Itinerary Cheap Dates

An affordable date doesn’t have to be second-rate. Here are some suggestions of things to do with that special someone that won’t break your bank.

Friday After Work

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art courtyard takes on a happy hour feel, with free jazz concerts from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This week’s offers pianist James Carney, a finalist in last year’s Hennessey Cognac Jazz Search, accompanied by his quartet. 5905 Wilshire Blvd., (213) 857-6000. Beer and wine are available for purchase.

One of the best things about having a $3.75 French dip sandwich at Philippe the Original is that you can take what you would have spent on a more expensive entree at another restaurant, and get a fine glass of wine instead. Some 30 to 40 wines are served by the glass ($3 to $10) at this historic 1908 restaurant, where the French dip was reputedly invented. Open daily, 6 a.m.-10 p.m. 1001 N. Alameda St. (north of Caesar Chavez Boulevard); (213) 628-3781.

Saturday Afternoon

Start out a daytime date with lunch at the Farmer’s Market. Spice things up at the Gumbo Pot, where the Cajun cookin’--including gumbo, jambalaya, po’ boy and muffaleta sandwiches--is right out of the French Quarter. Farmer’s Market, 6333 W. 3rd St. at Fairfax Avenue, (213) 933-0358. Entrees $5.95-$6.95.

Then head north to Griffith Park for an afternoon hike. Take the path from the Griffith Park Observatory to the top of Mount Hollywood (three miles round-trip). From Los Feliz Boulevard, take Vermont Avenue through a residential area into Griffith Park. Follow signs to the observatory and park in the north end of the lot.

If hiking is not your thing, take an easy stroll around the observatory (don’t miss the James Dean bust). Then go inside to the Hall of Science, where you’ll find gadgets like Foucault’s pendulum and a scale that allows you to measure your weight on Mars. Admission is free. 2800 Observatory Road, (213) 664-1191.

Saturday Late Night

It’s rare in L.A. to find restaurants that serve dinner at late hours, but Falafel King in Westwood serves until 2:30 a.m. on weekends and the food is fantastic. Both the falafel, tucked inside a fresh pita and drizzled with tahini, and the chicken schwarma are first-rate. 1059 Broxton Ave., Westwood, (310) 208-4444.

Mann Plaza’s Late Night Horror Film Festival is not something to brave alone. This week’s feature is “The Shining,” Stanley Kubrick’s disturbing take on Stephen King’s tale about the demonic hotel that haunts its inhabitants and the little boy gifted with ESP. With Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duval. Midnight. (Also Friday and Sunday.) $5. Mann Plaza, 1067 Glendon Ave., Westwood, (310) 208-3097.

Sunday Afternoon

More than 200 artists will exhibit their paintings, sculpture, drawings, photography, jewelry and ceramics at the city of Beverly Hills’ “Affaire in the Gardens” this weekend. Admission is free. There will be international foods for purchase. Beverly Gardens Park, Santa Monica Boulevard and Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, (310) 550-4625. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday-Sunday.

Sunday Night Swing Fling

Sundays (as well as Wednesdays and Thursdays) from 8-9 p.m. at the Derby, couples can learn to swing like the swingers, with free lessons (once the $5 cover is paid). Within minutes of practicing the three-count steps, you’ll be moving to the music of Hollywood’s Golden Era. At 9:30 p.m., live music by Jumpin’ Jimes. 4500 Los Feliz Blvd., Hollywood, (213) 663-8979.