Whether it's your favorite holiday, or you'd sooner scoff than join the hubbub, Valentine’s Day is only a few weeks away — so it's time to start planning.
This year, skip the last-minute dinner reservation scramble and consider something like a tea service or two-step lessons. From the steadfastly single to the perpetually partnered, here are seven choice spots offering special deals for everyone on Friday, February 14. On a related note, be sure to get those reservations in early.
Brentwood Social House
If you’d like to sidestep the usual V-Day dinner plan, consider Brentwood Social House’s sparkling afternoon tea party. For $50 per person, each individual will get a pot of tea, a bottle of prosecco, and access to a three-tiered stand with sweet and savory items like smoked salmon and cucumber tea sandwiches, Yorkshire scones, and house-made strawberry cheesecake. Tea servings start at 3 pm.
Independence Brewery/Garrison Brothers Distillery
If you want something affordable and fun, head to this brewery’s taproom for Beer My Valentine. The night’s festivities will include a limited-edition beer bottle release, free bourbon tastings, Texas two-step dance lessons, a live bluegrass band, and two-for-one beer specials. This event is free, but you can pre-purchase a $25 kit that includes two draft beers, a small bouquet of flowers from Lovelily, and an assortment of chocolates from Crave.
Lenoir
For those of you looking to go big, these purveyors of “hot weather food” have you covered with an $85 six-course prix fixe menu. Begin with a Murder Point oyster and continue on with selections like poached royal red shrimp, antelope heart tartare, and a sausage-stuffed duck breast. Further enhance the experience with a $65 wine pairing.
L'Oca d'Oro
This Italian eatery in Mueller is bringing back its popular Valentine’s Day Mash-Up for a fourth time. Two menus will be available, the Beastie Boys (for vegans) and the Madonna (for omnivores), and expect accompanying music and videos to help set the mood. The cost here is $100 per person with an optional wine pairing for $50 per person. Full course details and wine pairings options will be announced soon.
Parkside
Just about every spot on this list has a per person offering, but this downtown locale will have a special menu for two priced at $90. Four courses (or five, if you choose to do the $28 oyster add-on) include lamb tartare, grilled ruby red trout, and more. While there, be sure to get a complimentary Polaroid of you and your special someone.
Rosedale Kitchen And Bar
This North Lamar eatery is offering a $65 prix fixe menu with four courses. Options include steak tartare, Chilean sea bass, grilled pork tenderloin, Neapolitan mousse cake, and more (including vegetarian selections). If you’d like wine, a $35 pairing will be available.
The W
Regardless of your relationship status, The W has you covered. In love and want to craft something nice for your sweetheart? Then head to the Record Room and Tequila Bar where customizable candy necklaces and more will be available. Out of love and ready to let it all go? Then head to the Secret Bar and smash a pinata heart. Looking for love? Show your Bumble app at any of The W's bars, you’ll receive a complimentary cocktail.
Loca d'Oro is bringing back its wildly popular Valentine’s Day Mash-Up.
"Nochebuena" at El Raval pays homage to Spain's Christmas Eve festivities and will include three courses.Photo courtesy of Jane Yun
Corner Restaurant at JW Marriott offers a special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menu. Photo from cornerrestaurantaustin.com