The Cheapskate's Guide to Downtown Pleasanton Entertainment

For those of you who consider the words "cheapskate" and "Pleasanton" mutually exclusive, you can be rest assured there are many ways to have fun in downtown Pleasanton without raiding your kids' college fund or bankrupting your 401k. 

Take some tips from a self-proclaimed Pleasanton cheapskate who, for the past 11 years, has elevated the ability to enjoy local entertainment on a limited income to a fine art.  

Discount dates and "cheap thrills"

"Just about the only time we go out in this economy is when we have a discount or coupon," says Pleasanton resident Malinda Reyes. "We maybe go out about two or three times a month."

If you're like many couples who are watching their budgets but want to have more than an occasional date night out, you can snag substantial savings by starting with a "date evening."

On any given day of the week, downtown Pleasanton restaurants offer discounted food and drinks to those who come out early. Starting at the north end of Main Street is  The Farmer Restaurant. On its lovely outdoor patio nestled amongst tall, mature trees is a cozy stage on which a live band plays every Wednesday from 2 to 6 p.m. at no charge.

For the price of a beer or a glass of wine, (This Cheapskate recommends slow, deliberate sips of your beverage) you can listen and dance to lively music and participate in some serious people watching. 

It's a friendly, casual crowd, not shy about getting up and shaking their, well, you know. Every day during Happy Hour, appetizers are available at discounted prices at the bar from 3 to  6 p.m. along with drink specials. If you're looking for weekend entertainment, The Farmer offers live music and dancing with no cover charge every Saturday and Sunday night.

If nothing but a beer will do, Pleasanton Main Street Brewery, across the street from The Farmer, offers house beer specials daily from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. for just $3.  Ask your server which beers are discounted.

Continue south to the Oasis Grille and Wine Bar. The Oasis offers a happy hour every day from 2  to 6 p.m. at which beers are just $3 and house drinks are $5.  Hors d'oeuvres are sold for $3 to $5.  Share a couple of appetizers and enjoy discounted cocktails in the chic wine bar with its rich wood interior, sophisticated décor and comfy, intimate seating. This Cheapskate finds sharing a couple of delectable Mediterranean appetizers is more than sufficient to take the place of a higher priced dinner.   

If your taste buds go more toward sake and Japanese food, consider a visit to Tomo Sushi Bar and Grill, where every weekday from Tuesday through Friday (only until lunch on Fridays) you can order all-you-can-drink sake for the grand price of $5.  The friendly waitresses bring your sake in a small ceramic carafe.   Tomo Sushi's appetizers, sushi and entrees are regularly priced, but you do get discount coupons to use on your next visit.

Make your way down Main Street and turn right onto St. John to the romantic Barone's restaurant, 475 St. John St.  Every Thursday evening throughout the summer until the end of October, Barone's hosts a free live band on its enormous garden patio.  The large dance floor is surrounded by several bars, numerous fire pits and lovely covered seating areas (think canopies with haremlike lush pillows and gauzy covering).  The '50s style stage runs the length of the patio and the last time This Cheapskate was there, a seven-piece live band played as two energetic vocalists belted out hit tunes.

The crowd here is diverse, wearing everything from mini-skirts and pink leopard stiletto heels to sun tops, jeans and shorts. Every age group is represented.

Arrive before 6:30 p.m. and there is no cover charge. This is one of the best free live music and dancing venues in Pleasanton. For Friday and Saturday night entertainment, Barone's offers a piano bar in the lounge from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Farther south and off the beaten path is a favorite deli café, Me and My Friends, where owner Vince Ortiz, a former San Francisco chef, cooks gourmet sandwiches. 

When asked what discounts are available, Ortiz said, "How 'bout if people come in and mention the Pleasanton Patch, they get a dollar off of their sandwich?  Let's do it."

Now that's a deal any cheapskate can take advantage of.

Frugal fun for the quieter cheapskate

Free classic movies are shown at the Pleasanton Library the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m.  This Thursday, the film classic "Flying to Rio" will be showing.  For future film screenings, check the library's website.

Free Firehouse Films will be shown one evening a month through December at the beautiful new Firehouse Arts Center.  On Oct. 21 at 7 p.m., "Babies" takes the screen, a wonderful new documentary about how babies are brought up in different parts of the world, including San Francisco. Free parking is available and no reservations or tickets are required.  Check the Firehouse Arts Center website for schedule.

There is much for a cheapskate to celebrate in Pleasanton, (listed by Forbes as being among the most expensive ZIP codes in the country). With a little guidance and know-how, you, too, can enjoy downtown discounts or have fun for free.

At-a-glance:

Barone's Restaurant 

Oasis Grille and Wine Bar 

Pleasanton Main Street Brewery

The Farmer Restaurant 

Tomo Sushi Bar and Grill

Firehouse Arts Center

Pleasanton Library