Whether Valentine’s Day dinner means an all-out, candlelit extravaganza or a budgeted dinner with best friends, there are plenty of dining options in and around D.C. for the upcoming holiday. It’s never too early to book reservations, and DCist has you covered for all of the February 14th restaurant specials happening in and around the District.
American Son
1201 K St. NW
This vegetable-focused and locally sourced restaurant will be pulling out all of the stops for Valentine’s Day. Chef Tim Ma will present sophisticated treats to couples and friends for $65 per person, with an additional $30 for a wine pairing. The menu includes appetizers such as cold smoked oysters, parsnip bisque, and winter citrus salad. For your entree, dine on lobster pappardelle and butter poached halibut, among other dishes. Reservations can be made via OpenTable or by calling the restaurant.
City Tap
Penn Quarter, 910 9th St. NW
Dupont, 1250 Connecticut Ave. NW
City Tap has romance haters covered this holiday with Anti-Valentine’s Day parties happening at both locations. Drink the night away with $6 “Shot Through the Heart” shots of tequila, featuring love advice from the bartender, and indulgence in discounted carafes of red wine. For those looking to indulge a bit, the bar will also be featuring over-the-top boozy milkshakes topped with cookies and mini cheesecakes. In addition, City Tap will be partnering with charity Martha’s Table to accept clothing donations in exchange for a free happy hour beer or wine.
3050 K St. NW
Celebrate love by the Georgetown Waterfront at Fiola Mare, featuring a four-course tasting menu inspired by Italy’s most romantic cities, Venice and Verona. Feel like you’re floating through the Venitian canals over a plate of wild turbot served with smoked potatoes and black truffles, and end the night over a salted almond sorbet topped with caramelized honey. The menu is $155 per person and includes a glass of champagne.
3704 14th St. NW
Lose yourself this holiday at Little Havana, D.C.’s own slice of Cuba. For $30 per person, take a tropical vacation over dishes such as coconut ceviche, octopus salad, jerk salmon, and arroz con leche. Add a bottle of wine or champagne to the event for $20 per person. Reservations are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome.
Marvin
2007 14th St. NW
There’s something special about spending Valentine’s Day at a restaurant named after the romantic music legend himself, Marvin Gaye. Keep it classy while listening to music by D.C. native, Allison Balac, and enjoy a three-course tasting menu for $75 per person. A glass of Chandon 187 is also included in the ticket price. Make your reservations here.
Plume
1200 16th St. NW
Go all-out this Valentine’s Day at Plume, a Michelin-star rated restaurant and the only Forbes five-star restaurant in the District. For $175 (or $285 with a wine pairing), executive chef Ralf Schiegel has crafted a multi-course tasting menu featuring scallop, stone bass, and braised veal cheek.
The Alex Speakeasy
1075 Thomas Jefferson St. NW
If you can’t make it out for dinner on the big day itself, The Alex Craft Cocktail Bar and Speakeasy will have an extended menu perfect for flexible Valentine’s Day plans. Until Sunday, February 17, enjoy a three-course prix fixe menu for $75 and feast on truffle carbonara pasta, seafood paella, and corn escabeche, among other dishes. In addition, the bar will be crafting specialty romantic cocktails such as the Romeo, a twist on an old fashioned, and Juliet, a vodka, raspberry, and prosecco drink. Reservations are requested and can be made online.
The Gibson
2009 14th St. NW
Anxious about a crowded, loud Valentine’s Day dinner? Leave your worries behind at The Gibson, where only two-top reservations are being accepted for its downstairs tables on February 14. Canoodle up at their Sacred Love lounge and enjoy the evening over a choice of a flower arrangement, chocolates, and/or champagne. Table reservations can be made by emailing gibsondc.events@gmail.com, and walk-ins are welcome at the bar and back patio.
The Ugly Mug
723 8th St. SE
Sick of swiping left and right on dating apps all night? For some good old-fashioned dating fun, come down to The Ugly Mug on Valentine’s Day for Meet-A-Marine, an auction event showcasing a few good men from the 8th and I Street Marine Barracks. All proceeds from the auction go towards HillVets, a non-profit organization that employees veterans. There will be drink and food specials all night starting at 7 p.m., and the auction itself will start at 9 p.m.
Ocean Prime
1341 G St. NW
Seafood lovers will be over the moon with the Valentine’s Day menu from Ocean Prime, featuring two new entrees, dessert, and a cocktail. Choose between a 7oz wagyu filet served with a twice-baked lobster tail or the roasted sea bass over Alaskan king crab gnocchi, and pair it with their “Elyx with Love” cocktail, complete with Absolut Elyx, simple syrup, lemon juice, Malbec and plum bitters. In addition, their a la carte menu will also be available.
Whiskey Charlie
975 7th St. SW
If you’re looking for a romantic Valentine’s Day setting, Whiskey Charlie has got you covered. Located on top of the Canopy Hotel, the rooftop bar overlooks The Wharf and features premium cocktails and small plates. Take the night one step further with their Valentine’s Day-exclusive special of bottled Veuve Clicquot champagne and chocolate covered strawberries available for $60.
Wild Days
1201 K St. NW
Looking for a place to dance the night away with friends? Look no further than the Wild Days rooftop bar, which will be hosting a “Singles Weekend” party on both Valentine’s Day and February 15. Sip on specialty cocktails such as the “Swipe Right” and “Up All Night” while jamming to Afrobeat and house music. The bar will be open until 1 a.m.
