Date Ideas in LA under $100: 10 Ways to Do Dinner & A Show on a Budget

We present Part 2 of ideas for a classic dinner-and-a-show date night! But in this economy? This curated list will have you impressing your date on a budget with an estimated total cost of less than $100 for the whole evening. Just bear in mind that our calculations include dinner but no extras - drinks and desserts are for the rich! :’)

Want to see other options? Check out our other dinner and a date guide here.

Thai + musical improv

• Location: Hollywood Hills
• Approx Cost: $45 food + $40 tickets = $85
• Begin with a heart- and belly-warming curry at Pimai It’s Thai then walk 3 minutes West to Upright Citizens Brigade to catch the long-running musical improv show, Baby Wants Candy, at 7:00pm. Improv shows aren’t for everyone, but we promise at least one good belly laugh at this one! Buy your tickets in advance to save $10.

Pizza + magic

• Location: San Fernando
• Approx Cost: $25 food + $20 tickets + $20 drinks = $65
• This Tuesday date will recharge you before you face hump day! Start by sharing a pizza at La Bella Pizza Trattoria then head to Shadow Grove Brewery for their weekly magic show at 8pm. Seated shows have availability limited to the first 12 people to arrive, so act fast! Stick around for karaoke starting at 8:30pm.

Ceviche + comedy

• Location: Long Beach
• Approx Cost: $57 food + $34 drinks = $91
• Make mid-week plans for a Wednesday night date in Long Beach! Start with dinner at Ruta 15 Ceviche Bar to scratch your seafood itch. Follow dinner with a 7-minute walk over to Que Sera for the free Bear City Comedy show at 7:30pm. 

Jamaican + poetry

• Location: Leimert Park
• Approx Cost: $54 food + $20 tickets = $74
• Kick off the evening with dinner at the casual eatery, Wah Gwaan Jamaican Kitchen & Bar. Walk four minutes North to see (or perform if you are feeling brave) Da Poetry Lounge’s weekly Tuesday night open mic from 9:00-11:00pm.

Deli + movie

• Location: Beverly Grove
• Approx Cost: $58 food + $29 tickets = $87
• Settle into a booth at the classic Canter’s Deli and order a few latkes to guarantee a good time. Walk just 2 blocks North to Brain Dead Studios to enjoy an indie or classic film. Screenings are typically 7:00pm and 10:15pm on Saturdays.

Potatoes + live music

• Location: Studio City
• Approx Cost: $55 food + $30 patio tickets = $85
• Since the ‘70s, The Baked Potato has been serving up potatoes and live jazz. Feast on one of their many styles of baked potato - or something else from the menu if you don’t like potatoes (we’ve never heard of that though) - and enjoy the live band from the outdoor patio. Feeling fancy? Splurge on indoor tickets, which are usually about $15 more per person.

Food truck + outdoor movie

• Various locations
• Approx. Cost: $40 food + $46 tickets = $86
• With screenings most weekends through mid-September, this classic LA experience provides dinner and a show all in one place! Grab a meal from an on-site food truck and enjoy it picnic-style while you watch pre-show live entertainment and settle in for a classic movie. Check out Street Food Cinema for the most affordable tickets ($23 in advance) and parking.

Middle Eastern + belly dancing

• Location: Hollywood and Glendale
• Approx Cost: $65 food + $10 performer tip = $75
• At one of Carousel’s two locations, choose from a lengthy menu of delicious Lebanese dishes to fill your bellies, and be dazzled by belly dancers who grace diners with performances on Friday and Saturday nights. Be sure to reserve some of your budget to tip the performers!

Ramen + stories

• Location: Silver Lake
• Approx cost: $50 food + $40 tickets = $90
• Approximately twice a month Los Globos hosts a weekday MOTH Story Slam. It’s a unique show and perfect conversation piece for your special someone. Find a date for your date, and precede the show with a delectable bowl of noodles at Silver Lake Ramen.

Fried chicken + theater

• Location: Hollywood
• Approx Cost: $58 food + $40 tickets = $98
• Begin your date with a guaranteed hit at Superba Food + Bread. Try the fried chicken dinner for two (so romantic!). Follow dinner with more of a gamble with an indie or experimental live performance at The Hudson Theater. Maybe the show is lowkey genius or maybe it’s highkey weird, but either way you’ll make a memory.