Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Date Ideas


With Valentine’s Day right around the corner (three days!), those of us who didn’t plan ahead are scrambling for late-minute date venues to show our love and devotion to our partners. Despite many places in the Washington, D.C., area being booked full, there’s still some restaurants with availability that will sweep your date off their feet – and make you look like the thoughtful partner you truly are.

The Alex Restaurant
1075 Thomas Jefferson St., NW

The Graham Georgetown’s cocktail lounge and restaurant the Alex is an inviting space for you to spend your Valentine’s Day evening. Featuring unique blend of Victorian and steampunk accents and a speakeasy-esque vibe, the Alex is the place to be if you’re looking for an unusual, yet inviting, place to enjoy dinner and drinks this Valentine’s Day.

The Alex currently has remaining availability for couples at 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

America Eats Tavern
1700 Tysons Blvd., Tysons, Virginia

Despite a 20-minute drive from D.C., the America Eats Tavern is a strong contender for your Valentine’s Day meal. The venue features a unique take on classic American cuisine. America Eats is open from breakfast through dinner and has a wide variety of meals to choose from. Head chef José Andrés takes care to embrace local flavor by offering oysters, cheeses, and meats from the Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia area. If you’re interested, hurry up and book a reservation fast because space is running out.

America Eats has remaining availability for couples at 4:30 p.m., 8:45 p.m. and 9 p.m. – you can use the time before or after dinner to catch a movie, or do another activity with your date to make the most out of the day.

Bistro Français
3124 M St., NW

Open since 1975, Bistro Français is a family-owned restaurant with a big reputation. Located right on M Street, this French restaurant offers authentic dishes that are perfect for any occasion. Executive chef and owner Gerard Cabrol, who hails from southwest France, brought his favorite home recipes with him when he moved to Washington. Bistro Français is a perfect spot for you to cozy up with your Valentine’s Day date and enjoy some culinary specialties — from steak to duck to homemade French pastries.

Bistro Français has availability for couples at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., so act fast before the space runs out – your date will thank you for it. After all, how can you go French and not be romantic?

La Chaumière
2813 M St., NW

La Chaumière is a truly authentic gem located on Georgetown’s M Street. The restaurant resembles a humble French country inn, with a central stone fireplace, wood beams and stucco walls. For Valentine’s Day, La Chaumière is featuring a special menu with entrées such as sea scallops, beef tenderloin medallions, beef wellington with foie gras and roasted quail. With the rustic feel and friendly atmosphere, La Chaumière is your one-stop destination to recreate an evening in Paris.

La Chaumière currently has limited availability for 5 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., but spots are going fast.

Peacock Café
3251 Prospect St., NW

Peacock Café is your local neighborhood charmer that features contemporary American fare. The restaurant has had several VIP guests, including presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. For the holiday, Peacock Café is offering two different specials throughout the weekend. On Friday and Saturday night, they are featuring a special three-course menu that will be $55 per person. On Sunday they will be offering a three-course prix fix menu, with a bonus of a stem rose and parting gift after dinner. Sunday’s dinner will also be $55 per person.

Peacock Café has availability for couples at 6:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 7:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Be sure to snag a table while they’re still open – and keep that complimentary rose in mind.

Eno Wine Bar
2810 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

Eno Wine Bar is offering several specials for Valentine’s Day weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, they are offering a Cupid’s flight ($29 per person) of Broadbent Madeira, 2010 LBV Ferreira and Duck Rabbit Milk Stout. Each will be paired with an Eno chocolate flight. Additionally, all bubbles bottles will be 20 percent off for Eno customers, and chocolate fondue will be discounted at 50 percent off.

On Sunday, Eno is offering a Madeira Wine Class starting at 3 p.m., which will be led by Russel Lichtenthal. Lichtenthal is Eno’s wine director and will be speaking on various wine-making techniques in the Madeira region, as guests’ sample Rare Wine Company Sercial, Rare Wine Company Bual, Blandy’s 1996 Malmsey and Broadbent 5yr. The class is $50 per person and reservations may be made at 202-295-2826.

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