Houstonist Cheap Date: Ikea

A furniture store? For a date? Yes. Ikea is not only filled with strangely attractive objects with names like Kroby, Dekad, and Tostarp, it has two restaurants and entertaining people-watching. While Houstonist cannot be held responsible for the consequences of attempting Ikea for a first date, once that special someone has had sufficient time to realize you aren't a complete cheapskate (or has come to terms with it), it can be a novel, unexpected (and cheap) way to spend a few hours.

When you first walk in, follow the signs to the second-floor restaurant. The food isn't fantastic, but it's priced to loss-lead. Swedish meatballs for $3.99. Dessert for $1.99. If you're in the mood for something a little more American, head to the food counter near the first-floor checkout, where 50-cent hot dogs await.

Satiated, you can then wander the floor, admiring countless European-designed household objects whose fun-to-say names are great conversation starters. Warning: This is where your carefully planned cheap date can turn into an expensive date. You don't really need that Kaustby, so resist the urge. But, if you're feeling especially romantic, you can present her with a Smycka.

Ikea Houston
7810 Katy Freeway at Antoine