Feb 9, 2026 - Food and Drink

Easy, unromantic Valentine's Day plans in Austin

Illustration of a box of chocolates in the shape of the Axios A. — Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

We know a few of you have failed to make your Valentine's Day reservations.

Don't worry. We've got some free, unromantic-romantic suggestions.

Stroll through H-E-B

🛒 Shop together for kids' snacks for the upcoming school week at H-E-B to remind yourselves how pleased you are to be parents — and how badly you feel about getting them more junk food.

Two shoppers in a grocery store aisle with shelves stocked with various packaged foods, one pushing a cart with bags, the other wearing a white vest and beanie examining items. — We hear the produce aisle can be romantic! Photo: Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Mopac cruise

🚘 Go for a sunset drive on MoPac, because nothing says "I love you" more than being stuck in traffic together.

Your vet's waiting room

🐶 Take your dog or cat to the vet, because animal waiting rooms are always such charming places.

Matt's El Rancho

🍽️ Take your sweetie and 10 closest friends to Matt's El Rancho at 7pm.

At least you can drink a margarita during your 2-hour wait!

Three hands holding colorful cocktails with black straws, clinking glasses over a black metal table at an outdoor patio with glass doors and chairs in the background. — This, but you never get a table. Photo: Nicole Cobler/Axios

🩲 Head to a strip-mall Target (we like the one off I-35 and Koenig) to go underwear shopping together, because nothing says sexy like a cellophane-wrapped Fruit-of-the-Loom boxer-brief six pack.