Hut, where you can share a whole charbroiled chicken for less than $20. Or head to nearby DryHop Brewers for a cold pint.

Bond with your special someone by releasing some rage—Bad Axe is only $25 per person for walk-ins. Not only is it an out-of-the-ordinary activity that will definitely woo your date, but also a great way to bring out the competitive spirit. Make sure you check daily walk-in hours before visiting.

Make it a date: After such an intense round of precision weapon throwing, you’re sure to need to grab a meal. Make it pretty casual with burgers and fries at Small Cheval just down the street. It’s hard to ruin a date with a menu so simple—splurge on the wagyu truffle cheeseburger and a specialty milkshake if you've got some extra dollars.

Brush up on your drawing skills at the Agitator Artist Collective for Figure Tuesdays. For $10-$12, you and your date can become masters in the art of human figure sketching. Figure Tuesdays are every Tuesday from 7pm-9pm. Beginners are welcome and most basic materials are available on-site as well. Get the creative juices flowing and make a memorable experience all while keeping your wallet happy.

Make it a date: Walk just a few blocks over to Wyler Road for cocktails and filing eats. With hearty vegan and non-vegan sandwiches and burgers, feel free to venture off into the many options. You might need to budget a bit for some of the cocktails, but they’re more than worth it—the signature Hot Toddy, Winter Sangria or Boozy Coffee are some of the house favorites.

Nothing breaks the ice quite like smacking a small plastic ball as hard as you can. This River North Ping Pong club charges $30 an hour for use of one of its tables, but you can offset the cost with happy hour drink deals, which are available from 4 to 7pm Monday through Friday.

Make it a date: Head across the river to the iconic Billy Goat Tavern. Impress you date by pronouncing "cheezborger" correctly and rattling off a few facts about the framed photos of journalists hanging on the restaurant's walls.

Ever been to a turtle race? It's never too late. Join in on Tin Lizzie's tradition of weekly turtle races while grabbing a Coney Island Dog or classic mozzarella sticks and pint of beer to wash it down. Bet on your favorite turtle, and if your reptile wins the race, you get free shots.  

Make it a date: After the races, take your date two blocks north to the Wiener's Circle, a small walkup stand known for its sassy employees, a short-lived reality show and great hot dogs.

If your date had "cinephile" or "film buff" in their dating profile, this is sure to win you brownie points. Curated by the University of Chicago, Doc Films screens movies every day of the academic year, often showing flicks that can’t be seen anywhere else. Tickets are always just $7, and quarterly memberships are $40.

Make it a date: Have a drink at neighborhood bar Woodlawn Tap while dusting off your film analysis skills. The cash-only Hyde Park staple is great for a casual burger, fries and brew.

They say nothing's sexier than talent, so why not impress your date by getting a high score on one of Emporium's pinball tables? In addition to a selection of retro arcade games, this Wicker Park haunt boats a full bar and allows customers to bring in outside food. Tokens are just 25 cents, so your money goes far.

Make it a date: Take advantage of the food policy by ordering from Antique Taco, located two doors down. All of the tacos ring up under $6, which allows you to spend more on the Tron machine when you get back to the bar.

The liquors that Koval Distillery produces are expensive, but a tour of the Chicago facility where they’re made is a bargain. For just $12 per person, you and your boo will get to see how Koval formulates its organic whiskeys while sampling the product.

Make it a date: Balance out the booze at Sun Wah BBQ in Uptown. The restaurant is known for its Hong Kong-style BBQ, and if you don’t order the jumbo-sized family portions, you can easily feast on egg rolls, Chinese broccoli and roast duck for less than $40.

Going on an adventure is a great way to get to know someone, but you don't have to book a flight to spend an evening exploring. Every second Friday of the month, the Chicago Arts District hosts 2nd Fridays Gallery Night, allowing you and your date to explore the galleries and studios along Halsted Street in Pilsen at your own pace.

Make it a date: After you've taken in paintings, sculptures and photographs by local creators, walk south on Halsted Street to Del Toro, a Pilsen restaurant that serves cheap tacos and excellent margaritas—we recommend the Hibiscus.

If you’re trying to impress a bookworm, the Poetry Foundation should probably be your first stop on date night. Check out the collection of 30,000 poetry archives in the Poetry Foundation Library, where you can crack open a book or even catch video recordings in private listening booths. You’ll be sure to impress your date immensely without hurting your wallet—entrance to the library is free. If it’s a literary adventure or rainy date link-up, this is a great spot for romance (on a budget).

Make it a date: In a sea of fanciful yet expensive restaurant options of River North, hunker down at Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap for some more pocket-friendly barbeque options.  To really break the ice, split a half slab of ribs for only $20 bucks while saving room for some of the restaurant’s classic dessert, including fried Oreos and Uncle Robin’s bread pudding.

If you're dating someone who's vegan or vegetarian, you know it can be hard to find restaurants that are accommodating. Start your Sunday with a healthy brunch at Lucy’s Cafe, a small Roscoe Village haunt that boasts an entirely vegan and vegetarian menu. Prices are reasonable, with most entrees costing $13 or less.

Make it a date: Of course, it wouldn’t be brunch without a little day drinking. After your meal, head over to Lush Wine and Spirits for a two-hour tasting, priced at $25, that includes four wines, two beers a one signature craft cocktail.

Dinner and a movie may not be the most original date idea, but it's an undeniably fun way to spend an evening with someone you love—and it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. The Davis Theater boasts ticket prices that are a bit less than the multiplex.

Make it a date: Just across the street, try Luella's Southern Kitchen for dinner. Dive into affordable but tasty Southern essentials like chicken gumbo, collard greens and beignets all for under $35.