You don’t need a five-star restaurant or a massive budget to plan a memorable date night. In fact, some of the best dinners for two can be found at casual spots that combine atmosphere, flavor, and affordability. Whether it’s your first night out or your hundredth, here are smart ways to impress your date with a satisfying meal—all while keeping the total bill under $30.
- Applebee’s – Casual Dining, Shared Plates
Applebee’s is a reliable pick for affordable dinner combos. The 2 for $25 menu includes two entrées and one appetizer—perfect for couples watching their budget. Even better, you can buy an Applebee’s gift card online with cashback from Fluz to make your date night more rewarding. - Blaze Pizza – Build Your Own for Less
Blaze Pizza offers customizable personal pizzas for under $10 each. Add a drink to share or a side salad and stay well within your budget. Their thin, crispy crust and artisanal toppings give it a gourmet feel at fast-casual prices. Join Blaze Rewards for a free pie after a few visits. - Noodles & Company – Comfort Food with Variety
Noodles & Company offers globally inspired pasta dishes starting around $8 per bowl. A shared appetizer like potstickers or cheesy garlic bread makes it a full meal for two for under $30. Sign up for Noodles Rewards to earn points on each visit and get birthday perks. - Shake Shack – Elevated Fast Food That Feels Like a Treat
With two ShackBurgers, fries to share, and waters, you can enjoy a date night with gourmet fast food vibes for around $25–$30 depending on your location. You can earn cashback at Shake Shack with a gift card from Fluz and stack it with their seasonal limited-time offers. - California Pizza Kitchen – Share a Pie and a Starter
California Pizza Kitchen’s pizzas are designed for sharing. Choose a Traditional Hand-Tossed Pizza and a small plate like spinach artichoke dip or a salad to stay under budget. You can get cashback at California Pizza Kitchen with a Fluz gift card and use it in-store or online. - MOD Pizza – Affordable and Fast for Two
MOD lets each diner build their own pizza for one flat rate. Add a drink or a side to share, and you’re looking at around $25 total. Join MOD Rewards for free rewards, birthday surprises, and exclusive promos. - Panda Express – Quick, Shareable, and Filling
Two entrée bowls or one large plate with an extra side can easily feed two, especially if paired with drinks or fortune cookies. Their Panda Rewards program offers deals and free menu items after a few orders. - Chipotle – Bowl and Burrito Combo
Chipotle’s burritos and bowls are large enough to share, but even two separate entrées and a shared chips & queso usually come in under $30. You can get Chipotle at a discount with a Fluz gift card and combine it with Chipotle Rewards for even more value. - QDOBA – BOGO Perks and Hearty Portions
QDOBA often runs Buy One, Get One Free offers for loyalty members. Their burritos, tacos, and bowls are hearty and easy to split. Use QDOBA Rewards to rack up points toward future meals. - Pizza Hut – Carryout Deal for a Cozy Night In
Sometimes the best date nights happen at home. Pizza Hut’s $7.99 Large 3-Topping Pizza carryout deal lets you set the mood without breaking the bank. You can save money on Pizza Hut with a gift card from Fluz and keep your budget intact.
Tip: Make It Memorable Without Spending More
Pair your dinner with a walk, a playlist, or a stop at a local dessert spot. And before you pay, check if you can buy a gift card through Fluz for instant cashback and added savings.
