I didn’t know what to expect when I moved to Charlotte 14 months ago. It certainly wasn’t to start a food Instagram account, write for this super cool publication, or date someone within the first few months of my arrival. Alas, here I am, doing all three. So I’ve acquired a decent bit of experience when it comes to date spots.

We probably go out to eat a little more than he likes (what a guy) so it’s nice to keep things affordable as often as possible. Here are my picks for date spots that won’t break the bank but will still deliver a fun and delicious night out with your significant other. Or your BFF. A date’s a date!

Moosehead Bar and Grill

Location: 1807 Montford Drive

Don’t rule out this dive bar as a date spot. The rooftop deck is the perfect place to share a few wings under a starry night on Montford (how romantic). And the wings are incredible. Voted best in Charlotte and placed second nationally at the Buffalo Wing Competition.

Order: Split 10 Uncle Donnie’s Famous Blackened Wings ($9.95) + a basket of fries ($4.95) = $14.90 plus tax. Order an additional five wings for $5.25 if you’re still hungry (Meeso Honey is a great choice).

Sabor Latin Grill

Locations:
415 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte
5945 Weddington Monroe Rd Suite 101, Matthews
14039 E. Independence Blvd, Indian Trail

Tacos bring everyone together. Take your date to Sabor on a Tuesday and enjoy $1 tacos. But make sure you order the ones that are actually discounted (rookie mistake on my part). Stay tuned for the new NoDa location.

Order: 2 tacos each ($4.00) + an order of carne asada fries ($6.95) = $10.95 plus tax. Whoa.

Ru San’s

Locations: 2440 Park Road

Sushi bills always add up for me because I eat too much. But if you choose wisely, you can dine for two at Ru San’s at a great price. We often order a big roll and a fried rice dish when we go out for sushi because sushi AND fried rice are beautiful things.

Order: For lunch, $11.75 each for all-you-can-eat sushi buffet. For dinner, try edamame ($4.25) + any signature roll (roughly $9.95) + vegetable fried rice ($7.25) = $21.45 plus tax.

Common Market

Locations:
2007 Commonwealth Avenue
1515 South Tryon Street

Love this spot for a lunch date. Go on a warmer day and enjoy your delicious sandwiches on the eclectic patio while sipping on your favorite beer or wine. Then browse around inside for things to cook for dinner. Nice!

Order: Billy Club ($7.00) + CM Chicken Salad sandwich ($6.25) = $13.25 plus tax AND drink of choice, obviously.

Pizzeria Omaggio

Location: 1055 Metropolitan Avenue #130

I love the authentic pizzas at Pizzeria Omaggio. Honestly I can eat a whole one by myself, but if you’re trying to be cute and not stuff your face, split a pizza and salad. Can’t go wrong with any choice here.

Order: Abruzzo pizza ($13.50) + an arugula salad ($8.00) = $21.50 plus tax.

Midwood Smokehouse

Locations:
1401 Central Avenue
12410 Johnston Road

I don’t repeat restaurants often, but I’ve been to Midwood too many times to count. It’s definitely one of my favorite BBQ places in Charlotte. Here’s to hoping you date someone that loves Southern food.

Order: It’s all very affordable. Make sure someone gets the chopped pork sandwich with mac and cheese ($7.95 plus tax). If you wanna split an app, get the pimento cheese fries ($6.00 plus tax).

Mama Ricotta’s

Location: 601 S. Kings Drive

Another restaurant repeat. I absolutely love Mama Ricotta’s and have even claimed it as my favorite restaurant when people ask. It’s a wonderful place for date night but also for a girl’s night out. Peace, love, and pasta.

Order: Split the Tuscan salad (full: $9.50) + Penne Alla Vodka ($16.50 with chicken) = $26.00 plus tax. Portions are big, but if you don’t think splitting will cut it, start with the warm goat cheese and mascarpone dip ($9.00)… It’s life-changing.

The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery

Location: 4150 Yancey Road

You can’t go wrong with any Charlotte brewery, but I like knowing I have lots of food options at OMB (oh, and beer). Take your date here on a chilly night and enjoy some quality time by the outdoor fire pits. If you’re into physical activity (congrats) go on Tuesdays for yoga.

Order: Share a fresh baked soft German pretzel with beer cheese ($5.25) + two beers = done.

Any food truck in CLT

Food Truck Friday is closed for the season, but these bad boys are parked all over year-round. Make a weekend out of it: try a new truck Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Sounds like the greatest weekend ever.

Order: Depends, but food truck dishes usually range $8.00 – $12.00 plus tax. Get two different things and share.

Elizabeth Creamery

Location: 1535 Elizabeth Avenue

Keep it classic with an ice cream date. Charlotte lacks in this area (super excited for this new addition) but Elizabeth Creamery is fantastic. And let’s be serious: ice cream is good any time of year.

Order: Whatever your heart desires. It’s ice cream. You know you want your own cone.

Cover photo via the Food Truck Friday Facebook page