Struggling for some unique date ideas for the 2023 Valentine's weekend in Austin? From delicious meals to fun activities to do together we've got you covered with some of the best ways to celebrate your loved one this Valentine's Day.
ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS & VALENTINE'S DAY MEALS
Aba
Aba is celebrating Valentine's two different ways this year - Galentine's to-go meals and Valentine's to-go meals. Menus include lobster bisque, whipped feta, beef tenderloin, chicken kebabs, double chocolate cake and more.
Order your meal to-go online.
Andiamo
Feel the "amore" in the air with a special prix fixe Valentine's meal at Andiamo. Try seasonal dishes like whole roasted branzino and pan seared veal chops. Add the optional wine pairing to round out the meal.
Make reservations online.
Barley Swine
Barley Swine is enhancing their Chef’s Tasting Menu for the weekends before and after Valentine's Day. Enjoy fresh farm-to-table fare with an optional beverage pairing.
Reserve your table online.
Carpenters Hall. Credit Erin Corrigan.
Carpenters Hall
Wine and dine your valentine with a special meal at Carpenters Hall. Opt in for some of their special Valentine's menu items or choose from the classics (like their famous carrot cake).
Reservations can be made online.
Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa
Carter Creek is hosting two dining options for Valentine's celebrations this year. On February 11, grab your girls for a Galentine's brunch and movie at the Old 290 Brewery and Restaurant. Relax with wine cocktail in hand while "Breakfast at Tiffany's" plays in the background. On February 14, dine on a three-course Valentine's dinner with special wine pairings in carter creek's intimate Member's Lounge. The menu consists of an amuse-bouche, poached lobster salad, rack of lamb and a chocolate ganache tart.
Reservations required online.
CARVE American Grille
CARVE sets you up for a successful Valentine’s dinner with your choice of a three-course prix fixe menu or candlelit dinner for two. Enjoy both menus for dine-in and to-go.
Order for pick up in advance or reserve your table online.
Devil May Care
If you're in more of an "anti-Valentine's" mood, Devil May Care just might be your spot to hang! Spend the night dancing and enjoying Mediterranean fare with a Valentine's twist. Don't miss out on their Real Short Skirt specialty cocktail made with Empress gin, rose syrup, lemon and topped with a heart-shaped, house-made bitter lollipop!
Reservations encouraged. Book online.
Fairmont Austin
Whether you're staying on property or not, Fairmont Austin has three Valentine's meal options that are sure to impress your loved one. Reserve one of their rooftop igloos for two, which includes an intimate tasting menu and personalized service surrounded by Austin skyline views. For something more traditional, dine-in at Garrison for a six-course tasting menu full of elevated dishes. Lastly, end the night at Fairmont's Room 725 Champagne and caviar lounge for light bites, an extensive Champagne list and live music.
You can book all three experiences online: Valentine's igloo, Garrison, Room 725.
Fresa's
Looking for a casual way to celebrate? Grab wood-grilled Mexican fare and yummy cocktails in Fresa's bright and colorful space. If the weather's right, opt for an evening on their patio under romantic string lights.
J-Prime Steakhouse
J-Prime Steakhouse is offering a 5-course pre-fixe menu for Valentine’s Day. This specialty menu comes with items worthy for a celebration, like filet mignon, char-grilled sea scallops and red velvet cake.
Reserve your spot online.
Laurel. Courtesy Hotel Viata.
Laurel
Laurel at Hotel Viata is offering two specials from February 10-14. The Surf + Turf option comes with beef tenderloin and lobster Oscar served alongside seasonal vegetables and a port veal jus. Their dessert special is a "French Kiss" witch citrus shortcake, lemon and strawberry jam, vanilla ganache, sweet cream and macarons. Their regular menu items will also be available in addition to the specials.
Book your reservation online.
Lost Draw Cellars
Day trip to the Hill Country for a New Orleans style Valentine's dinner at Lost Draw. Your meal will include a 5-course meal paired with Lost Draw wines and jazz music. Hangin' with the girls? Lost Draw is also hosting a Galentine's dinner at their Johnson City location complete with chocolate dipped strawberries and a girls' road trip snacks and wine pairing.
Grab your Valentine's tickets online.
Reserve your Galentine's tickets online.
Mandola's Italian Kitchen
Head to Mandola's for a casual Italian experience, with special Valentine's menu items. Delight in lobster ravioli, Love Potion gelato and a decadent chocolate torte.
No reservation necessary.
Olamaie
Experience love in every bite with Olamaie's special pre-fixe dinner. Feast on upscale versions of Southern favorites like gumbo, red rice, and ribeye. Then finish the meal off with flan, grapefruit Semifreddo or a vegan sundae.
Reservations can be made online.
Perry’s Steakhouse
Go big at Perry’s Steakhouse this Valentine’s with your choice of a three-course prix fixe menu or candlelit dinner for two. Both menus feature some Perry’s classics along with specialty menu items. The best part? You can enjoy both menus for dine-in or to-go.
Order for pick up in advance or reserve your table online.
Roosevelt Room
Looking for something lighter or just want to keep the celebration going after dinner? Roosevelt Room is offering complimentary bubbles for couples from 4 PM-midnight on Valentine's Day. Additionally, guests can enjoy the bar's extensive cocktail menu and epicurean bar food for a perfect end to a wonderful evening.
Reservations are available online.
Summer House on Music Lane. Credit Alison Marlborough.
Summer House on Music Lane
Treat your valentine to a special meal at Summer House on Music Lane. Start the four-course pre-fixe dinner which includes a bag of lavender heart shaped cookies to enjoy as a takeaway treat. Holiday diners will also receive 15% off retail to pick out your their own gift.
Reserve your table online.
TRACE
Valentine's Day is great, but let's not forget Galentine's Day! Grab brunch with your gal pals at TRACE on Monday, February 13. Listen to the DJ spin, sip on glasses of rosé and line up for the killer waffle bar.
Book your spot in advance online.
Wax Myrtle's
Hang on one of downtown's most popular rooftops this Valentine's day with a special pre-fixe dinner and Valentine's dance party.
Book your table online.
The Well
Spend an intimate evening with your partner at The Well with a special menu of smoked deviled eggs, lobster coconut curry bisque and filet mignon, fish court bouillon or pesto gnocchi. End the night with a sweet choice of chocolate bean brownie or poached pear.
Reserve your table online.
Mount Bonnell. Credit Gabi Meit and Shanna Sciara.
Fun Austin Date Activities
Looking for an offbeat way to celebrate? Take your date to Peter Pan Mini Golf, a vintage putt-putt place with larger-than-life characters dispersed throughout the 18-holes. It's even BYOB, so you can bring a tasty adult beverage to "cheers" with your honey while pulling off impressive golf moves.
If golf isn't your game, try going for a sunset hike to one of Austin's highest points, Mount Bonnell. This beginner-friendly climb makes for a spectacular picnic spot, overlooking Lake Austin. Pick up your meal to-go and tote it up the 102 steps for an evening to remember.
Looking to pamper your sweetie? Viva Day Spa and Milk + Honey are offering a number of Valentine’s specials to include individual massages, couple’s massages and product sales to gift your special someone to use later.
For a Valentine's Day show, go old-school with a trip to Blue Starlite, the world's first and only mini urban drive-in movie theater. With two locations in Austin, and a full schedule of Valentine's Day films, enjoy the theater-going experience from the comfort of your own vehicle.
Looking for a unique date? Head to Upstairs Circus for an evening of inventive crafts and tasty cocktails, like their holiday specials the Twin Flame and Cupid's Kiss.
