Valentine's Day is only a week away, so it's time to start making plans to enjoy the evening with your beloved. As with any Valentine’s Day dinner, reservations are usually a must, so here are 13 dinners and events that are still available and even a few that don't require reservations.
While most of the options are multi-course dinners ideal for couples to enjoy, there's also some events specifically geared to bring single folks in on the fun, too. So whether it's looking for an upscale meal, a casual date night, or an evening of mixing and mingling, we've got you covered.
Helen in The Heights
Trendy Greek eatery Helen in The Heights presents a three-course Valentine’s Day dinner featuring options such as Santorini tomato fritters, cuttlefish with fennel, and lamb dumplings. Dessert options like orange custard pie and fried rice pudding complete the casual yet romantic meal. The menu is $50 per person with optional wine pairings. 1111 Studewood St.; 832-582-7146
Relish Restaurant & Bar
Chic River Oaks spot Relish is simplifying Valentine's Day by offering dinner, dessert, and flowers all in one place. From February 14 to 16, the restaurant will offer their nightly menu as well as off-menu dinner specials, including butter-poached lobster carpaccio, seared foie gras, NY strip steak, and linguine vongole. In addition to dinner, Relish is offering decorated sugar cookies and a variety of pre-made bouquets perfect for your sweetheart. 2810 Westheimer Rd.; 713-599-1960
The Classic
Cozy up to your date with shareable entrees from The Classic, including options like a 44 Farms bistro filet with red wine au jus, a Texas bone-in short rib with artisan grits, and a fennel pollen crusted whole fish with citrus salad. Prices range from $48 to $52 for two people. 5922 Washington Ave.; 713-868-1131
Harold’s
Show your date some Southern hospitality with Harold’s four-course dinner, full of updated takes on classic dishes. The menu features options ranging from she crab soup and fried heritage pork chops to scallop risotto and buffalo bolognese, and don’t forget about to save room for desserts like flaming créme brulee or a red velvet trifle. The menu is $69 per person. 350 W. 19th; 713-360-6204
Public Services Wine & Whisky
In honor of Valentine's Day, Public Services Wine & Whisky is transforming their bar into an Italian restaurant for the evening. With food provided by Theodore Rex, the downtown bar will serve up spaghetti and meatballs, as well as tiramisu for dessert, and offer a special selection of cocktails and Italian wines. No reservations are required. 202 Travis St.; 713-516-8897
Poitín
Celebrate your love with an amazing skyline view at Poitín while taking advantage of their elegant three-course menu. The evening begins with sparkling wine on arrival and the menu features options including East Coast oysters, rabbit, Nordic salmon, venison and more, as well as a decadent chocolate flight for dessert. The menu is $75 per person, or $115 with wine or cocktail pairings. 2313 Edwards St.; 713-470-6686
Roka Akor
Treat your sweetheart to a four-course tasting menu at contemporary Japanese steakhouse Roka Akor. Options include signature appetizers, steak, seafood and sushi, as well as a decadent chocolate strawberry lava cake for dessert. The menu is available from 5 to 11 pm at $98 per person with a two person minimum. 2929 Weslayan St.; 713-489-6717
Field & Tides
Upscale casual Heights eatery Field & Tides created a three-course culinary experience that highlights the restaurant’s unique flair. The menu features options like pan seared market fish, she crab soup, and fried beef short rib, as well as desserts like Alabama chocolate stack cake and pineapple upside-down cake. The menu is $60 per person. 705 E. 11th St.; 713-861-6143
Roost
Cozy bistro Roost presents a creative three-course dinner, begun with a quintessential glass of champagne. The menu features appetizer options including wild boar gumbo and Gulf shrimp cocktail, as well as entree choices of pan-seared Gulf fish, roasted duck breast, and dry-aged Angus ribeye steak. The meal wraps up with a choice of dessert and a box of chocolate-dipped strawberries to take home. The dinner is $95 per person and walk-ins are welcome. 1972 Fairview St.; 713-523-7667
Chapman & Kirby
Romance will be in the air at the luxurious east downtown hotspot Chapman & Kirby, offering a four-course dinner as well as live music. The menu features items ranging from espresso-braised beef short rib and lobster bisque to seared diver scallops and delectable dessert options like marbled chocolate bread pudding and créme brulee. The menu is $55 per person. 2118 Lamar St.; 713-636-9615
La Lucha
Snuggle up close to your beloved with a family-style dinner at La Lucha, a charming spot in The Heights well-regarded for its Gulf Coast cuisine. The menu features Johnny cakes with Cajun caviar, beef carpaccio with smoked oyster mayo, and Carolina gold rice porridge with spiced pumpkin seeds, as well as bananas foster over housemade soft-serve. The dinner is $49.95 per person and the restaurant is offering $1 oysters all evening. 1801 N. Shepherd Dr.; 713-955-4765
B.B. Lemon
While celebrating the day is generally reserved for couples, the evening also brings some serious excitement for single folks with B.B. Lemon’s Anti-Valentine’s Day Party. DJ Johnny J will spin from 9 pm to 1 am and guests can mix, mingle, and enjoy “anti-love” drink and food specials. All black attire is encouraged and reservations by phone are required. 1809 Washington Ave.; 713-554-1809
The Rustic
Join in on the fun with a Singles Awareness Day Party at East downtown hot spot The Rustic. Live entertainment will be provided by the Whiskey Daniels Band from 7 to 10 pm and online dating service Bumble will be on-site with icebreakers and speed dating games. The free-entry party kicks off at 6 pm and the first 50 guests to order the "Bourbon Is My Boyfriend" cocktail will receive a tank top from Jim Beam. 1836 Polk St.; 832-321-7799
Poitín is offering a special three-course menu and the restaurant's patio provides a stellar view of the downtown skyline.
