10 unique Valentine's Day Dates in the Twin Cities

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.