When dating prospects for students are looking better than financial prospects, cutting corners can be difficult. However, affordable options are plentiful for those in the dating scene here in Saskatoon.

The city has a vast selection of cafés for coffee dates, but more often than not, you can be spending anywhere from $15 to $20 for breakfast or lunch at a café. It’s difficult to know which café is the most affordable option while still providing a great experience.

Located on 33rd Street West, Christie’s Mayfair Bakery — which celebrated 84 years of service this past year — is an affordable option for students. It’s a small café with an intimate setting that is perfect for getting to know each other, while you enjoy the smell of fresh bread in the morning.

Christie’s offers low prices for high quality. The bakery has an assortment of baked goods ranging from $1.75 to $3.99 on the menu. You can get a freshly baked muffin for $1.99 or a freshly baked morning bun for $2.99.

The drink menu ranges anywhere from cappuccinos to chai lattes, and the prices range from $2.00 to $4.50. On a budget, you can spend $5 for a drink and a baked good on your coffee date, rather than just $5 or higher for coffee alone at one of those pretentious shops.

The array of baked goods, the fresh bread and the intimate environment make for a budget-friendly option with a unique classic-bakery experience for that special someone.

D’Lish by Tish Café  is another affordable place to eat breakfast, lunch or supper. The café offers unique eats for those who want to shake things up, including three or more ever-changing daily soups. In addition to soup and sandwiches, they offer an affordable drink menu. Prices range from under $10 to $15.

D’Lish is easily accessible to students, as it is within walking distance of the university — no transportation needed. The atmosphere is one like no other and will surely make for a memorable date.

If you’re looking for a date featuring a little competition, Pokey’s Pinball Café is a pinball arcade, which is also located on 33rd Street West. This game-oriented establishment is extremely affordable — the pinball machines at Pokey’s take $1 per game. Pop a coin in the slot, and challenge your date to a game of pinball while having a drink.

With prices like this, you can easily balance how many rounds you play with your weekly spending allowance. Have a beer with a side of nostalgia in this budget-friendly joint.

King Me Boardgamery on 20th Street West is another affordable option for those who are looking to play a game on their date. Customers open a five-dollar tab that gives them access to whichever games they want for as long as they want.

This is great for those on a specific budget, because you won’t have to overspend if you want to add another game to the table. On the date, gamers can try an old board game or a new one, all for the same price!

Dating can become stressful when going out costs you more than what you can afford, but Saskatoon offers a lot in the way of affordable dating. With these options, you don’t have to stress about spending what little money you may have. Just relax and enjoy the company of your date.

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Lauren Klassen

Graphic: Jaymie Stachyruk