By Charlotte Pompa
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and love is in the air. Skip that new recipe you found on Instagram and instead, charm your special someone with one of Dallas’ dependable dining destinations. Whether you are a hopeless romantic, a crushin’ cupid, or looking for a girls’ night out, here are a few dining options that are sure to impress your valentine:
Cheap Boyfriend: In search of a cute Valentine’s Day dinner without breaking your bank account? Sixty Vines is the perfect combination of a fantastic food and affordability. They have an impressive wine selection and are home to my all-time favorite drink, their frozen Aperol spritz. The Burrata and the Brussels are must-have appetizers, followed by their Double Cabernet Burger. Sixty Vines’ cute and casual atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a first date. If you’re lucky, the few extra dollars saved on dinner, might just be used for bouquet of flowers before the date.
The Hallmark-like Valentine’s Day: Time to pull out your most fashionable dress and heels and take a trip to the heart of Dallas. If you feel inclined to splurge on this romantic night, dinner at Monarch is guaranteed to make your Valentine fall in love. Located on the 49th floor of the Thompson hotel, this destination will have you feeling as if you are on cloud nine, quite literally. This modern Italian restaurant specializes in homemade pasta, high-quality meats, and fresh seafood, ensuring both you and your date will find something to enjoy. The delicious food and the breathtaking views makes Monarch easily one of the most memorable restaurants in Dallas.
Galentine’s Day: Spreading love is not limited to significant others; so grab your girls and go to Catbird this Valentine’s Day for dinner and drinks. This chic lounge-styled restaurant features a wraparound outdoor balcony with views of Dallas and a cozy fireplace perfect for the colder winter weather. The small plates are designed to be shared with the table, so everyone gets to try a variety of delicious dishes. Before you leave, swing by the gorgeous bathroom for a quick photo opportunity with your friends. You’ll probably recognize the pink and gray wall, as it has become a staple background drop for many Instagram pictures.
The Procrastinator: If you are anything like me, you waited until the last minute to create a reservation. Lucky for you, and your special someone, these places don’t take them! Honor Bar has been my go-to restaurant since freshman year. This American restaurant has endless delicious options to ensure you and your date find something you both like. Personally, tuna tartare has always been one of my favorite dishes, and Honor Bar’s rendition is on the top of my list. However, this place fills up quickly, so arrive early to guarantee a table. If Honor Bar is full, I recommend DL Mack’s, conveniently located next to SMU’s campus. They do offer a few reservations, but they make sure to leave open tables for walk-ins. This is a super casual spot, known for their Chicago-style cracker crust pizzas. I truly have a love affair with their house specialty, the Honey Truffle Chicken pizza, although its hard to spot the flaw with any dish on the menu at DL Mack’s.
Cover photo featuring Mia Blanton
