As Valentine’s Day approaches, many Houstonians begin dreaming of romance and champagne. For others, February 14 can spark a bit of panic as they scramble to find the perfect way to impress their significant other. And for many, it’s also a chance to enjoy a night out with other singletons. This year, with Valentine’s Day falling on a weekend, there are even more opportunities to turn the celebration into a full-fledged outing.
Whether you’re celebrating a 30-year marriage or hoping to wow a new partner, finding the perfect Valentine’s Day plans can be surprisingly stressful. Consider this list of fun offerings that go beyond a box of chocolates and a grocery store teddy bear. A fabulous dinner is a great way to start, but some Houston restaurants are going a step further by offering live music, candlelight, and charming extras to make this Valentine’s Day one to remember.
Brasserie 19
Brasserie 19 is giving Galentine’s Day the full glam treatment with a party brunch on Sunday, February 15, from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Guests are invited to dress in “Chalet Chic” as the dining room transforms into a Swiss-inspired celebration, complete with DJ GFunk spinning beats. Expect plenty of bubbles, specialty cocktails from Ketel One, Baileys, and Seedlip, plus food specials and large-format brunch bottles made for sharing. Consider it the ultimate excuse to turn brunch into an all-out girls’ day. 1962 W Gray St, Houston, brasserie19.com
Musaafer
The food and decor at this Michelin-starred Indian restaurant inside the Galleria is a feast for the eyes, as well as the belly, and Valentine’s Day brings even more extravagance. For the occasion, chef Mayank Istwal has created an experience inspired by Kamdev, the Hindu god of desire. The restaurant will become the tangible embodiment of Kamdev’s Temple of Love as guests linger in the rose-scented mist, enjoying a six-course dinner, with the option to add wine pairings, over two seatings for $185 per person. Each course echoes other mystical erotic figures with exotic spices, floral flavors, and sensuous sweetness. The feast concludes with each couple receiving a “blessing token”—a personalized, edible bow and arrow chocolate coin. Guests may also opt to reserve a four-course experience for lunch from noon to 3p.m. for $100 per person. 5115 Westheimer Rd., Houston,musaaferhouston.com
Botonica
Botanica is hosting a pop-up salon, reserved for guests 21 and up, called L’amour Noir from February 6-21. Performances vary from night to night, but on Valentine’s Day it will feature L’amour Revue, hosted by Belle Be Damned. Tickets are $45 per person and include a welcome punch, plus entertainment that includes singing, dancing, a bit of strip tease, and some gender-bending performances. Guests can splurge on caviar service, plus a variety of craft cocktails are on offer. 2031 Westcreek Ln., Houston, botonicahouston.com
Doc’s Jazz Club
Housed in the historic Tower Theatre, Doc’s features a two-story space for drinks and dining, along with a stage where a 10-piece orchestra will back Horace Alexander Young and Laura Jane Jones in a Valentine’s Day tribute to Nat King Cole and his daughter, Natalie on Friday, February 13 and Saturday, February 14, with two seatings per night. With the purchase of a ticket, guests will enjoy a prix-fixe dinner, and can opt to continue their celebration with a preferred rate at Intercontinental Houston, exclusively for Doc’s guests. 1201 Westheimer Rd., Houston, docsjazzclub.com
Bar Doko
Bar Doko is leaning into the romance on Valentine’s weekend with His & Her specialty cocktails and chef Emily’s chocolate-covered strawberries, available à la carte or as a curated pairing. The intimate Japanese bar, located at Autry Park, will be decked out with themed balloons and florals, creating a festive backdrop for photos. Consider the bar’s sister concept Doko, located across the alley, for a full meal. Doko is offering a special Valentine’s week omakase menu for $125 per person for dinner from February 11-18, along with its regular menu. 3737 Cogdell St., Houston, bardoko.com
Hotel Lucine
Couples can take advantage of Valentine’s Day falling on a weekend and take the romance to the coast for a staycation. Hotel Lucine is offering a balcony dinner package, featuring a chef-curated meal, with a complimentary glass of champagne, served on your room’s private balcony, The hotel’s onsite restaurant, the Fancy, is also featuring specials like oysters Rockefeller, a 16-ounce tallow-aged ribeye, and dreamy chocolate Lisbon cake, during brunch and dinner service on Saturday, February 14. 1002 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, hotellucine.com
Jethro’s Cocktail Lounge
Valentine’s Day lovers can drop in to this Montrose cocktail haven over the weekend for a pre-dinner drink, or a post-meal cuddle. The bar is offering his & her cocktails, served with chocolate-covered strawberries and truffle fries for $30; plus a $60 package, which includes two signature cocktails and a bottle of bubbly. 95 Tuam St., Houston, jethroshouston.com
Hotel ZaZa Houston
Turn Valentine’s Day into a staycation at this boutique hotel, which offers the perfect stay in the heart of Houston’s Museum District, steps from Hermann Park, the Zoo, and many of the city’s most beloved landmarks. For Valentine’s night only, the hotel is offering an Amuse & Amour dinner experience from 8 to 11 p.m. The five-course tasting menu will be served in the softly-lit Conspiracy room and foyer. Guests are encouraged to make a night of it by booking one of the hotel’s rooms or themed suites. Consider the Perfectly Pampered package, which includes a $250 ZaSpa credit and a complimentary glass of champagne.5701 Main St., Houston, hotelzaza.com
Turner’s Cut
Turner’s Cut is going all out for Valentine’s Day with a lavish four-course tasting menu, priced at $215 per person, offered exclusively on Friday, February 13 and Saturday, February 14. The evening pairs live music with an elegant lineup of dishes, beginning with oysters, kanpachi crudo, and wagyu with caviar. Entrées such as American wagyu tenderloin, Colorado lamb chops, and truffle and wild mushroom risotto follow, before guests are treated to desserts like a chocolate soufflé tart and Velvet Pulse. Guests can also toast the occasion with a special His & Hers cocktail pairing—Bourbon Leather and Berry Lace—created just for Valentine’s weekend. 811 Buffalo Park Dr., Houston, turnerscut.com
Eberhard Social House
For social butterflies who admire the exploits of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, this two-story cocktail lounge is a chic venue for gazing at an attractive stranger across a champagne coupe. Whether you’re free as a bird, or desperately in love, Eberhard is hosting a special Ladies Night celebration on Saturday, February 14. The first 150 ladies to arrive will receive a complimentary rose and glass of bubbly. DJ Vi will take the stage at 10 p.m. and keep the house dancing until 2 a.m. 1216 W. Clay St., Houston, eberhardhtx.com
Bayou Heights Bier Garten
For those still searching for that special someone to spend Valentine’s Day with, this buzzy patio bar is inviting singles to its “Find Your Valentine” mixer from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, February 14. There will be an emcee helping to spark conversation among attendees, and maybe even make some romantic matches. Perhaps, you’ll end the evening sharing a meat and cheese board with a new love interest. Reservations are encouraged. 3905 Washington Ave., Houston, bayouheightsbiergarten.com
Heights Bier Garten
This indoor-outdoor patio bar will be spotlighting female-owned businesses on Valentine’s Day with an evening market on Saturday, February 14 from 6 to 10 p.m. There will be a body glitter vendor, a build-your-own bouquet stand, and a DJ set from 9 p.m. to midnight. The doors open at 11 a.m. with select $10 cocktails like Empress 75, lychee martini, and paloma. 1433 N. Shepherd Dr., Houston, heightsbiergarten.com
Axelrad
Axelrad is making Valentine’s weekend a celebration for everyone, whether you’re gathering with friends or embracing the holiday solo. On Galentine’s Day, Friday, February 13, the Midtown bar is hosting Cumbia Libre, a free 21 and up Latin dance night featuring live sets from Grupo Luxoria and Grupo Latitude, plus DJ Zema and DJ goodfat. Festivities begin at 8 p.m. and include Tacos Bomberos and a Shop Local market. The fun continues on Saturday, February 14, with Axelrad-Sad Presents Tulip’s Market, another free event with local vendors, a photobooth, karaoke, and live music from Deep in the Heart, the Common Collective, and DJ Red Raptor. The market opens at 7 p.m., with music starting at 8 p.m. 1517 Alabama St., Houston, axelradhouston.com
Betelgeuse Betelgeuse
Betelgeuse Betelgeuse is leaning all the way into Galentine’s Day with a celebration made for girlfriends and besties. The beloved bar, with locations on Washington Avenue and Montrose Boulevard, is hosting free festivities at both, complete with food and drink specials—and even tattoo artists on standby for those who want a permanent souvenir of the night. In Montrose, the party lasts from 7 p.m. until midnight, and at Washington Avenue from 9 p.m. to midnight. The bar will be serving 14-inch cheese and pepperoni pizzas for $13. 2101 Washington Ave, Houston, betelgeusehou.com
Pizaro’s
Pizaro’s Pizza is adding a playful touch to Valentine’s weekend dining with two specials. From February 13-15, customers can order the pizzeria’s annual heart-shaped pizzas, starting at $16. A limited quantity of pink pizza dough will also be offered for all Napoletana and BYO Napoletana orders over the weekend, giving the pies some added flair. Multiple locations, pizarospizza.com
BTL Grounds
This axe-throwing destination has a week’s worth of Valentine’s packages fit for couples and groups. Offered from Monday, February 9 through Sunday, February 15, the Just Us package is meant for two and includes axe and knife-throwing, with virtual targets, plus a glass of sparkling wine per person. A double date package is offered as well, with the addition of virtual bow and arrow archery. 1431 W. 20th St., Houston, batlgrounds.com
Jo’s Coffee
Jo’s Coffee in the Heights is giving its guests double reason to celebrate on Valentine’s weekend. The café is offering a $15 special that includes two drinks, plus a Jo’s-branded Valentine’s goodie—perfect for couples or friends. Adding to the festivities, February 14 marks the Heights outpost’s first birthday, with free drip coffee offered all day. 1023 Studewood St. Ste. 100, Houston, joscoffee.com
Velocity – Sim Racing Lounge
Velocity – Sim Racing Lounge is putting a high-octane spin on Valentine’s Day with a truly unexpected date-night experience. The venue has introduced a new two-person simulator designed for the ultimate “Passenger Princess” moment: one guest takes the wheel while the other rides shotgun, sharing the adrenaline of the race. From February 13-16, Velocity is offering Valentine’s packages that pair speed with dinner. The Speed Date is $99 and includes a 30-minute race in the two-seater simulator, plus two drink tickets and two entrées, while the Double Race Date, which is $135, ups the ante with a full hour of racing, along with the same dining perks. It’s an immersive, playful way to celebrate—perfect for couples, friends, or anyone looking to trade candlelight for horsepower. 2110 Edwards St., Houston, velocitysimlounge.com
