50 Sense: Seward

When planning your next cheap date, Seward might not be the first part of town that springs to mind. But for less than it costs to pay a ticket for unlawful use of a car horn, you and your date can make beautiful memories on East Franklin Avenue. There’s so much cheap fun in the conveniently walkable six-block stretch, you might actually have trouble spending a whole 50 bucks. We won’t tell. Cheapskate.

If your date is turned on by social consciousness, the Seward Community Cafe will win you some serious boner points. The collectively run chow spot is a cozy little haven for punks, anarchists, and hippies alike, complete with board games and books for hours of off-the-grid enjoyment. Build your good karma with veggie/vegan grub like the pesto cream cheese sandwich ($6.50) and the house-made deluxe miso soup with tofu, mushrooms, garlic, ginger, and scallions ($3.75).
Where: 2129 E. Franklin Ave., 612-332-1011
Running total: $12.60 with tax and tip

After thoroughly impressing your date with your ability to hold up your end of the single-speed vs. fixed-gear bike debate, head east a few blocks to the Northern Clay Center. This place is known for sculpting and pottery classes, but it also houses three galleries and numerous artists’ studios, which are free and open to the public. This month’s special exhibit, It Was 20 Years Ago Today..., is an anniversary show featuring some favorite artists from the Northern Clay Center’s 20 years of earthen glory.
Where: 2424 E. Franklin Ave., 612-339-8007
Running total: $12.60

If your artistic appetite has not yet been satisfied, Triangle Park is home to a funky piece of public art: “Merwyn,” a huge cement troll designed by Marjorie Pitz. Indulge your inner child by running around on the teensy park’s grassy knolls, play structures, and even Merwyn himself.
Where: Intersection of Franklin Ave. and 26th Ave. S.
Running Total: $12.60

After getting all rosy in the autumn air, warm up at 2nd Moon Coffee Cafe. They’ve got a wide selection of good teas ($2.55), pastries, and coffee ($3.50), and there’s usually a friendly local musician behind the counter. It’s nice place to sit, gaze into each other’s eyes, and take in the funky decor.
Where: 2225 E. Franklin Ave., 612-343-4255
Running total: $20.05 with tax and tip

Right next door to 2nd Moon is a neighborhood gem: Charles A. Hoffman Handmade Guitars And Stringed Instrument Repair. For the past 39 years, Charlie Hoffman and his team of old-school artisans have been building super-high-end guitars and mandolins, catering to renowned folk artists like Leo Kottke and John Abercrombie. They welcome anyone to come in and browse, ask questions, and admire their handiwork—so long as you don’t wander aimlessly around the work area. As the hand-painted sign boasts, Hoffman’s staff also specializes in instrument repair, and is authorized to provide factory warranty services for nearly every guitar company in America—a totally useful fact to tuck into your back pocket with a Hoffman business card if you’re trying to seem like a legit musician in front of your date. Grab a couple of picks and an E string on your way out, and you could be serenading that special someone with a bedroom rendition of “Free Fallin’” before the night is through.
Where: 2219 E. Franklin Ave., 612-338-1079
Running total: $22.75

An old, re-purposed church at 23rd and Franklin is home to one of the most respected theatre writing labs in the country. The Playwrights’ Center provides a space for up-and-coming American scribes to stage readings and productions of new works for theatre-friendly Twin Cities audiences. If you’re brave enough to be an artistic guinea pig, take in one of the center’s many free events, like the 2010-11 Jerome And McKnight Fellow Showcase on Oct. 24, or works in the Ruth Easton New Play Series, which starts in December.
Where: 2301 E. Franklin Ave., 612-332-7481
Running total: $22.75

Cap off a day of vegan food and art with meat and beer. The Tuesday evening specials at Tracy’s Saloon are just what the doctor ordered. The bar serves up $.40 wings for any attitude, from wet sauces, like teriyaki and “extra hot,” to dry rubs, like Cajun, jerk, and “Tracy’s seasoning.” Half-price margaritas, $2 pints of Miller Lite, and $3.25 well drinks from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. every day but Sunday will keep you and your date in the bag, with enough left over for a cab home.
Where: 2207 E. Franklin Ave., 612-332-1865
Running total: Under $50