So you've actually got a big date coming up and you're totally excited because this rarely happens to you.

This is your time to shine, to make your mark on a new person, and maybe kindle that flame into something more than a one-and-done first date.

The only thing is New York City is super expensive and you want to impress that date without making a permanent dent in your checking account.

In other words, you want to show them a good time (on a budget)-- but without taking them to McDonald's (obviously, right?).

There are a lot of ways to save money on a date, and luckily for you, this city is chock full of intimate spaces with reasonably priced dishes. Even more luckily for you, we've done the groundwork and found 8 of those very places-- yes, amazing, we know.

(You can thank us later-- after that date of yours goes really well. *wink wink*)

---

1. The Meatball Shop (various NYC locations)

The Meatball Shop is awesome for dates because the atmosphere is cute, but still super casual and the food is great.

[anad]

Plus, there's so much variety in the food as well, from the meatballs themselves to the sauces they come in to the slew of sides you can elect to add to your dish.

You crazy kids in love will take great pleasure ordering your meatballs and then mixing and matching them once they come to the table.

---

2. Bianca (5 Bleecker Street)

Don't miss this charming, cash-only Italian eatery. Bianca is quaint and small, yet something about it breeds a romantic air as you enjoy hearty Italian dishes (like a lovely plate of hot, cheesy lasagna).

Plus, most entrees are under $20, but from the tastes of it, you'd never guess it.

And your date never would either... score!

---

3. Amelie (22 West 8th Street)

With delightful French cuisine and a lengthy selection of wines without the lofty prices, the romantic feels of Paris will simply enrapture you and your date when you visit Amelie.

[anad2]

The best time to come is happy hour, when a flight of three wines is $12 each and you can share some small plates of French appetizers: chicken liver mousse, a goat cheese ball and more with crusty French bread, or a selection of crostini.

You'll be able to say you and your date dined like royals-- without spending like one.

---

4. Cafe Katja (79 Orchard Street)

If your date is a meat lover, wants to try something new, or loves German and Austrian food, then you should take him or her to Cafe Katja.

Located in the heart of the LES, Cafe Katja's intimate, dim-lit space is a date night to-do for the most adventurous eaters.

You can share the sausage sampler (two for $18) and enjoy a fabulous array of German beers in this cozy, romantic setting. Be certain: your taste buds will splurge, but you sure won't.

,

5. Petite Crevette (144 Union Street - Brooklyn)

We've already deduced that French food is good romantic food, but how about romantic French seafood? Do we have your mouth watering yet or what?

At Petite Crevette, the seafood is fresh and the price is right.

It's BYOB, so you can bring your favorite wine to accompany your meal, and it's set in a brick building with a quirky interior that will quickly charm both you and your date.

[anad]

Their signature dish, the Cioppino, is a delight to all seafood lovers.

Half of a lobster is served in a bowl adorned with fresh mussels, shrimps, and clams in a luxurious tomato and white wine sauce that is buttery and savory to the last drop. It's $25, so it is not the most inexpensive meal on this list, but there are plenty of entrees under $20 on the menu as well.

And besides, why pay more elsewhere, am I right?

---

6. La Lanterna di Vittorio (129 Macdougal Street)

Italian is definitely a go-to for great date cuisine, and it's even better when there's pizza on the menu.

There's two ways to go at La Lanterna di Vittorio: the crowd-pleasing pesto lasagna or a pizza-- perhaps the pizza con speck (that salty, smoked prosciutto we all know and love).

Mix all that great food with the gorgeous indoor garden seating, and you and your date will be up in foodie heaven in no time.

---

7. Up Thai (1411 2nd Avenue)

Up Thai is filled with a dozen intricately-beautiful colored lamps that line the ceiling and make this dark room feel warm and romantic.

[anad2]

That being said, this is a great place to bring your date for classic Thai food, unlike any other. The green curry is rich with vegetables and coconut milk, and the pad thai is traditional without being boring or trite.

---

8. Pata Negra (345 East 12th Street)

Spain is a country oozing with culture that is unique and romantic, so tapas are a good way to go. Why?

Because you can grab a few drinks and share some small dishes amongst the two of you, and it will be an incredibly intimate way to enjoy a night together.

Most of these tapas are under $10 per plate, and you can try some Spanish classics like tortilla española (made of potatoes and eggs) or a pairing of Jamón Serrano and sheep's milk Manchego cheese... para una gran noche!

If you enjoyed this article, check out more 12 Hopelessly Romantic Date Ideas in NYC!!

[Featured Image Courtesy: UrbanDaddy]