Seasonal & Holidays
Valentine's Day Dining, Events Guide: Austin Edition
It's time to plan for that romantic Feb. 14 dinner, so here's a list of restaurants pulling out all the stops. Plus: Romantic getaways!
AUSTIN, TX — St. Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and — if you have a significant other — it's time to start planning. You're free to do what you want on Feb. 14, and if you and your mate mutually eschew the day as so much commercialism, then congrats.
But for the rest of you, it's time to start planning. Now.
Sure, Feb. 14 is a commercial bonanza for greeting card makers and florists seeking to fully exploit the day for profit. But if your significant other luxuriates in the romance of the day, then you best start planning ahead to secure reservations for a romantic dinner. Fortunately, there is an abundant number of Austin restaurants pulling out all the stops to provide the perfect romantic ambiance. For the more laid-back couples, there are a few more whimsical options thrown in for good measure.
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There will be menus tailored on that day. There will be specially blended cocktails. There will be numerous prix fix offerings (which is a fancy term to describe a meal consisting of several courses served at a total fixed price). There will be specials. Yes, the day inconveniently falls on a Wednesday this year, but you gotta make an effort here. It's called romance, man.
Related: A Special Cocktail For Your Sweetie
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You'll score an untold number of points, and come off smelling like one of the roses that you probably also should buy that day. Not doing so, at worst, might lead to an unpleasant uncoupling. So we here at Patch (ever striving to have your back), have assembled a list of restaurants offering the most romantic Valentine's Day dinners their culinary powers is able to muster.
We've done our part, and the rest is up to you. As for the rest of you: You're on your own.
2521 Rutland Dr.
Andiamo Ristorante will present its “That’s Amore” theme for St. Valentine's day, billing the culianry offering as an "Aphrodisiac Valentine's Day Dinner." Guests are invited to enjoy a four-course prix fixe dinner, featuring aphrodisiac ingredients, such as arugula, oysters, and gorgonzola. Menu items will include Baci e Abbracci (Kisses and Hugs), made with filet mignon, lemon olive oil, organic baby arugula, and Italian Pecorino cheese; Dal Profondo Del Cuore (From The Bottom Of My Heart), fresh oysters served with salmon tartare; Destino (Destiny), risotto made with lobster in a saffron white wine sauce; and Mi Fa Ricordare Di Te (It Makes Me Think Of You), pears, cooked in a red wine sauce, vanilla bean and mascarpone filling. Price: $85 per person. Reservations required, available from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and can be made by emailing andiamoitaliano@gmail.com or by calling 512-719-3377. Address: 2521 Rutland Dr.
Some of the offerings at Andiamo Ristorante
2110 S Lamar Blvd.
Chefs will offer a five-course menu — four savory, one sweet — for $60, with an optional wine pairing for $35. This will be a specially themed meal, and the standard menu will NOT be available on Feb. 14, restaurant officials said (capitalized "not" theirs). This place was a labor of love, which makes it a romantic setting for St. Valentine's Day. "Aviary saw its genesis in 2006 when lovebirds and world traveling wine enthusiasts, Marco Fiorilo and Shanna Eldridge, opened Aviary Shop & Lounge – a décor shop selling unique treasures and furniture pieces acquired from their travels abroad," its operators note on their website. Reservations only, starting at 4 p.m. For details, visit their website by clicking here.
Aviary Wine & Kitchen, photo by Manny Pandya
701 E. 11th St.
Treat your valentine to a special date at backYARD at Waller Creek. A fresh restaurant, bar and outdoor space, backYARD is a charming spot with a delicious menu of Texas-influenced American cuisine including a savory Bone-In Pork Chop house-brined for 24 hours, served with chorizo & sweet potato hash, scallions and guajillo chilies, and 8 oz. Filet Mignon made with a coffee rub, sautéed broccolini, piquant wedge potatoes and poblano-tomato demi. Celebrate Valentine’s Day through the weekend with dinner and backYARD’s Live Music showcases every Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 11:30 a.m. for a Valentine’s Day brunch.
6555 Burnet Rd., Suite #400
Barley Swine will have a special tasting menu for $120 per person, with an optional wine pairing for $65. Reservations can only be made by calling Barley Swine at (512) 394-8150. For details, visit their website by clicking here.
Some Barley Swine offerings, photo by Richard Casteel
800 W Cesar Chavez St.
Delicious dinner specials for lovebirds can be had at Boiler Nine Bar + Grill. Start your Valentine’s Day with a half dozen East Coast Oysters for a natural aphrodisiac; Burrata with coriander, blood orange and pumpkin seed pesto; 44 Farms Beef Tenderloin; and Chocolate + Cheese Fondue for dessert. Enjoy a glass of sparkling Cantina della Volta Lambrusco Emili-Romagna — on the house! Click to see the full menu.
Boiler Nine Bar + Grill, courtesy photo
Speaking of, the Boiler Room Lounge at Boiler Nine Bar + Grill also will stage a pre-Valentine's Day celebration themed to the teenage angst 80s oeuvre of director John Hughes of "Pretty in Pink" "The Breakfast Club" and "Sixteen Candles" fame. This will take place on Feb. 10 with service beginning at 5 p.m. Enjoy specially themed cocktails including Pretty In Pink, a Cosmo-take with pickled berry juice; Uncle Buck with gin or bourbon; and Sixteen Brambles with gin, blackberry and lime. Complete with a photo wall and 80’s DJ beginning at 9 p.m., dance the night away like Molly Ringwald on prom night with your special person, and receive 20 percent off food & drinks if you dress as a character from a John Hughes 80’s movie! How fun is that?!?!
Boiler Room lounge, courtesy photo
1603 S Congress Ave,.
Located in the South Congress Hotel, Café No Sé is an all-day café that features seasonal breakfast, lunch and dinner fare, as well as weekend brunch. Couples and friends alike are invited to enjoy the restaurant's daily Café No Sé All Day Rosé, featuring 25% off bottles of rosé from sun up to sundown to pair with their lunch or weekend brunch. Served Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., brunch menu favorites include the avocado toast topped with a soft boiled egg, crème fraîche, upland cress and aleppo carrots, as well as the No Sé Cheeseburger for those that are looking for something a little more savory.
Café No Sé, photo by Nick Simonite
1900 University Ave.
The casual, yet elegant restaurant located inside the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center will be offering a three-course meal with a special dessert for two. The set menu features dish options such as the Iberico “Ramen” with cabbage-nori chip, cured yolk, pork boshi and bone-broth reduction or 44 Farms Striploin with crab-cauliflower, twice baked potato and bordelaise. Indulge in an optional wine pairing with each course and share a specialty dessert with your sweetheart to finish off the meal. Click to see the full menu. Reservations required, available 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Price: Dinner $70 per person; optional wine pairing for additional $25 per person.
The Carillon, courtesy photo
1603 S Congress Ave.
Helmed by Executive Chef Casey Wilcox, Central Standard is an American bar and grill with an emphasis on Prime steaks and seafood. This Valentine's Day, the restaurant will be offering a 3-course Valentine's Day prix-fixe menu that will be curated as a tribute to Johnny + June. Offerings include seared scallops, fried red snapper and pineapple pie. Dishes from the prix-fixe menu may also be available to purchase à la carte. The regular dinner menu will also be available for guests to enjoy. Reservations may be made by visiting https://centralstandardaustin.com/reservations. Price: $50 per person.
Central Standard, photo by Travis Hallmark
Various locations, see below.
Three unique specials can be had at Cover 3, not just to celebrate the romantic holiday but also the ancillary Galentine's Day and Single's Awareness Day observations on Feb. 13 and Feb. 15, respectively, according to restaurant officials.
The Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu will feature four courses, including a dessert, each crafted to be enjoyed by two. For just $79 per couple, guests on Valentine’s day will be able to select between two dish options for nearly every serving, such as a savory Grilled Snapper Veracruz or Blackened Filet Mignon for the main course although dessert will only feature the Patron XO Chocolate Cinnamon Mousse served with two flutes of bubbles. This special offering will be available at all COVER 3 locations in Austin and San Antonio.
On Single’s Awareness Day the following day, February 15, all COVER 3 locations in Austin and San Antonio will also offer the same prix fixe menu for $40 per person for those wishing to instead celebrate their independence. Guests will be able to pick between the same menu items listed for the Valentine’s Day special, but for this holiday, the menu has been designed to be individually priced and portioned.
Additionally, ladies in Austin and San Antonio wishing to celebrate Galentine’s Day with their girl friends on February 13 before any romantic outings with their significant other on Valentine’s Day (or before they celebrate their single-status on Single’s Awareness Day), are welcome to visit COVER 3 and COVER 2 anytime that Tuesday for half-priced bottles of wine available throughout the day.
The Galentine's Day observance originated in 2010 thanks to NBC's "Parks & Recreation" TV show in which the beloved character Leslie Knope created a new holiday celebrating the joys of female friendship. Since then, the fictional event has become a reality and a nationwide sensation, with women across the country gathering together each year for partake in this annual holiday.
Those wishing to dine at COVER 3 for dinner on either Galentine’s Day, Valentine’s Day or Single’s Awareness Day are encouraged to call their preferred COVER 3 or COVER 2 location to schedule a reservation soon, as tables are sure to fill up for these special offerings from COVER 3.
MENU:
VALENTINE’S DAY PRIX FIXE DINNER FOR TWO - $79 (per couple)
SINGLE’S AWARENESS DAY PRIX FIXE DINNER FOR ONE - $40 (per person)
STARTER COURSE
Crab Cake
Fresh jumbo lump crabmeat & remoulade
Chorizo Verde Flameado
Oaxaca cheese, jalapeño salsa & warm flour tortillas
SECOND COURSE
COVER 3 Salad
Mixed greens, heirloom tomatoes, candied walnuts, sliced Fuji apples & crumbled goat cheese
w/ Oregano vinaigrette
Soup of The Day
TBD
ENTREE COURSE
Grilled Snapper Veracruz
Topped with two grilled shrimp, with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, olives & capers, served with Southwestern Fried Rice
Blackened Filet Mignon
Grilled hearts of Romaine, heirloom tomatoes, red onion & bleu cheese crumbles, with buttermilk-bleu cheese dressing
DESSERT COURSE
Patron XO Chocolate Cinnamon Mousse
With housemade Patron XO ganache & cinnamon whipped cream, served with two flutes of bubbles
The day before for Galentine's Day on Feb. 13, ladies across Central Texas are encouraged to celebrate their female-friendships at COVER 3 and COVER 2 locations in Austin and San Antonio with half-priced bottles of wine available throughout the day.
For those who are without a romantic partner for Valentine's Day, COVER 3 has instead invited local singles to enjoy the same 4-course prix fixe dinner menu, but priced and portioned for one — a great deal at $40 per person. This promotion will be available at all COVER 3 locations on Single's Awareness Day on Thursday, Feb. 15, the day after Valentine's Day.
COVER 3 LOCATIONS:
COVER 3 on Anderson Lane - 2700 W. Anderson Ln, Ste. #202, Austin, TX 78757
COVER 3 in Downtown Austin - 1717 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703
COVER 3 in Round Rock - 2800 N Interstate Hwy 35 #200, Round Rock, TX 78681
COVER 3 in San Antonio - 1806 TX-1604 Loop, San Antonio, TX 78248
COVER 2 in Austin - 13701 Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78750
WHEN:
Galentine’s Day - February 13, 11:00am – 10:00pm
Valentine’s Day Dinner - February 14, 5:00pm – 10:00pm (close of restaurant)
Single’s Awareness Day Dinner - February 15, 5:00pm – 10:00pm (close of restaurant)
Courtesy photo
5900 W Slaughter Lane
This Valentine’s Day, District is featuring a prix fixe menu complete with inspired dishes crafted by Executive Chef Amir Hajimaleki and Executive Pastry Chef Dennis Van. The menu offers three starter options including a Shrimp + Lobster Bisque, Fennel + Arugula salad and a Bibb Wedge salad. For an appetizer, guests can choose from Oysters on Half Shell, Umami Wagyu Dumplings or a Hamachi Crudo. Entrée options include Pan Seared Ocean Trout, Prime Petite Filet, Lobster + Saffron Risotto or a Duck Breast. Finally, for dessert, guests can indulge in a Red Velvet Cheesecake or Dark Chocolate Pot de Crème. Price: $75 per person. Click for the full menu.
District Kitchen, courtesy photo
FLOWER CHILD DOWNTOWN
500 W 2nd St., Suite 160
This one's for those health-conscious lovebirds. Just down the street from Violet Crown Cinema in Austin’s downtown 2ND Street District, Flower Child is the perfect option for a healthful yet delicious dinner + movie date night. Enjoy one of their fresh salads, bowls or plates complete with shareable sides such as the gluten-free Macaroni & Cheese. Toast to your special evening by sharing a glass or two of one of Flower Child’s organic wines paired with a delicious gluten-free dessert like the Lemon Cake, Brownie or Chocolate Pudding. Who says healthy people have no fun?
Flower Child, courtesy photo
605 Davis St.
This downtown Austin staple is offering a set menu with a variety of decadent, shareable plate options over which couples can truly indulge. Envision yourselves cuddling up in love-struck fashion amid this restaurant's romantic ambiance with live music in the background as your meal is served. Dish options including Roasted Bone Marrow with bacon caraway crumble, tomato chutney and toast points or Herbed Gnocchi with red wine braised oxtail, shitake mushroom and hunter sauce. Then, share creatively created sweet treats like the Passion Fruit Bomb withpassion fruit mousse, frozen white chocolate air, pink peppercorn white chocolate plaque and rose garnish or the Heart Beet Sponge Cake with spiced ganache, chocolate beet air sponge with a raspberry rose garnish. The restaurant will also be offering a craft cocktail special for two to enjoy with your dinner. Price: $75 per person. Click for the full menu.
Geraldine's, courtesy photo
1900 Rio Grande St.
This Valentine's Day, guests are invited to dine in elegance and Texas charm at Goodall's Kitchen, the restaurant housed in the historical Hotel Ella. Goodall's Kitchen will be hosting a 5-course prix-fixe menu on Tuesday, Feb. 13, and Wednesday, February 14, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. uests may savor a range of dishes including a Warm Marin Triple Crème Brie paired with persimmon jam and grilled artisan bread, a Wagyu NY Strip topped with mushrooms and potato puree, Lemon Brulée made with lemon curd, blood orange sorbet, lemon chip, and poppy seed meringue, and more. The full Valentine's Day menu is available to view here. Reservations may be made by visiting goodallskitchen.com/contact-reservations. Price: $90 per person.
Goodall's Kitchen, photo by Jake Holt
121 Pickle Rd., Suite 110
For a more casual setting with your date (or an ironic yet cheerful lonely hearts club reunion), head on out The Infinite Monkey Theorem and enjoy all-day happy hour. That's $5 tap wines and red cans, folks. You'll also benefit from a 20 percent discount on IMT's Bubble Universe (ask around what this is), a Texas sparkling wine and 50 percent off cheese plates. Get yer Wine Wednesday on. From 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Infinite Monkey Theorem tap room, courtesy photo
123 W 6th St.
"While many restaurants offer only expensive, prix-fixe selections, we’re making it easy on you with our entire menu of rustic Italian dishes (and killer wines) available," Italic officials said via email. Reserve a table via 512-660-5390 or italicaustin.com. A laid-back yet classy eatery in the heart of downtown, Itaic is an accessible Italian restaurant helmed by Chef Andrew Curren of ELM Restaurant Group. Antipasti selections range from cured meats, Italian cheeses, olives and house-marinated produce to house-baked focaccia. Rustic pizzas and entrées such as roasted half chicken or Florence-style T-bone steak are made in an honest-to-goodness pizza oven. Farm-to-table selections include seasonally rotating pastas – perfect with a cocktail or selection from Italic's 100-percent Italian wine list curated by ELM's Beverage Director, Master Sommelier Craig Collins. Gelatos and other sweet confections are crafted by Pastry Chef Mary Catherine Curren. To unwind after a long day of writing, we've enjoyed the personal prosciutto-topped pizza atop which they crack an egg. Beyond delicious, it's life-affirming.
2400 E. Cesar Chavez St., Suite 304
Juniper, a contemporary Italian restaurant located in East Austin, is also offering a special prix fixe menu for Valentine's Day. The menu is available for $65 per person and reservations can be made via OpenTable.
The menu features five courses including cicchetti -- popular Italian bar snacks; a starter course with favorites like the little lettuces salad and celery root soup; a pasta course; a main course with choices such as Chicken Saltimbocca and a New York strip with chunky chimichurri and tomato emulsion; and dessert with the choice between tiramisu and nocciola with winter strawberry, hazelnut and apple sorbet. The complete menu can be found on the Juniper website.
Juniper dining room, photo by Robert Lerma
2713 E. 2nd St.
On Valentine's Day, Kemuri Tatsu-Ya will be offering a special chef-selected prix fixe dinner menu in place of regular dinner service. The five-course dinner is reservation only and available for $85 per person. Reservations are available online and on the Resy app.
5-course Prix Fixe Valentine's Day Menu
Menu highlights:
- Scallop and Gulf Drum Ceviche with avocado, yuzu, lime, shallot, nukazuke pickled jalapeño, togorashi cracker.
- Smoked tea-pickled beets with greens, miso ranch, pecans.
- Lobster, prawn, mussels, miso boulliabase served with grilled sourdough crouton.
- Truffled Koshihikari porridge with smoked braised beed short rib, herb salad, rice cracker.
- Strawberry Adzuki truffle with pound cake, whipped cream and chocolate crumble.
110 San Antonio St,.
Couples will be able to celebrate La Saint Valentin with a 3-course prix-fixe menu featuring such menu choices as Tartare de Saumon made with pain de campagne, egg yolk, and trout caviar, and La Noix de St. Jacques which features seared scallop, satsuma mandarin, cauliflower, and sauce maltaise. The special menu is available to view here. The regular menu will also be available for guests to enjoy. Dinner begins at 5 p.m. and beverages are available for purchase. For reservations, visit lepolitiqueaustin.com/reservations. Price: $55 per person.
Le Politique, photo by Wynn Myers
110 San Antonio St.
Le Politique's recently opened patisserie is a dedicated bakery featuring a full coffee bar with fresh-baked pastries, such as sweet cinnamon rolls and savory ham and cheese croissants. For Valentine's Day, Le Politique's patisserie will offer special holiday items, including a Raspberry Rose Macaron that is larger than normal-sized macarons and created with whole raspberries and a rose-scented mousseline, as well as a Speculoos Berry Religeus.
Le Politique's Patisserie, photo by Wynn Myers
1603 S Congress Ave.
Mañana, the bake shop and chic café located in the South Congress Hotel, regularly offers fresh-baked goods and snacks, as well as a curated menu of handcrafted specialty coffee drinks. This Valentine's Day, Mañana is creating a special red-fruit chocolate croissant to celebrate the annual holiday of love.
Mañana, photo by Kate LeSueur
811 W Live Oak St.
Arguably one of the most romantic restaurants in Austin, Mattie’s yields an ideal setting for a Valentine’s Day suffused with elegant, Southern charm. Mattie’s dinner menu features dishes created by Chef Joshua Thomas, such as the Tender Belly Grilled Pork Tenderloin with corn spoonbread, grilled collards, ham hock and the Hudson Valley Duck Breast with brown butter dumplings, cipollini, oyster mushrooms and duck jus will be available along with some specialty side dishes curated just for Valentine’s Day. Picture yourself sitting under the majestic live oak trees with twinkling string lights, on the romantic wrap-around porch or inside the recently renovated Victorian-style home. You may even see a few beautiful peacocks roam the grounds. All the makings for a magical evening.
207 San Jacinto Blvd.
Decadent specials in addition to their staple menu offerings will be afoot, includng Steak N Lobster, Love Poached Halibut and Carpaccio. And for dessert: Mousse Duo. For details, visit their website by clicking here.
MAX'S Wine Dive, courtesy photo
12700 Hill Country Blvd.
Valentine's Dinner for Two at Mimi's Café runs from Feb. 9-14 at the Hill Country Galleria. It's a three-course meal for couples starting at $45. The dinner includes a trio of appetizers, a choice of the Coastal Shrimp Pasta, Tuscan Grilled Chicken or Grilled Atlantic Salmon, and a Sweetheart Chocolate Cake for dessert. Guests can call 512-263-9731 for more information and to make a reservation.
807 E. 4th St.
On Valentine's Day, Native is hosting a special Valentine's Day Dinner & Vinyl Night. A prix fixe menu will be offered for $150 for two people and also includes a bottle of wine. The appetizer consists of Scallop Crudo with grapefruit, black garlic jus, roasted grape, mint. For the entrée, you get a choice among three different offerings:
- Coriander Crusted Lamb Chops with liver pate, roasted strawberry, charred purple cabbage, and spinach.
- Pan Seared Prawns with Black Vinegar with baby bok choy, galangal beurre blanc, sticky rice.
- Spiced Tofu with mushroom saute, curried turmeric broth, fried noodles.
And for dessert: Coconut Bread Pudding with sweet red bean, dark chocolate glaze.
Doesn't that sound delicious? For the event link, click here.
2708 E Cesar Chavez St.
How does caviar with a smoked egg yolk and cultured cream, grab ya? And that's just a starter if you choose to dine with your love at Pitchfork Pretty on St. Valentine's Day. Chefs there are poised to offer a prix fixe menu only available on Feb. 14. We took a peek at the offerings and found some delightful details: Beef tartare with sambal, pickled mustard greens and brown rice crisps; snapper crudo, tangerine, pomegranate, parsimmon and dill; blue crab and farro porridge, butternut squash, spiced apple and sage; broccoli crudite with pickled tomato, green peppercorn and avocado; sweet potato rosette, burnt shallot, peach jam, yogurt and dill grilled beets with candied ginger and sesame oil. Here is the full menu. Price: $85.
Pitchfork Pretty, photo by Laura Hajar
Mattie's, courtesy photo
Mattie's, courtesy photo
Various locations (see below)
Here's another anti-Valentine's affair to be staged this year at ALL Plucker's Texas locations starting at 7 p.m., including the chain's new Oak Hill site. For the celebration, Pluckers will host a special edition of their Wednesday night trivia with an "Anti-Valentine's Day" theme. Guests can play from their seats, win prizes, watch sports, and eat wings. The host will ask individuals a list of anti-Valentine's Day questions to spice up the anti-romantic night with even more humor. Pluckers will also be offering $1 Bud Lights and 75-cent wings for guests to enjoy during the celebration (ten-piece wings plate below). For more information, please visit www.Pluckers.com.
There are five Pluckers locations in Austin and one in Round Rock:
- 6406 N. I-35, Austin.
- 7101 W. Highway 71, Ste. E19, Austin.
- 9070 Research Blvd. Ste. 201C, Austin.
- 2222 Rio Grande, Austin.
- 3909 B S. Lamar Boulevard, Austin.
- 300 Mays Crossing, Ste. 300, Round Rock.
SECOND BAR + KITCHEN DOMAIN NORTHSIDE
3121 Palm Way, Suite 10
Indulge in a decadent Valentine’s Day dinner curated by Executive Chef David Bull at Second Bar + Kitchen Domain NORTHSIDE. The four-course prix fixe menu includes a Red Heart Sorrel Salad with pickled strawberries, candied hazelnuts andlemon vinaigrette, followed by a Black Truffle + Potato Ravioli, Akaushi Strip Loin or Seared Sea Scallop, and Charlotte Royale for a sweet nightcap. Complete your meal with the Raclette “Fondue” for an additional $15 per serving and special wine pairings for an additional $40 per person. Price: $75 per person; + $40 per person for Wine Pairings; + $15 per serving for additional course.
Second Bar + Kitchen Domain Northside, courtesy photo
The Austonian, 200 Congress Ave.
This one's for the anti-Valentine’s crowd. For the broody and lovelorn, Second Bar + Kitchen Downtown is the ideal setting for an Anti-Valentine’s Day complete with all-black attire from the SBK staff to get into the spirit of things. But just because you're down on Valentine's Day while downplaying its significance doesn't mean you can't enjoy a splendid meal. A la carte dishes include Beef Tartare with tarragon cured yolk and an anything toast; Blood Sausage + Deviled Egg Puree with beet, rye crisp and cabbage; and Chocolate, Chocolate + Burrata with blood orange and rose. Plus, a complimentary toast of Cleto Chiarli ‘Vecchia Modena’ Lambrusco. Click to see the full menu
Second Bar + Kitchen Downtown, courtesy photo
SOUTH CONGRESS HOTEL'S LOBBY BAR
1603 S. Congress Ave.
A regular gathering place for travelers, neighbors, friends and couples, South Congress Hotel's Lobby Bar will feature a special champagne and caviar menu on Valentine's Day, alongside its regular full bar and handcrafted cocktail program.
South Congress Hotel's lobby bar, photo by Nick Simonite
575 Hyatt Lost Pines Road in Cedar Creek, TX
Stories, an upscale Texas steakhouse located at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa, is offering Valentine’s Day specials perfectly suited for couples. This is an upscale Texas steakhouse ensconced in a gorgeous rustic setting. Under the direction of Executive Chef Michael Barber, Stories features a farm-to- table menu rotating seasonally spotlighting locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.
Holiday specials will feature fresh and seasonal appetizers, a Tomahawk steak entrée for two, and a chef-created signature dessert.
“Our Stories restaurant is a wonderful place to take your significant other to celebrate Valentine’s Day,” said Ryan Galvin, director of sales and marketing at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa. “In addition to the delicious menu offerings, the restaurant and resort provide a truly romantic setting."
Located just 30 minutes from downtown Austin, halfway between the capital city and Bastrop, the restaurant invites couples who make a reservation to also enjoy a daycation escape to the resort where they can walk along several hike and bike trails, visit the resort's mascots (including longhorns and alpacas) or enjoy a drink as they relax by a fire pit ahead of their romantic dinner.
The Valentine’s Day specials at Stories will include appetizer options such as Maine lobster bisque and
fresh shucked oysters, a 36-oz. cocoa-rubbed prime beef Tomahawk entree for two, and a duet dessert of
Valhrona Chocolate terrine huckleberry rhubarb tart. The restaurant also features an extensive wine list
with options to perfectly completely each course.
Stories’ Valentine’s Day specials will be available on Friday, Feb. 10; Wednesday, Feb. 14; and
Saturday, Feb. 17. The restaurant will be open on each day between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. and
reservations can be made by calling (512) 308-4860, or by visiting the restaurant’s page on
OpenTable.com. Appetizers: $20; entrée for two: $120; dessert: $12. For more information on Stories, click here.
Photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa
Along with its regular dinner menu, Sway will be offering à la carte dinner specials on Valentine's Day, including thai fajitas made with brown sugar + soy beef, pickled veggies, mango salsa and roti, as well as a special chocolate douchi cake that features pickled strawberry, douchi crumble, mint, sour yuzu ice cream and fermented black soybean. As always, reservations are not accepted unless it is a party of 10 or more paired with one of the group dining menus.
Thai fajitas at Sway, courtesy photo
TAVERNA DOWNTOWN + Domain NORTHSIDE
258 W. 2nd St.
Lombardi Family Concepts’ (LFC) Italian restaurant, Taverna Pizzeria & Risotteria, has created a specialty Valentine’s menu in addition to their regular menu. This specialty menu will be available at both Taverna Austin locations and will include a Lobster Bisque topped with sour cream; a Semolina Ravioli filled with fontina cheese and topped with a truffle fondue; Pan Seared Beef Tenderloin Medallions with porcini mushrooms, foie gras and a port wine sauce; and last, but not least the White Chocolate Mousse with heart shaped panna cotta and a raspberry zabaione. Click for the full menu
Taverna Pizzeria & Risotteria, courtesy photo
3120 Palm Way, Suite 150
Lombardi Family Concepts’ (LFC) French restaurant, Toulouse Café and Bar, is offering a delicious menu of French dishes for guests to enjoy at their Domain NORTHSIDE location on Valentine’s Day. The menu includes Oysters on a Half Shell withsalmon caviar, pickled jalapeños and ginger mignonette; Endive and Arugula Salad served with strawberries, candied pecans, blue cheese and a vanilla vinaigrette; Diver Scallop and Tiger Shrimp Duo with ratatouille risotto and Thai basil oil; a decadent New York Strip Steak and Cold Water Lobster Tail with truffle whipped potatoes and forestiere sauce; and for dessert, a Spicy Dark Chocolate Ganache Tart made with nutty citrus crust and mixed berries coulis. Click for the full menu.
Toulouse Café and Bar, courtesy photo
301 San Jacinto Blvd.
The only locally-owned and operated steakhouse in Austin, dishes out a splurge-worthy menu of USDA prime steaks with local and seasonal ingredients from 8-ounce and 12-ounce Filet Mignon to Bone-in New York Strip to their signature The Perfect Ten made with Texas Akaushi Beef. Plus, savory a la carte sides like Bacon Mac and Cheese, Potatoes Gratin, and other elegant entrees likes Pan Seared Scallops and Tomahawk Pork Chop. Complete the celebration amid the sophisticated interiors with an impressive selection of exclusive whiskeys and cigars.
Vince Young Steakhouse, courtesy photo
YACHT CLUB AT HORSESHOE BAY RESORT
200 Hi Cir N, Horseshoe Bay, TX
This Valentine's Day, guests are invited to stay in the heart of Texas Hill Country at Horseshoe Bay Resort. With the Hill Country Romance Package, it is guaranteed to be an unforgettable romantic getaway with complimentary breakfast, a champagne toast and chocolate-covered strawberries. For dinner, Yacht Club, the resort's waterfront restaurant overlooking Lake LBJ, is hosting a special 5-course prix-fixe menu on Feb. 14. Menu choices include seared scallops, a Pimenton & Rye Crusted Rack of Lamb and bittersweet chocolate mousse cake. Reservations may be made by calling 830-596-0881 or by clicking here. As the restaurant is exclusive to resort guests and club members, this is the perfect opportunity to stay the night in picturesque Texas Hill Country. Price: $70 per person.
Horseshoe Bay Resort, courtesy photo
1900 Manor Rd.
Featuring a warm and welcoming ambiance, Yuyo celebrates the diversity of Peruvian cuisine in a trendy East Austin neighborhood. The heart of the restaurant includes a one-of-a kind ceviche bar with made-to-order ceviches and tiraditos. The restaurant has designed a special menu for Valentine's Day that consists of the following:
Cebiche de Concha
sea scallop / pomegranate / finger lime / vanilla oil / shiso micro green
Arroz con Pato
duck leg / aji panca demi / green rice / daikon watermelon encurtidos
Strawberry Cake Hearts
white chocolate / Peruvian chocolate ganache / chocolate covered dehydrated botija olive
Price: $39
ROMANTIC GETAWAYS, VALENTINE'S-THEMED EVENTS
So you're done with dinner but still want to keep those flames of romance going. So what's next, Netflix and chill? What are you, teenagers? Nay, dinner should be viewed as merely the aperitif to a night of unbridled passion that will endure as a memory to be forever etched in the brain (and in the heart...tear).
So with that sentiment in mind, there are some lodging venues poised to create the ideal romantic ambiance for lovebirds. Here are a few:
12700 Hill Country Blvd., Suite T-100, Bee Cave, TX
Wine-loving couples wanting to get into the love-suffused spirit of the day can head out to the Hill Country Galleria for a Valentine's Day Wine Walk, which happens to be the host's most attended wine walk of the year. The first 100 attendees will get a pink swag bag filled with Hill Country Galleria offers. Swag bag in hand, guests then will start their alcohol-infused trek at Twin Liquors for a map that doubles as a ticket of sorts at each of the stops. The event is free and open to the public, providing an idyllic romantic date night or a Galentine's evening. Participating stores include Twin Liquors, European Wax Center, Mana Culture, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, SHILPA RATHI, Premier Family Physicians, fab'rik, Gatsby's Menswear, Wythaus; A Lifestyle Gallery, and barre3. Click here for the event link.
Hill Country Galleria will be celebrating the month of February before and after Valentine's Day with multiple events. Bear in mind, its hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Here are some of its February events:
First Anniversary Party at Mana Culture, Feb. 2: Jewelry and fashion boutique Mana Culture at Hill Country Galleria is celebrating one year with an in-store party on Friday, Feb 2 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy DJ entertainment, flowing champagne, store-wide discounts, giveaways and more.
Valentine's Day Wine Walk, Feb. 8: On Thursday, Feb 8, Hill Country Galleria is hosting a , their most attended Wine Walk of the year. Guests can shop the eclectic mix of retailers while sampling great wines from around the world. The first 100 attendees will receive a pink swag bag filled with Hill Country Galleria offers. Guests start at Twin Liquors to pick up a map that also acts as a ticket at each of the stops. The event is free and open to the public and perfect for a romantic date night or a Galentine's evening. Participating stores include Twin Liquors, European Wax Center, Mana Culture, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, SHILPA RATHI, Premier Family Physicians, fab'rik, Gatsby's Menswear, Wythaus; A Lifestyle Gallery, and barre3.
Themed Nights at Color Me Mine, several dates in February: Color Me Mine at Hill Country Galleria is hosting several themed nights in the month of February for family, friends and couples to spend quality time being creative with one another. Guests can paint their choice of item and goodies like a complimentary chocolate fountain are included. Dates and details for each included below:
Friday, Feb 9: Daddy-Daughter Date Night
Saturday, Feb 10: Mother-Son Night of Fun
Tuesday, Feb 13: Galentine's Ladies Night -- No studio fees for ladies, opportunities to win prizes and guests are welcome to bring wine if 21+
Wednesday, Feb 14: Valentine's Date Night
For more information and registration for events, click HERE.
- Valentine's Party at PAIYH Dance Studios, Feb. 9: PAIYH Dance Studios at Hill Country Galleria is hosting a special Valentine's Day Party on Friday, Feb 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., perfect for dropping off the little ones to enjoy some parent time. Kids will be able to create an abstract heart-shape themed canvas piece and enjoy dancing to Valentine's music. Reservations must be purchased in advance by calling 512-291-2179. Cost is $25 per child and the class is valid for ages 2.5 to 6.
- Brooklyn Brewery Tap Takeover at Whole Foods, Feb. 11: Whole Foods Market Bee Cave's The Buzz Bar is hosting a tap takeover with Brooklyn Brewery on Sunday, Feb 11. Guests can enjoy unique beer and cheese pairings from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Valentine's Strawberries at Amy's Ice Creams are available now for pre-order, walk-ins welcome February 13-14. Amy's Ice Creams at Hill Country Galleria is now offering chocolate-covered strawberries available for pre-order, by calling 512-263-2903 or by ordering online. Walk-ins are welcome Feb 13 and 14 based on availability.
- Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Night at We Olive and Wine Bar. Feb. 16: On Friday, Feb 16 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., We Olive and Wine Bar at Hill Country Galleria is hosting a special wine, cheese and chocolate event. Tickets are $30 and including wine samples, cheese from Antonelli's Cheese Shop, and chocolate covered strawberries. For more information and to purchase tickets, click HERE.
- Aromatherapy Essential Oils Class at Mana Culture, Feb. 18: Jewelry and fashion boutique Mana Culture at Hill Country Galleria is offering a special essential oils class on Sunday, Feb 18 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The store is partnering with crystalline aromatherapist Jade Oglesby of Moon Mantra to offer a private class where guests can learn all about the properties of essential oils and create their own scent. Tickets are $50 and include drinks, crystals and flowers to add to the essential oil creation, a surprise personalized gift, shopping discounts and more. Seating is limited and can be reserved HERE.
208 Barton Springs Rd.
Situated on the shores of Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, the locale offers dramatic landscape view that could create waves of feeling within lovers' souls, perhaps stirring still waters into a whirlpool of emotion. Sorry, we get carried away sometimes. Back to the Hyatt: A champagne amenity will be provided to couples upon arrival along with direct access to romantic cruises and rides on boats shaped like giant swans acros the surface of the lake.
“Due to our unique location, Hyatt Regency Austin offers the most stunning views of the city, making it the perfect romantic setting for a Valentine’s Day getaway,” said Chris Howard, director of sales and marketing at Hyatt Regency Austin. “Not only can our guests enjoy luxury accommodations and a complimentary glass of champagne to celebrate the holiday, but we also offer easy access to some of Austin’s favorite activities to enjoy as a couple.”
And it's not just on the big day. Guests staying at the hotel the weekend of Feb. 9, Feb. 14 (Valentine’s Day), or the weekend of Feb. 17 will get that complimentary glass of champagne upon check-in. Couples can also reserve “River View” guestrooms which provide panoramic views of downtown Austin. Patio and balcony rooms are also available. Connected to Lady Bird Lake, Hyatt Regency Austin provides direct access to lake activities from stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking to romantic dinner cruises and swan boat rides through Capitol Cruises which docks at the hotel. Couples staying at the hotel can also enjoy easy access to all of downtown’s and South Austin’s popular attractions, from seeing live music and shopping on South Congress or experiencing Austin’s iconic 6th street and entertainment districts. For more information on Hyatt Regency Austin, please call (512) 477-1234, or click here.
Ahead of the love-suffused holiday, Twin Liquors will be celebraing with an Italian Valentine Social, weekly Italian Wine 101 classes and an Italian wine sale. At various of its locations from Feb. 7-8, 6 to 8 p.m., Twin Liquors is hosting an Italian Valentine Social, a come- and-go-style event offering guests the opportunity to try a wide variety of Italian wines. Twin Liquors will also be hosting Italian Wine 101 classes every Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. throughout the month February. These events are free and open to the public.
Participating locations for the Italian Valentine Social include:
- February 7:
- Twin Liquors Marketplace Hancock
- Twin Liquors Marketplace Galleria
- Twin Liquors Marketplace Waco
- Twin Liquors Marketplace College Station
- Twin Liquors Marketplace San Antonio
- February 8:
- Twin Liquors Marketplace Hancock
- Twin Liquors Marketplace South Lamar
- Twin Liquors Marketplace Temple
- Twin Liquors Marketplace Round Rock
ATTENTION RESTAURATEURS/HOTELIERS/RETAILERS: If you'd like to have your special Valentine's Day offerings included in this list, please contact antonio.cantu@patch.com so we can add to the list!
>>> Image via Shutterstock
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