Affordable Austin Valentine’s Day dates that don’t feel cheap

February in Austin means prix fixe menus, sold-out reservations, and roses with a luxury markup. Romance, suddenly, seems like a budget item. But dating in this city doesn’t necessarily cost as much as rent.

Every month, we’re looking for smart, affordable date ideas that prove you can keep the spark lit without burning down your bank account, even on Valentine’s Day.

Related: Austin First Dates Gone Wrong: Lessons in Love, Tequila, and Dancing

$20: Coffee, culture and classic cinematic romance

If you can’t make it to the downtown Central Library, the Austin Public Library has introduced an e-card that allows adults who don’t live in Austin to access the library’s online materials for a year for $22.

Start your day at Intelligentsia Coffee in downtown Austin near the Central Library, where an avena latte warms your hands and a flaky pastry warms your heart. You can steal sips from each other’s cups while everyone rushes outside the window.

Next, stroll over to the Central Library and delve into its DVD collection. Sure, streaming is convenient, but nothing says “romantic nostalgia” like physically picking up a copy of “Before Sunrise,” “Cinema Paradiso” or “Mississippi Masala.” If you don’t have a DVD player, you can stream titles on Kanopy, Hoopla, or Libby using your library account. Settle in at home for a friendly movie night.

Three experiences, one day, less than $20. Who said love couldn’t be frugal?

Central Library: 710 W. Cesar Chavez St. 512-974-7400, library.austintexas.gov.

Intelligentsia: 607 W. Third St. 737-414-6696, intelligentsia.com.

$30: Latin rhythms and tacos on a Sunday

If getting up early is your love language, Sunday mornings are reserved for Primos on the patio of the Vegas Hotel. Imagine yourself swaying to Latin beats, a taco in one hand, your partner’s hand in the other. The crowd is lively, the energy contagious – and the best part? Free tacos.

Add a few drinks at the bar and you’ve got yourself a date that’s festive, flirty, and just a little spicy—much like your relationship should be. The morning ends, the sun sets, and you leave with memories rather than scary chart readings.

1502 E. Sixth St. texashotelvegas.com.

$50: Sunset kayaking on Lady Bird Lake

Avoid crowded restaurants and take your romance to the waterfront. A two-hour kayak rental from Lady Bird Lake Rentals costs $50 – just enough time to paddle past the downtown skyline as it turns cotton candy pink.

There’s something about being on the lake at sunset that flirts for you. The city softens, the breeze cools and conversation becomes easy. Drift for a moment near the Congress Avenue Bridge and let the birds liven up the evening. It’s intimate without being cliché. And when you return to land, you’ll feel like you’ve gone somewhere way beyond your budget.

20 N. Interstate Highway. 35, chemin des Services. 512-522-1228, ladybirdlakerental.com.

The perfect Valentine’s Day date if you want to go the extra mile

For the foodie couple who wants an evening a little more intimate, grab a weekly sushi bento from Strangelove’s foodie + tina pop-ups ($40) and a bottle of wine recommended by the cafe’s friendly staff. Pre-orders can be placed online every Monday and pickups take place every Friday. Eat under fairy lights on the terrace, toast to love and let the city go dark for a few hours. Or take your share and pair it with one of these library DVD classics. Romance has never been easier.

2614 E. Cesar Chavez St. 512-337-2170, Strangelove.wine.