Going out to a fancy restaurant on Valentine’s Day can be a hassle. Making reservations, packed, loud restaurants and venues and dipping into that rainy day fund for a night on the town can be more of a burden than an experience, especially if you have to stretch a dollar.

There’s lots of places in Everett to have a great time with your sweetie without spending a lot of dough. Here’s five of our favorites.

Ray’s Drive in

There’s something nostalgic about heading to Ray’s on a weeknight, firing up your favorite malt shop playlist and eating in the car with your boo (or if it’s a sunny day, on the hood of the car). Splitting a Double Chicken Strip Basket ($13.99) and a Green River shake ($3.49/$3.99) while “Earth Angel” by The Penguins plays on your car stereo is a great Valentine’s date. All you need is a letterman’s jacket.

Brooklyn Bros. & The 10th Street Boat Launch

Everyone knows about Brooklyn Bros.’ outstanding pizza, but their calzones are out of this world and big enough for two. Get a cheese calzone to go ($11.99) and head to the 10th Street Boat Launch to enjoy your cheap and romantic din din bayside.

Explore Rural Everett

Lowell is a special neighborhood. It’s brimming with history, has a great riverfront trail and has some incredible farmland to take in—all within Everett city limits! Take a walk around Lowell Riverfront Trail, then hop in the car and explore Everett’s rural side on the Lowell Snohomish Riverfront Road.

Eat a Little Bit of Everything at Everett’s Coolest Strip Mall

South Everett is home to Everett’s coolest strip mall. Seriously. It’s home to a brewery, a cookie shop, a nerd haven, a Mexican juice spot, cheesesteaks and a lot more. Grab a cheesesteak from Su-Bees ($7.99), a Fruta Rayada from Mia Antojitos ($4.70) and a cookie ($1.79 ea.) or a cup of Full Tilt ice cream ($4.50) from Midnight Cookie Co.

Want to get a pint or two? Middleton Brewing is also in said strip mall (for real!). Who knew there was so much in one place?

Speaking of pints…

Drink on the Cheap With Our Happy Hour Guide

Nobody wants to be stuck with a giant bill because your craft IPA’s you’ve been slinging back all night cost seven bucks each. Use our handy Happy Hour guide to find a nice place to settle in with a pint, cider or a glass of wine and toast to your undying love or something.

Looking to spend a bit more? Our friends at Mazatlan are having a three-course Valentine’s Day dinner night. Learn more here and get those reservations in before it’s too late.

Henry J is a writer, editor, video editor and podcast producer for Live in Everett.