10 unique Valentine's Day Dates in the Twin Cities
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Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and there are plenty of ways to treat your special someone (or yourself) for the holiday.
What's happening: V-Day falls on a Tuesday this year — which can be an awkward day for a big night out. We found 10 things to do on and around Feb. 14, whether you're partnered up, happily solo or looking for love.
- Pro tip: Reservations for popular spots filled up fast. If you want a better chance at a hard-to-get restaurant, consider an early dinner on Sunday. Everyone else will be busy watching the Super Bowl.
Here are some of our picks this year:
Dinners/Drinks:
🧑🍳 Cooks of Crocus Hill's vegetarian or gluten-free dinners require some work — guests head to the kitchen and prepare the three-course meal themselves, with help from the chef. Feb. 11-12; $125/person
🍸 Cocktails at the CAT Museum is a pre-Valentine's Day cocktail party at Shoreview's new studio glass art museum. Guests can tour the exhibit after-hours while enjoying drinks, hors d'oeuvres and dessert. Feb 10; $40/person.
🍕 Saint Paul Brewing keeps it casual: get a wood-fired pizza, two beers and two red velvet cupcakes for $35. Arrive by 6pm for free-to-play trivia. Feb. 14; $35.
Tip: Several of the spots on our updated Romantic Restaurants guide still have reservations available or accept walk-ins.
Out and About:
😱 Skip the romance and go for terror at Cupid's Revenge, a Valentine's Day-themed haunted house in Inver Grove Heights. (It's a great excuse to hold your partner's hand.) Feb. 10-11; $25/person.
🕹️ Play 50+ classic arcade games together at Up-Down. The bar's Valentine's Day special includes six beers, 80 game tokens, a fanny pack and heart-shaped pizza for $35. Feb. 12-14; free entry.
💃 Bring your partner to Minneapolis Cider Company for a night of big band music and swing dancing. No experience, no problem: There's a free dance lesson at 6:15. Feb. 16; $10/entry.
🎬 Nothing says love like a Nora Ephron rom-com. "When Harry Met Sally" is showing at the Parkway Theater at 8pm; get there early for pre-movie live music. Feb. 16; $9 advance.
💁 Going solo:
❤️ Show local art some love at Mia's Institute of Hearts. Visitors receive paper hearts upon entry to place beneath their favorite piece of art; explore the galleries to see what others picked. Feb. 9-12; Free.
🐕 Make your pup your wingman at Dating with Dogs, a singles mixer for dog lovers at Forgotten Star Brewing in Fridley. No dog required for entry; proceeds benefit Ruff Start Rescue. Feb. 14; $10 advance.
🌸 Escape the cold and explore botanical gardens at the Como Zoo and Conservatory. The spring flower show, palm dome and fern room are open now. Daily; free admission.
Tip: Find more solo V-Day activities with the help of our guide.
Editor's note: This story was originally published in February 2022 and updated on Feb. 1, 2023.