Have you waited till the last minute to make your Valentine's Day plans?
Americas River Oaks
Cinq at La Colombe d'Or
Korma SutraPhoto by Sarah Rufca
Ava BrasseriePhoto by Sarah Rufca
SpindletopPhoto by Taggart Sorensen/Hyatt Regency Houston/Facebook
Chez NousPhoto by Craig Hartley
PhilippePhoto by Michelle Watson/CatchlightGroup.com
The Houstonian
Del Frisco's Double Eagle SteakhousePhoto by eschipul/flickr.com
Strip House
Surprised that Valentine's Day is almost here? Maybe it's the weather, since Groundhog Day usually marks the end of Houston's short, ugly winter. If the celebration of love has caught you off guard — and your favorite restaurants are fully booked on Monday night — here's last minute dining options for every Cupid scenario.
For a Valentine's with more than two: Strip House
Valentine's Day usually means dinner for two, but whether your beloved is far away or just hasn't met you yet, that doesn't mean you should settle for dinner at home. Grab five friends and head to Strip House for a special group menu in the Bubble Bar with $5 champagne flights and complimentary small bites.
For impressing the hard-to-impress: Cinq
Even someone who's been there and eaten that can savor something special at the retooled Restaurant Cinq at La Colombe d'Or. Mixing old world luxury (including the adjacent 300 year-old Le Grand Salon imported from France) with modern style and French classics with Texas accents.
For surf and turf: Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse
If that path to your beloved's heart runs through his stomach, suggest Del Frisco, where they are serving up surf and turf — the king of all carnivore combos — for $69, as well as their standard menu.
For giving you something to talk about: Américas River Oaks
Don't get us wrong, there's something lovely about being so in tune and comfortable with your mate that words are unnecessary. On the other hand, it's never fun to be considered the dining dead.
We suggest checking out the new Américas in the River Oaks Shopping Center, where the inspired textures, shapes and patterns covering everything from the walls to the furniture — not to mention David Cordúa's updated South American specialties — will give you plenty to talk about.
For a first date: Ava Kitchen & Whiskey Bar and Philippe Restaurant + Lounge
Wanna look cool for a new girl or guy? Make a reservation at Houston's newest hotspots, Ava Kitchen and Whiskey Bar and Philippe Restaurant and Lounge. Both are sleek spaces that offer great food from top chefs, but they are also both casual in style and have spaces for trendy drinking and lounging. And if it's not true love, you won't have to break the break.
For unexpected sexiness: Korma Sutra
Whether it's the intimate space, the attentive service, the bold flavors or the red boudoir walls, Korma Sutra would make a great choice for out-of-the-box romance.
For South American indulgence: Samba Grille
The theater district may be dark on Monday night, but that doesn't mean there's nothing to do downtown. Samba Grille is offering four courses of its lusty South American specialties for $55.
For a classical holiday: The Houstonian
For an evening with more than love in the air, check out the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra performing on Sunday evening at The Houstonian while enjoying a three-course dinner in the Juniper Room — and add a night in a suite if your heart desires.
For valentines outside the loop: Chez Nous
No need to drive downtown: French country charm and traditional continental cuisine set Chez Nous apart from other suburban delights.
For a meal with a view: Spindletop
Why bother fighting it, the revolving restaurant is back and serving up the classics in a prix fixe menu while offering incomparable views of the skyline. But if you're popping the question, be prepared: You won't be the only one.
The miso caramel sundae at Balboa Surf ClubCourtesy of Western Addition
The buttermilk sundae at CredenceCourtesy of Credence
Pistachio soft serve at ElRo Pizzeria and CrudoCourtesy of ElRo Pizzeria and Crudo
il Braco's Italian sundae with olive oilCourtesy of Western Addition
Katami's sundae is made with Japanese shaved iceCourtesy of Katami
La Lucha's soft serve sundaeCourtesy of La Lucha
The Marigold Club's sundae cartPhoto by Zach Horst
Medium Rare's hot fudge sundaePhoto by Alex Staniloff
The Annie sundae at The Annie Cafe and BarPhoto Kirsten Gilliam
The Pit Room's Memorial location has a dessert bar to create sundaes. Photo by Alex Montoya
The coffee ice cream sundae at Tiny ChampionsCourtesy of Tiny Champions
The turtle brownie sundae at Turner'sPhoto by Brian Kennedy