Valentine’s Day in Austin at a glance (“i love you so much” credit: ms.akr via Flickr CC)
With Valentine’s Day swiftly approaching, you may be feeling one of several things. Bliss that you and your one true love will be spending the day together fulfilling the awesome, romantic plans you’ve already made. Excitement that you’re happily single (that’s a thing, right?). Or maybe sheer panic that you don’t have any ideas yet and how is it already February? If the latter sounds most familiar, fear not! I’ve got you covered with a few ideas for Valentine’s Day in Austin on any budget–sure to make your Valentine swoon.
Romantic Dinners
Valentine’s beverage at Kuneho (Credit: Mark Weatherford)
They say the way to the heart is through the stomach, so a romantic dinner date will always be a Valentine’s Day staple. Austin has hundreds of delicious dining options to choose from, but here are just a few to whet your appetite.
Kuneho is a newly-opened downtown sushi restaurant that will be offering a 7-course prix fixe menu composed of aphrodisiacs on Feb. 13 and 14 for $85 per person ($125 with drink pairings). Reservations can be made through Open Table or by calling 512-436-9626.
1600 E. 6th St. – Website
L’Oca D’Oro will be holding a Valentine’s Day Mash-up on Feb. 13 and 14. This 4-course menu will have dishes inspired by the music of Stevie Wonder and Public Enemy whose tunes will play throughout the dinner. The price is $55 per person with $30 optional wine pairing. Book online or call 737-212-1876.
1900 Simond Ave. – Website
Launderette is a great option if you don’t want to get locked into a prix fixe menu, but still want your special someone to enjoy something delicious. There will be a special menu with Valentine’s Day specials for the occasion.
2115 Holly St. – Website
Alamo Drafthouse will be hosting a Titanic feast featuring our favorite star-crossed lovers, Leo and Kate, along with a 5-course dinner with wine pairings for $64.95. Check website for locations and show times.
Multiple locations – Website
Activities for Two
Get romantic views like this one during Congress Avenue Kayak’s Cupid’s Cruise
(Credit: notevenathing via Flickr CC)
Not everyone’s a foodie, and doing something special doesn’t have to stop with dinner. Here are some ideas for a next-level special day for your Austin Valentine.
Ballet Austin is bringing to the stage a provocative and sensual retelling of the classic story “Beauty & the Beast.” Treat your Valentine to a powerful, romantic score and accomplished dance work on Feb. 10-12 at The Long Center.
701 W. Riverside Dr. – Website
Congress Avenue Kayak’s Cupid’s Cruise is a chance for you and your Valentine to take in a beautiful sunset on Lady Bird Lake in a double kayak decorated for the occasion. You’ll even be sent off with a chocolatey treat to share. Reservations are available online for 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Feb. 14.
74 Trinity St. – Website
Red Room Lounge is offering happy hour tarot readings on Feb. 14. Come find out what the future holds for you and and your love while enjoying wine specials.
306 E. 3rd St. – Website
Something Completely Different
One way to express your love! (Credit: Bird’s Barbershop)
Not everyone thinks of classic hearts and candlelight when it comes to Valentine’s Day in Austin. Here are a few ideas to shake things up this year.
Scream Hollow, in nearby Smithville, is offering a Wicked Valentine’s Weekend on Feb. 10 and 11. The event is perfect for anyone—couples, singles and families—who doesn’t mind a good scare. There will be live music, a bonfire, a death by chocolate experience, drinks and food, fortune tellers, and three haunted houses to explore.
149 Split Rail Lane, Smithville, TX – Website
Bird’s Barbershop is offering heart and arrow hair etchings Feb. 1-14, so you can wear your love for your Valentine on your scalp for all to see! A buzzcut plus the design is only $14. Call ahead to your preferred location to confirm availability.
Multiple locations – Website
Whisler’s is throwing their Annual Valentine’s Day Celebration with drinks and burlesque if you and your Valentine are feeling a bit cheeky. Mezcaleria Tobala will be open with peepshows and poet Ryan Ashley will be standing by to write a love poem.
1816 E. 6th St. – Website
Embracing Galentine’s Day
Bring your ladies to fill the room at Mort Subite (Credit: Bill Tucker)
Whether you’re single or not, there’s always something fun about reclaiming Feb. 14 for hang time with your gals. Here are a couple of ideas for lady’s night or day out!
Mort Subite, the Belgian beer pub, is throwing a Galentine’s Day celebration with Austin Girls Pint Out. There will be discounted brews, crepes, and goodies on Feb. 13 starting at 7 p.m. They’ll also be collecting cards and trinkets to give to the kids at St. David’s Children Hospital on Valentine’s Day.
121 Pickle Road #110 – Website
East Austin’s Kitty Cohen’s is putting “hoes before bros” and “ovaries before brovaries” with a party and pop up on Feb. 13. Grab a cocktail and lounge by the pool, or browse the locally-made and handcrafted items from Eastside Pop Up.
2211 Webberville Road – Website
Regardless of how you spend this Galentine’s and/or Valentine’s Day in Austin, my hope for you is that you’re able to spend it with someone you love.
@theAustinot wants to know:
What are your plans for Valentine’s Day in Austin?
Disclosure: Congress Avenue Kayaks is a long-time sponsor of Austinot.com. We’re grateful for their support!
