As small as the district of Fountain Square is, the places to go and see somehow seem endless! So when it’s date night with that someone special, trying to decide what to do when you don’t have a lot of money to spend can be tricky. Don’t worry. Here are some great low budget, yet amazing places to bring your date, for a total of under $75 that are bound to be impressive.
Breaking the Ice
Option 1: Go Classic at New Day Craft Mead & Cider
This charming mead and cider place is located right in the heart of Fountain Square and offers a prolific number of cocktails and ciders. Rather than dropping $20 or so on drinks before dinner, stop in here and split a tasting flight of 6 drinks for only $6. It will give you a slight buzz, while allowing you and your date to find your favorite new mead or cider flavor.
Total – $6
Option 2: Go Retro at Fountain Square Brewery
If wine, mead, and cider just aren’t your thing, start off your evening at the funky and slightly divey, Fountain Square Brewery on Shelby. This awesome local brewery offers inexpensive beer flights that you and your date can split and often has live music or something special going on.
Total – $5.50
Get Entertained
Option 1: Fountain Square Theatre Swing Dancing
You’ll have to plan ahead a bit to swing this one, but on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of every month, the historic Fountain Square Theatre offers swing dance lessons at 7:30pm. Stop in for the lessons and dance for just $12 a person. But don’t stay too long…you still have to grab dinner!
*Not going out on a Friday? Check out Action & Atomic Duckpin bowling for comparable prices.
Total – $24
Option 2: White Rabbit Cabaret
From burlesque bingo to live music and comedy acts, there’s always something fun and slightly left of center going down at White Rabbit Cabaret. Sometimes they even have dance parties going on, which might be more your speed than the swing dancing across the street.
Total – $20-30
The Main Event
Option 1: Dinner and Dessert at Pure Eatery
Now that you’ve worked up quite an appetite, walk a block to Pure Eatery, where you can split an appetizer of gouda stuffed jalapenos, crab cakes, or their humus platter (with three different types of hummus to sample). For the main course, choose from a huge, yet affordable selection of tacos, salads, sandwiches, wraps, or entrees (I highly recommend the BYO Quattro Formaggio). While you’re eating, be sure to enjoy the local art on the walls. Pure’s also a great place for all types of diets, with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options.
For dessert, you can’t go wrong with splitting either their cheesecake or Lick Ice Cream. Be sure to ask if they have any specials though (I once had a creme brulee to die for here!).
Total – $34 – $40 (plus tip and drinks)
Option 2: Dinner and Drinks at Brass Ring
Brass Ring is a nifty place to eat, drink, and enjoy the rest of the night out with your date. Sit out on their patio for a truly magical evening. You’ll want to try one of their unique appetizers (I’d recommend the fruit & cheese platter or the pineapple curry). Pair that with a craft beer or delicious cocktail. (Hint: ask for recommendations and you’ll end up with something fantastic!).
For dinner, split one of their St. Louis style pizzas or mix and match sliders. The Bass Ring also offers seitan in place of any meat for no additional charge, making it a great low-key dining experience for vegetarians and vegans.
Total: $34 – 40 (including 1 drink each)
Now that you’re both full, you can spend what’s left of the night wandering around the streets of Fountain Square. If it’s a weekend, you can be sure there’s something going on somewhere nearby; whether it’s live music next door at Hi-Fi, First Friday events, or even pop up shops. Just take a walk around the square to find out what trouble you can get into next.