Love is in the air in Charm City, especially when Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday. So, grab your significant other and enjoy a night full of amorous ambience—whether you’re enjoying a customized menu, out-of-the-ordinary cuisine, or an extra special night at a hotel.
Prix-Fixe Party
Bookmakers Cocktail Club: This classy Federal Hill spot will be featuring a three-course prix-fixe in its romantic dining room from 5-10 p.m. As its name signifies, the unique cocktails at Bookmakers truly shine, so splurge on optional cocktail pairings to enhance your dining experience on this special night. 31 E. Cross St., 443-438-4039.
Bluegrass Tavern: Spend the night indulging in classic comfort food with a modern twist at this Southern-inspired restaurant. The four-course fixed menu will include mouthwatering fare like lobster bisque, smoked oysters on the half shell, chicken Marsala, and chocolate mousse with berries and whipped cream. 1500 Hanover St., 410-244-5101.
Cunningham’s: The beautiful dining room of this Towson restaurant paired with the delicious gourmet eats that come out of the kitchen make it an excellent place to celebrate a special occasion. Crab cakes with petite filet, seared rockfish, and Persian love cake are among highlights on the three-course fixed menu. 1 Olympic Pl., Towson, 410-339-7730.
Donna’s: With its excellent wine pairings and elegant interior, this Cross Keys haunt is a great place for a date night. Diverse offerings like teriyaki-glazed tofu with red chili and peanut sauce and mustard-seed-and-herb-crusted lamb rack will be featured on the lovely prix-fixe. 5100 Falls Road, 410-532-7611.
Fleet Street Kitchen: Equipped with hanging chandeliers for added allure, this trendy restaurant will be featuring a three-course pre-fixe during early seating from 5-7 p.m., and a four-course prix-fixe from 7-11 p.m. Menu specialties include lobster, duck breast, beef short ribs, and baked Alaska. 1012 Fleet St., 410-244-5830.
Heavy Seas Alehouse: Nothing says love like some great beer pairings. Head to this cozy spot to enjoy a prix-fixe menu featuring tuna tartare, grilled petite filet and shrimp, and a decadent house baked brownie. Each course is accompanied by one of Heavy Sea’s unique brews. 1300 Bank St, 410-753-1403.
Mezze: We’ve heard that a lot of Mediterranean ingredients, like olive oil, are known aphrodisiacs. See for yourself by tasting some of the signature Mediterranean-inspired fare at this popular Kali’s Court restaurant. A three-course fixed menu featuring surf and turf for two will be the highlight of the night. 1606 Thames St., 410-276-4700.
Pazo: This gorgeous multi-level space in Harbor East specializes in rustic Southern Italian cuisine. Sip on a spicy cocktail or a glass of wine off of the extensive wine list while enjoying a four-course prix-fixe by Chef Marucci. Fettuccini with roasted chicken, pizza with lamb meatballs, and branzino with shrimp and mussels are all highlights of the special menu. 1425 Aliceanna St., 410-534-7296.
Roy’s: The Hawaiian fusion fare at this fancy special occasion restaurant will make you feel like you’re spending the romantic holiday at a tropical destination. Deals for the special night include a three-course prix-fixe with options ranging from mochi-seared scallops to pomegranate-glazed chicken breast. 720 B Aliceanna St., 410-659-0099.
Stay and Play
14Forty: If you’re feeling lucky this February 14, stop by this multi-level lounge in Horseshoe Casino and participate in a free vow renewal ceremony. One lucky couple that renews their love will walk away with a free second honeymoon to Las Vegas including round trip airfare; three nights stay at Caesars Palace, and dinner for two at GIADA, Chef Giada de Laurentis’ new restaurant. 1525 Russell St., 410-960-0051.
B&O American Brasserie: This hotel bar always boasts inventive food and cocktail options. Small plates to share will include octopus tacos, veal sweetbread nuggets, oxtail sliders, and grilled veggie flatbread with praline baby sweet potatoes. The fun doesn’t stop there, though. Desserts to share will include churros and spiced hot coffee, and moscato sorbet with gold flakes. 2 N. Charles St., 443-692-6172.
The Lord Baltimore Hotel: Treat yourself to a weekend “stay-cation” at this award-winning historic hotel downtown. The “Lord and Lady Baltimore Valentine’s Day Package” includes overnight accommodations for two, complimentary valet parking, a bottle of champagne delivered to your room, late check out, and a $50 credit that can be used towards a meal at either of the hotel’s restaurants, The French Kitchen or LB Tavern. 20 W. Baltimore St., 410-539-8400.
Wit & Wisdom Tavern: If you’ll be flyin’ solo this Valentine’s Day, grab your best buds and head to this popular spot in the Four Seasons Baltimore. Wit & Wisdom will be hosting a “Valentine’s Vendetta” party starting at 10 p.m. featuring specialty cocktails and live DJ entertainment. 200 International Drive, 410-576-5800.
Out-of-the-Ordinary
Johnny’s: Sweet tooth cravings are at an all time high this time of year, and this Roland Park restaurant has all of the satisfying remedies. All weekend long, Johnny’s will be featuring red velvet pancakes during brunch, and red velvet cupcakes and heart-shaped sugar cookies on the dessert menu. 4800 Roland Ave., 410-773-0777.
Matsuri: Retreat from the cold weather at this Federal Hill sushi spot with a warm bowl of miso soup to start, followed by the chef’s special “Sweetheart Roll,” a sweet fusion of jumbo lump crabmeat and avocado wrapped in fresh tuna and cut in colorful heart-shaped pieces. 1105 S. Charles St., 410-752-8561.
Ouzo Bay: Go Greek for Valentine’s Day this year at this trendy Harbor East hotspot. The special menu features traditional dishes like raw leek and olive salad, grilled lamb chops, stuffed chard leaves, grilled salmon with crispy chickpeas, and dorade with lemon potatoes. 1000 Lancaster St., 443-708-5818.
Sexy Spots
Anastasia: This relaxed Fells Point lounge is going all out for the holiday, featuring all kinds of love-themed specials. The Italian restaurant will be featuring an aphrodisiac-inspired prix-fix menu, a complimentary amuse bouche and champagne toast at every table, entertainment, and even a late-night ice luge.1640 Thames St., 410-534-6666.
Red Maple: With its dim lighting and a flickering fireplace almost everywhere you look, this relaxed lounge has a romantic vibe that permeates the entire space. The customized menu includes appetizers like skewered scallops and curried sweet potato samosas, entrees like mushroom and chicken roulade and vegetarian ravioli, and a dessert plate featuring chocolate-covered strawberries and chocolate mousse for a sweet finish. 930 N. Charles St., 410-547-0149.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House: This classic steak house chain is spicing things up with romantic cocktails and food specials. Sip on a chocolate cherry martini while chowing down on the menu’s highlighted offerings like New York strip, petite filet, stuffed chicken breast, or spicy salmon with crispy shrimp. All locations including 1777 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, 410-837-0033.