Valentine’s Day draws ever closer, and the clock is ticking for folks looking to do something special for loved ones. We’re going to be straight with you: If you’ve waited until now to book a reservation for dinner, you’ve waited too long. Fear not, we’ve got plenty of other ways to wine and dine your beloved. Read on for these realistic ways to celebrate Valentine’s in Charleston.
Make it a lunch date
One of the easiest ways to snag a table at a local restaurant during any holiday season is to book a spot during lunch. Just head to Resy to see what’s available. Here are several choices if you need some help:
Head to Galpão Gaucho for an experiential meal inspired by the tradition of Brazilian churrascaria (a churrascaria is a place where meat is cooked in churrasco style, which translates roughly from the Portuguese word for “barbecue”). Diners can choose from a variety of 18 meat cuts, a gourmet salad bar and side dishes. Book your lunch reservation online now.
Did you know that 82 Queen was voted South Carolina’s most romantic restaurant by Food & Wine several years ago? Head to the beloved downtown restaurant for lunch this Valentine’s. You can book your reservation online.
And you can’t go wrong with a European-inspired, leisurely lunch at sister restaurants Malagón and Chez Nous. Whether you’re in the mood for Spanish tapas or French bistro fare, you’ll find delightful dishes, wine and cozy nooks at these restaurants. Both spots can be booked on Resy.
Order to-go food
Several restaurants and specialty food stores offer to-go packages that rival an in-restaurant experience. You can eat well in your jammies. Rejoice!
Sorelle offers an at-home, six-course dinner ($225) for two. Order online and get ready for butter-poached lobster, filet mignon and ricotta ravioli. The kit includes easy-to-follow instructions.
Choose your own adventure at Ted’s Butcherblock, where you can order the chef’s featured menu ($53/per person) or make a custom menu all your own. The featured menu includes dishes like espresso rubbed venison tenderloin, creamy polenta and celery root puree and tiramisu whoopie pie. You can also choose your entree from the butcher or seafood case and Ted’s will cut and grill it to order with your choice of two sides and a featured dessert.
Order a V-day dinner for two ($120) from Edmund’s Oast this holiday. The menu includes a bottle of Northern California Syrah, choice of salad, encrusted prime rib, crispy garlic potatoes and warm brownie skillet. Pre-order by calling (843) 727-1145.
Keep it small(ish)
Instead of diving into a full meal, why not make your afternoon/evening/late night fun into more of a bar-hopping experience?
You can start with a reservation (there still may be some available!) at Hotel Bennett’s bar, Camellias, and enjoy caviar and Champagne flights.
From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on V-day, Philosophers & Fools will offer two glasses of wine from a curated, love-themed wine list plus a large butterscotch chip cookie from Sugar Bakeshop for just $25. Enjoy it with your pal, lover or solo — we won’t judge. Learn more about the bar/bookshop at philosophersandfools.com.
Grab a drink and bites at By The Way, Uptown Hospitality Group’s latest concept, located at 45 ½ Spring Street. Choose from a variety of signature cocktails or peruse the bar’s “martinis” section of the menu that lets you pick the base liquor and “accessories” including a caviar bump. Fun! Snack on tavern fare like wings, duck confit poutine and a burger and fries. Learn more at bythewaychs.com.
Pop-up JM Bros Provisions heads to Johns Island’s Somm Wine Bar Feb. 14 serving pizza, pasta and chicken parm sliders.
Provisions store Petit Merci will host a Valentine’s/Galentine’s pop-up from Feb. 12 through Feb. 14 with at-home pizza kits, Swedish candy, chocolates, cookies and more. Learn more at mercichs.com.
Keep it casual
Both Mex 1 Coastal Cantina locations will offer a Valentine’s three-course menu Feb. 12 through Feb. 16, no reservation required. For $24/per person diners can indulge in chef specials and margs. Learn more at mex1coastalcantina.com.
Savannah Highway’s Waffle House is taking Valentine’s Day reservations. Unfamiliar with the tradition (shame!)? Read more about it in a recent Southern Living feature. Call (854) 213-7146 to check availability.
Speaking of breakfast food, Metro Diner (located at 1808 Sam Rittenberg Blvd.) is currently serving seasonal, Valentine’s-themed items like pink-drizzled bread pudding and a Pretty in Pink mimosa. Check out the full menu online at metrodiner.com.
Delight your loved one(s) with Valentine’s-themed pastries from local cafes. You can pre-order a wide variety of tasty treats from spots like Sugar Bakeshop, which is offering sugar cookies, tarts and mini cakes. Order cakes, macarons and more from Swank Desserts. Little Peanut Bake Shop is offering personalized cookies, choco covered strawberries and heart cakes.
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