opinion
"Romance on a Ramen Budget: Austin’s Guide to Love (or Whatever This Is)"
Austin’s dating scene is apparently so broke, even the romantics are cutting coupons. Here’s how to pretend you’re not desperate while spending less than $50.

By Riley Monroe
Published July 31, 2025 at 11:00am

Ah, Austin. The city where "keeping it weird" apparently means pretending you don’t miss Los Angeles. But fear not, budget-conscious lovebirds (or, let’s be real, people who just want free food), because Austin has graciously bestowed upon you three whole date ideas that won’t require selling a kidney—just your dignity.
$15: Zilker Summer Musical and Sandy’s Hamburgers
Nothing says romance like sitting on a patch of grass with 500 strangers watching a musical about competitive cheerleading. Truly, the stuff of fairy tales. And because nothing screams "I’m cultured" like eating a fast-food hamburger under a neon sign that’s older than your grandparents, Sandy’s is the perfect cap to this evening of "