8 Cheap (But Fun!) Date Night Spots in Charlotte, NC
Date nights can get repetitive when you end up at the same old spots every time. So we have rounded up our favorite cheap (but fun) date night – or day – spots for you to try when you and your sweetie are looking for something different to do that won’t break the bank.
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Wise Acres Organic Farm
4701 Hartis Rd Indian Trail, NC 28079
(704) 628-6232
Weekend date nights (or days) are perfect for a visit to Wise Acres. Pick your own seasonal fruits, vegetables or flowers at this charming spot before you order a tasty Wise Pizza. Family and group friendly, this organic farm offers the opportunity to meet their goats and rabbits, visit the farm-to-market store for farm-fresh, local goods or just stroll through the adjacent woods and grounds. Wise Acres is a great, unique option but make sure you snag a reservation to visit before heading out to grab a Margarita Pizza and an Apple Cider Slushie.
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Pins Mechanical
307 W Tremont Ave Charlotte, NC 28203
(980) 556-7746
Another inexpensive date night where you are almost guaranteed to have a blast is Pins, an adults-only game night bar. Featuring pinball, foosball, bowling, giant Jenga and other oversized games, Pins offers plenty of inexpensive date night activities. Depending on your tastes, date goers can enjoy craft cocktails like the blueberry-infused Pinball Wizard or the non-boozy Cherry Slush Puppies to go along with your choice of snacks from one of the available food trucks on site.
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BB&T Ballpark (Truist Stadium)
324 S Mint Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 274-8300
Catch a Triple-A baseball game with the Charlotte Knights for a fun and inexpensive date night from spring through late fall at this beautiful stadium in the heart of the city. Tickets are usually plentiful and theme days make dates even more interesting like dog-friendly games, giveaway games and fireworks following all Friday night games in the summer months. Order up a pair of Salhen’s loaded Giant Hotdogs and a cold beverage to nosh on while you watch for fly balls to snag.
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Dave & Buster’s
11049 Carolina Place Pkwy Ste Ls-05 Pineville, NC 28134
(704) 969-1600
This adult playground is located on the outskirts of Charlotte, but Dave & Buster’s is a well-known spot to spend a few fun hours having a blast making this a perfect date night destination. With a huge menu to choose from, pairs visiting Dave & Buster’s can easily select a budget-friendly meal like the Creole Shrimp Dip or the popular BBQ Chicken Flatbread. The arcade room and wall of televisions tuned to sports make for an active date night for fun-loving pairs.
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AMF Centennial Lanes
4501 South Blvd Charlotte, NC 28209
(704) 527-0333
Bowling is the perfect date night activity for active couples who want to play, chat and snack. AMF delivers super budget-friendly options with their $2.99 Tuesdays starting at 8 pm when you can find deals on games, tacos and drinks. Grab a pair of Steak Street Tacos and a tropical Mad Mai Tai before hitting the old-school bowling lanes for an entertaining date destination that won’t break the bank.
photo credit: ourstate.com
Gem Theater
111 W 1st St Kannapolis, NC 28081
(704) 932-5111
Step back in time with a date night in a rebooted movie house that shows first-run movies at old-timey prices. Snag a cozy seat in the balcony for an almost unheard-of movie ticket price for your favorite show in one of the Gem’s small theaters. The whole place only holds just under 1,000 moviegoers so this charming spot will feel like you and your date are not in the midst of a huge crowd. Stop by concessions for some popcorn with extra butter and a Siberian Chill drink or two and settle in for a fun throwback date night just outside of Charlotte.
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Member’s Only Tasting Room & Social
2413 Central Ave Charlotte, NC 28205
(704) 503-9134
Self-described as a social speakeasy, Member’s Only has a great vibe and is the perfect spot to chill with a date for not much cash. Joining the club is required but the low entrance fee makes this destination worth a visit and the hookah bar here might be something new to try on a date. Dining here involves a trip to the food trucks that regularly partner with this bar and lounge, adding to the budget-friendly ambiance here. Members suggest trying the signature cocktail, a sweet champagne concoction served with a cotton candy topper.
photo credit: ourstate.com
Treehouse Vineyards
301 Bay St Monroe, NC 28112
(704) 283-4208
This unique winery boasts indoor and outdoor tasting rooms, live music and a couple of on-site treehouses where guests can enjoy the front porch breezes while overlooking the property. Perfect for a fun date night, guests at Treehouse Vineyards can sample their wines and snack on cheese and crackers or grab a meal from a food truck that has scheduled appearances. For cooler nights, reserving a firepit seat for your date night adds an extra romantic feel to your budget-friendly wine tasting date.
Queen Park Social
4125 Yancey Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217
(980) 819-5626
Dates are all about getting to know each other, and how better to bond than by bowling, shooting hoops, or playing Pac-Man? Queen Park Social has those and so much more, with experiences from going digitally fishing to playing board games. Throw in an espresso or pineapple martini and plenty of beers on tap and we have a good feeling you’ll get that next date.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on July 29, 2022 and last updated on December 29, 2022. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.