It’s hard to believe it but it’s February (seriously, how?!), and Valentine’s Day is less than two weeks away. Don’t panic though — plenty of Arizona restaurants are providing a romantic meal for you available on the actual day or that weekend. If you're not looking to cook or clean up takeout dishes, then these dine-in options are for. Here’s just a few recommendations sure to put a smile on your significant other’s face.
Turn it into a full date night at Alamo Drafthouse. See a movie like “Moonstruck,” “The Best Man” or new crime comedy “Breaking News in Yuba County” (you can also rent out a private theater while you’re at it) and try one of three menu items added especially for the holiday. There’s the Flourless Chocolate Cake topped with macerated berries and balsamic strawberry sauce and the Segura Viudas Cava (sparkling wine), or you can order both of those as part of the Date Night Dessert. It’s perfect to share with your sweetie, and as supplies last, you’ll also take home two limited-edition XOXO, Alamo champagne glasses. “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” is another movie at Alamo this month, and there’s also a cocktail for that. It’s a sparkling mix of Tito's vodka, cranberry and lemon juice, topped with a splash of bubbles. Alamo Drafthouse has locations in Chandler, Gilbert and Tempe; www.drafthouse.com
Sotol Modern Cocktail Kitchen is a relatively new restaurant, but it’s already got your Valentine’s Day handled. Tickets are available now for a three-course meal that will also celebrate the 109th birthday of the state of Arizona, with two seatings at 5 and 7:30 p.m. NARAN mezcal cocktails will be paired with the cuisine of the evening. First up is Nopales Fritas with bubbles followed by New York Strip Steak with Jumbo Prawns, vegetables and mashed potatoes. Dessert is Arizona Meyer Lemon Tart. Music will additionally be playing throughout the evening. The cost to attend is $80 plus fees for one and $145 plus fees for two people. Sotol Modern Cocktail Kitchen is located at 313 North Gilbert Road, Suite 301, Gilbert; 480.550.6300; www.sotolmck.com
Galentine’s Day is totally a thing too, and we don’t know about you, but we love celebrating our girlfriends any day of the week. To that end, Prep & Pastry is putting on a Galentine’s Day High Tea from 2 to 4 p.m. on February 13. It’s a take on the classic British afternoon meal complete with tea-inspired mimosas and charcuterie. The event is reservation only, and seats are limited. Prep & Pastry has locations in Scottsdale and Tucson; www.prepandpastry.com
If you’re looking for another fun way to celebrate with the girls, Peacock Wine Bar in Gilbert has the hookup on February 13, starting at 1 p.m. A Galentine’s Day Charcuterie Board and two glasses of champagne or mimosas is $25, and there will also be a special gift that comes with it. Other food and beverages will be available for purchase as well. Buy a ticket online or call to reserve your spot if your group has five or more. Come back with a friend or date the next day for a Valentine’s Day Wine Glass Painting. You’ll design your own art on a wine glass to take home, and there are several options available. Your ticket includes all the supplies needed, your glass and your first two mimosas or bubbles and light fare. Reserve your spot online now; seating is limited and appropriately spaced. Peacock Wine Bar is located at 1525 N. Gilbert Road, C-108, Gilbert; 480.590.1586; www.peacockwinebar.com
Doughbird has a few different food specials available Friday through Sunday. There’s the $14 Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp with charred lemon and arugula; and the Glazed Short Rib with apple conserva, Brussels sprouts and farro risotto. The restaurant is based on the idea of pizza and rotisserie chicken, so if you’re not feeling the special items check out the Barbecue Chicken pizza with charred corn, red onion, jalapeño pesto and white cheddar or the Red Bird Chicken, available half a bird or whole. You also get to pick a side like macaroni and cheese, crispy potato wedges and sautéed broccoli. Sauce choices range from pineapple teriyaki to horseradish crème fraiche. Doughbird is located at 4385 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix; 602.345.9161; www.eatdoughbird.com
Roy’s has two ways to commemorate the day of romance. There’s an elegant four-course Prix Fixe menu featuring Surf & Turf & Surf, a decadent trio of Lump Crab Cake, Grilled Filet Mignon and Maine Lobster Tail. Classics like the Misoyaki Butterfish, Parmesan Bacon Crusted Sea Bass and Hibiscus Orange Glazed Chicken Breast are available to order as well. There’s also brunch that day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with three courses for $39 plus endless mimosas for $15. Appetizers include Lobster Bisque and Tempura-Crusted Ahi Roll followed by entrées like a Hawaiian Seafood Omelet and Brûlée Banana Macadamia Nut Pancakes. Dessert is Red Velvet Cake with Mascarpone Cream Cheese Filling. Roy’s has locations in Chandler and Phoenix; www.roysrestaurant.com
ComicX is the cool comic book-themed eatery and gift shop at Desert Ridge Marketplace in Phoenix, and if you and partner love all things superheroes and villains, this place is for you. There’s even a good deal for Valentine’s Day. The couple’s dinner features two entrées off the regular menu plus choice of soup or salad and a Churro Bowl with chocolate hearts. With two drinks from the bar, it’s $65, or $75 for an upgraded Prime Rib entrée with baked potato and choice of vegetable. ComicX is located at 21001 N. Tatum Boulevard, Suite 95, Phoenix; 480.306.6780; www.comicx.us
Reservations are required for access to the Valentine’s Day dinner at the Mick Brasserie, but you won’t regret it. Sit down from 5 to 10 p.m. to enjoy the multiple vegetarian and land and sea dishes available like the Shaved Vegetable Salad, Vietnamese Pork Belly and Rack of Lamb. Don’t forget the Golden Osetera Caviar which is a preorder only. If you like to share, there are several options perfect for two such as the Charcuterie and Cheese Board with all the fixings. Save room for dessert — the Frozen Strawberry Souffle Cube and White Chocolate Sphere Filled with Dark Chocolate Mousse are both uniquely delicious. The Mick Brasserie is located at 9719 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale; 480.246.6197; www.themickaz.com
Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse says on its Facebook page that the passionate plates being offered for Valentine’s Day are sure to ignite romance at the dinner table. Starters include Jumbo Bacon Wrapped Prawns, Lobster Bisque and a Winter Salad. For your entrée, it’s a choice of Chilean Sea Bass with sweet potato puree, sautéed broccolini and a coconut curry reduction; or the Prime Rib and Lobster Tail with Yukon mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. The 40-ounce Prime Tomahawk is good to share and comes with three sides. For dessert, save room for Maria’s Red Velvet Cake. Reservations can be made online or by calling in, and seating begins at 4 p.m. Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse is located at 7212 E. Ho Hum Road, Carefree; 602.374.4784; www.keelerssteakhouse.com
Beer My Valentine at Pedal Haus Brewery. For $20, you can purchase a bottle of wine and a dessert. The special is available at both Pedal Haus locations, and COVID-19 protocols will be enforced. Sweet treat choices are a chef-inspired seasonal Cheesecake, Campfire S’more Cookie or Hot Fudge Brownie. While you’re at it, grab a pub burger, salad or rustic pizza off of the extensive menu. There are also a bunch of vegan and gluten-free options. Pedal Haus Brewery has locations in Chandler, Phoenix and Tempe; www.pedalhausbrewery.com