To all the couples out there, here are some favorite cheap date spots that will neither break the bank nor necessitate a 45 minute R or 7 train ride. No $5 dumplings or tacos out of the back of a deli (though, those are pretty decent dates spots for the right kind of gal), no trips to Sripraprai, no eating out of a food truck. Just good food, at real restaurants, mainly in Manhattan, for $40 or less.

Have another favorite that should be on here? Add it to comments.

—Jessica Lin