Things to do and places to eat in Northern Virginia, from cheap to more expensive options. (1=cheap – 8=expensive)

1: University Mall Theatres- 10659 Braddock Rd Fairfax, VA 22032

The University Mall Theatres of Fairfax is the best place to go for movies if you’re really tight on cash.

University Mall plays movies after they’ve passed through the big name theaters. If you missed seeing a big box office movie, just wait a couple weeks and it will probably be playing here.

The benefit of this movie theater is that you get the same movies but for half the price! The cost for an adult ticket is just $5. For people who are either under 14 years old, over 60 years old, or who have a George Mason student ID, the cost is $4.

Another great deal at University Mall is two-dollar Tuesdays! On Tuesdays all tickets are $2 cash, or $2.50 with a credit card.

Definitely make your way over to this theater for a fun cheap outing with friends!

2: Mom & Pop- 2909 District Ave Fairfax, VA 22031

The Mom & Pop coffee shop in the Mosaic District is a new branch from the Dolcezza gelato and coffee company.

The unique and contemporarily designed coffee spot offers coffee, sandwiches and snacks. It is the only place in Mosaic to get Nitro Cold Brew Coffee.

Their drinks are served in mason jars if you’re not ordering to-go, which is a nice touch that makes it a little more fun to drink than at other coffee shops.

It’s a great spot for a quick coffee or a place to study for a little bit with friends if you don’t mind a little distraction from your work. With prices ranging from as little as $2 to $20, it’s definitely on the cheaper side if you’re not looking to spend a lot of money.

3: AMF Bowling- 4245 Markham St Annandale, VA 22003

Bowling is definitely a classic hangout activity to do with friends. AMF Bowling is popular spot in Annandale for this fun activity.

It’s fun to get all of your friends together and do something that’s fun for everyone. If you’re really into bowling you can even join a bowling league!

Food and drinks are also available for purchase at AMF Bowling, so you don’t need to take extra time to find a different place to eat!

The bowling alley is open until 11 a.m. most nights, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. If you’re looking for something to do on Sunday nights you can get two hours of unlimited bowling for $6 after 6 p.m.

4: Jukebox Diner- 7039 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003

Jukebox Diner is a local resturaunt that serves customers in a diner like setting.  The casual diner has booths and tables that accomadate the size of your group.

Based on a 1950s theme they offer a varierty of classic American food, like burgers, fries and milkshakes, all at an affordable price ranging from $5-15 just enough to match your budget.

The diner serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a menu full of options from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. The family friendly restauraunt also offers a convenient delivery option for when you just want to eat your food out of the comfort of your home.

5: Buffalo Wild Wings- 5275B Leesburg Pike Suite B Skyline Falls Church, VA 22041-3803

Now that football season is back, Buffalo Wild Wings is the perfect place to grab a bite and catch the big game.  There are big screens located around the rooms with all the different sports on TV.

Known for their famous wings, there are a variety of flavors ranging from mild to hot in order to satisfy all of your sizzling taste-buds.

If you are looking for a good deal make sure to go on “Wing Tuesday” for 60 cent wings!

6: TopGolf- 6625 S. Van Dorn St Alexandria, VA 22315

If you’re looking for a fun place to mini-golf on the weekends, or even go to a driving range, TopGolf is the place to go.

With two levels of driving ranges and two separate mini-golf courses, TopGolf has something for people with any amount of golfing experience.

Although the wait for the driving ranges can get long on busy nights, there is usually little to no wait for mini-golf.

At $9 per person the mini golf is the cheapest, and most popular option among students. The driving range is a little pricier at around $15 per person.

7: Cafe Muse- 7356-B Little River Turnpike Annandale, VA 22003

Cafe Muse is the perfect place to enjoy authentic Korean food served to you all the way to your room. With a convenient location, this establishment will allow you to take singing in the shower to a whole new level in a karaoke setting with your friends.

This is the perfect hangout place to gather your friends and enjoy the night. This will allow you to split the pricey but worth-it check with your friends.

With over 600 songs to choose from, you are sure to find your style of music from classics to the current hit songs. Rent a room, order some food and sing until your heart is content.

8: The Cheesecake Factory- 1796 International Drive McLean, VA 22102

A popular spot for group dinners, the Cheesecake Factory is known for more than just its cheesecake.

This is the perfect place to eat for both formal or informal dinners, with a variety of food choices from burgers and pastas to other unique cuisines.

Come in hungry, because you are able to munch on some fresh bread and butter while you wait for your meal.

If you’re not a cheesecake lover don’t worry because there are options for everyone. You are sure to leave The Cheesecake Factory satisfied and wanting to come back for more.