Wednesday

$3 Games and Tots at North Bowl

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There are not too many places to go bowling within Philly city limits, which is too bad because bowling is such a great activity, especially for groups.  I’ve written up the virtues of the small, BYO, not-for-profit PEP Bowl in South Philly, but for those who like their lanes with a few more amenities, I recommend North Bowl as well.  During peak hours prices are quite steep (Friday nights and weekends it’s $5.95 per person, per game, plus shoe rental!) but stop in on Wednesday and Sunday nights after 9pm, and treat yourself (and your date) to one of the best deals in town!  Games are only $3, shoes are also $3, and so are tasty Tater Tots, and Sly Fox beers!  A shiny, modern, bowling alley with a full-service bar, North Bowl is conveniently located in the heart of Northern Liberties, right on 2nd street.  North Bowl has an…

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Updated for 2012: Wednesday Summer Nights at Penn Museum

Updated for 2012: Wednesday Summer Nights at Penn Museum

Every Wednesday until August 29th, from 5-8pm, the Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology hosts a live music series in its verdant courtyard garden as part of its Summer Nights Music Series.  Located at 3260 South Street, at the intersection of Spruce and 33rd, the lush and stately museum garden will make you feel like you have been transported away from the city to another time and place – making it the perfect setting for the diverse musical acts featured by the series which come from all over the globe. For a mere $5, you get entry to the garden concert, as well as the museum’s intriguing Maya 2012 exhibit! Beverages (alcoholic and non) and light snacks are available from the Pepper Mill Cafe’s garden bar.   Here’s the lineup for the rest of the Wednesdays this summer: July 25 Magdaliz and Her Trio Crisol -  A Latin ensemble dedicated to the interpretation of folk and traditional music from all over Latin America and…

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Cheap Date’s 2012 Guide to Summer Screenings!

In addition to compiling a list of this summer’s free street fairs and festivals, Cheap Date Philadelphia is also your go-to guide to summer screenings. Why summer screenings make a great cheap date is a no-brainer! Now the question of what’s showing where this summer is a no-brainer, too! All movies are FEE and begin at dusk, unless otherwise noted. Check back often for updates, and as always, if I’ve missed something, let me know at cheapdatephiladelphia@gmail.com. Saturday, June 9 at Race Street Pier for Awesome Fest: NO ROOM FOR ROCKSTARS: THE VANS WARPED TOUR Sunday, June 10 at The Piazza: Finding Nemo (5-7pm) Thursday, June 14 on the Schuylkill Banks by the Walnut Street Bridge: The Muppets  Saturday, June 16 at Race Street Pier for Awesome Fest: THE SHEIK AND I Saturday, June 23 at Race Street Pier for Awesome Fest: JEFF Thursday, June 28 on the Schuylkill Banks by the Walnut Street Bridge: King…

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Tacos and Tequila at Loco Pez

Loco Pez

A trip to the taco truck can be a delightful cheap date. But as winter sets in, the prospect of waiting outside and then hunching over to eat before it all gets cold seems decidedly less pleasant. Enter new Fishtown pub Loco Pez! I spent a lovely date there recently, relaxing at the bar with an oversized margarita and fish tacos – for less than $15! Read the full review here, at Drink Philly (now Drink Nation!)

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Meet Me Downtown! Happy Hour at Sampan

Sampanbar

A downtown date for happy hour may seem convenient and economical, but it can also be majorly hit or miss.  Overcrowding, poor selection, long waits for service, and lack of food can turn what should have been a happy hour (or two) into a date disaster.  Luckily, my date recently introduced me to the perfect center city happy hour spot: Sampan. Located at 124 S.13th street, Sampan is a contemporary-Asian bar/restaurant that’s sophisticated and modern without being snobby or trying too hard – a good balance for a post-work date. It’s large enough to accommodate a sizeable crowd without feeling cramped, yet the cool lights that saturate the walls cast an intimate and almost sensual glow. There’s also a giant wraparound bar in the center where you can watch the chefs hard at work expertly slicing Satay and garnishing dumplings as fast as the orders come in.  And ordering is…

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It’s back! Hot Chocolate and the Holiday Light Show.

Macy's Holiday Light Show

Traditions are what make holidays special.  (They can play a pretty big part in relationships, too). There is probably no holiday ritual more iconic in Philadelphia than the John Wanamaker (now Macy’s) Christmas Light Show. Since 1955, this dazzling display of lights and music (with narration by the equally iconic Julie Andrews) has delighted children and adults alike. At least it delighted my date and I (two consenting adults) when we went to see it! How cheap we talkin’: The light show is FREE! Hot drinks range from $3-6, as do individual shots for spiking them! Why this will impress your date:  Because nothing beats feeling like a kid again. Except feeling like a kid who’s snuck into the liquor cabinet. The Inside Game: If you can get there on a weekday, Monday through Thursdays are the least crowded shows. Score Extra Points: By planning your visit to coincide with one of the daily concerts on the famous…

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