The secret to a great date is simple: location, location, location! The right mix of cozy environment, enjoyable activity and romantic atmosphere will put her in the mood for love. But, if you don’t have the big budget to help make the sparks fly – do you have to rest on your personality and charm to score the girl? God no. Here are some suggestions for great date spots in Houston. Source: MSN City Guides

McGonigel's Mucky Duck
2425 Norfolk St, Houston, TX
Take advantage of free happy-hour food, then stay for the Wednesday night Irish jam session. No cover charge.

Houston's Laff Stop In River Oaks
1952A W Gray St, Houston, TX
Though touring acts cost a bit more, local comedy shows are very affordable and make for a fun night.

Brian O'Neill's
5555 Morningside Dr, Houston, TX
An Irish heart beats proudly within this Rice Village pub.

Village Pizza & Seafood
8261 Richmond Ave Ste C, Houston, TX
Pizza, seafood and then some at this casual neighborhood chain.

Nick's Place Italian Sports Bar & Pizzeria
2713 Rockyridge Dr, Houston, TX
Combination sports bar-Italian eatery with food as good as mamma used to make.

Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
4501 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX
Enjoy this urban wildlife sanctuary for native wildflowers, plants and animals for free.

Lounge at Benjy's
2424 Dunstan St, Houston, TX
This trendy Rice Village hangout features a $5 happy-hour menu with crab cakes, pot stickers and individual pizzas.

Dynamic Lanes
6121 Tarnef Dr, Houston, TX
For an idyllic, no-hassle bowling experience, this cozy Sharpstown alley is as good as it gets.

T-Bone Tom's Meat Market
707 Hwy 146, Kemah, TX
Bypass the main restaurant and head to the tree-shaded Backyard for live music on the weekends and inexpensive food.

Miller Outdoor Theatre
100 Concert Dr, Houston, TX
Go for quieter seats in the covered area. Bring comfy pillows, a gourmet picnic and cocktails in a thermos (no glass allowed).

The Breakfast Klub
3711 Travis St, Houston, TX
Get here early to avoid long breakfast lines. Then spend the afternoon exploring Midtown via the light rail for a mere $1.

Sam Houston Race Park
1 Sam Houston Pl, Houston, TX
Your $3 admission grants front-row seats to exciting racehorse action. Regular live music performances are an added bonus.

Amazon Grill
5114 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX
This casual West U cafe serves affordable Latin fare. Have the make-it-yourself s'mores for dessert for a gooey, romantic treat.

Alley Theatre
615 Texas St, Houston, TX
Plan on a weeknight performance and purchase half-price tickets. Then head across the street to Zin for $21.95 prix-fixe dinner.

Kemah Boardwalk
Bradford Ave and Second St, Kemah, TX
Skip the seafood. Instead, check out free music on Thursday evenings and enjoy warm, sugary beignets from the Coffee House.

Museum of Fine Arts Houston
1001 Bissonnet, Houston, TX
Admission is free on Thursdays and the museum is open until 9pm.

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