Even the cost of fast food adds up these days, said Andrew, 37. To him, dating doesn’t always have to be about money and expensive evenings. He and his partner enjoy going to Trader Joe’s, picking out dinner and watching a movie while drinking some wine after cooking.
“It’s expensive to go out,” Andrew said. “It’s just more affordable to cook and drink at home … That’s very low cost and fun, and still together.”
Couples are also talking more often about who pays for what. Andrew says they like to share, putting in the same effort to pay for things because of how expensive life is now. He says they’re good at finding happy hours and deals around town.
Here’s what other Tulsans say are some of their favorite affordable dates. Add yours to our threads on Nextdoor, Reddit and Instagram.
For the foodies…
- Need a happy hour deal? The Flyer has you covered. Here are eight Tulsa happy hours that will help get you through the week.
- Shasta Simpson says Cherry & Bark has the best small batch ice cream in Tulsa.
- Jessica Robertson says to try the Costco hotdog and drink special, then go shoot pool.
- Tulsans also showed some love for pastries and coffee at Pancho Anaya and Coffee con Pan.
For an experience…
- The Throw Down in T-Town at Tulsa Raceway Park this October has free gate entry, and it’s $25 to park your car.
- Guthrie Green hosts many free events from movies and fitness to food trucks and concerts.
- Skates Roller Skating Entertainment Center in Sand Springs has $2.25 admission plus $3.25 skate rentals Tuesdays and $12 adult nights every Saturday.
- The First Friday Art Crawl downtown on the first Friday of each month is free.
For the movie lovers…
- Admiral Twin Drive-In charges $20 for a car with two or more people and $10 for a single person.
- Each Tuesday, Cinemark offers 50% off movie tickets.
- Tulsans also love Circle Cinema, a local nonprofit movie theater. They show movies for around $10 to $12 a ticket.
For something outdoorsy…
- Emily Waltman said go for a walk at the Gathering Place. Rosalea Ceretto promptly said have 911 on speed dial if you’re out and about in the Oklahoma summer heat.
- Also at the Gathering Place, you can kayak or pedal boat ride for free on Peggy’s Pond.
- Carl Bash says to grab ice cream from Braum’s and go to your local park for a walk under the stars. Danielle Lisle agrees. They grab some fast food and go to Washington Park in Bixby to sit on the swinging loungers at sunset.
- Keystone Ancient Forest is a free hiking spot about 30 minutes away from Tulsa in Sand Springs.
For the live music fans…
- Maggie’s Music Box & Gastropub in Jenks offers pool and darts for $1, plus live music.
- Becky Plant says The Hunt Club downtown has a small cover for live music and cheap beers. It’s also the home of School Night Social Club, a monthly meetup group.
- American Legion Post 308 frequently has dance nights at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays with music by local band Buckle Up. Sam Gillentine says it costs $8 a person.
For the shoppers…
- The River City Trading Post in Jenks is free with tons of interesting things to look at, says one Redditor.
- Love Me Two Times is a local vintage store that Redditors say is fun for iSpy games and making up stories.
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