1. Jazz at the Bistro
Where: 3536 Washington Ave.
What it will cost: $15 for students
Website: jazzstl.org/jazz-at-the-bistro
Phone Number: 314-289-4030
Jazz at the Bistro, located only minutes from Saint Louis University’s campus on the trendy Washington Avenue, will be hosting shows on Feb. 11 and 12 featuring the Mardra Thomas group and a show on Feb. 14 with Mardra Thomas coupled with Reggie Thomas. The show is $25 at the door, but student tickets are available 15 minutes before the show for $15 with a valid student ID. There are only 150 seats and the small venue creates a romantic feel, according to Bob Bennett, Director of Operations and Artistic Administration.
“This is a very intimate venue. The focus is on world-class jazz artists, up-close and personal,” Bennett said.
Purchase tickets by calling the Jazz St. Louis box office at 314-289-4030 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
2. The Missouri Botanical Gardens
Where: 4344 Shaw Blvd.
What it will cost: $8 for General admission plus $5 for the Annual Orchid Show
Website: missouribotanicalgarden.com
Phone Number: 314-534-1700
The Missouri Botanical Gardens would provide a romantic location for a date during its annual orchid show, featuring 800 blooming orchids on display. The Garden contains one of the world’s prime orchid collections and is available for viewing any day of the week . Weekday hours are generally from 9 a.m. to 3p.m. with the last weekday entrance at 2 p.m.
“They really are not going to see anything like this in St. Louis at this time of the year anywhere else. The orchids are truly stunning. There is a certain romance to the display itself,” Holly Berthold, Public Information Officer, said.
Garden admission includes $8 for admission into the Gardens, plus an additional $5 for the display. Tickets can be purchased on mobot.org.
3. The Billiken club
Where: 20 N Grand Blvd.
What it will cost: Admission is free
Website: thebillikenclub.wordpress.com
Billikens After Dark, along with Beta Theta Pi Fraternity will be hosting Sweetheart Bingo in the Billiken Club on Friday, Feb. 11 at 9 p.m. This event will feature sweetheart-themed bingo, Valentine’s Day candy, and many prizes for winners.
“This is a great event to attend with your Valentine because you not only will you be able to spend some quality time together playing a game of bingo, but you can also use those killer bingo skills to win your sweetheart a cool prize and enjoy some sweets with your sweet,” Breanna Branch, Billikens After Dark Marketing Intern, said.
4. St. Louis Symphony
Where: 718 N. Grand Blvd.
What it will cost: Tickets range from $21-$112
Website: stlsymphony.org
Phone Number: 314-534-1700
The St. Louis Symphony is presenting the Jupiter Symphony for Valentine’s Day weekend. The symphony plays Feb. 11 and 12 at 8 p.m. This event includes Mozart and Tchaikovsky, including Mozart arias.
“Come, do not delay, oh bliss” is sung in Italian. According to Adam Krane, Director of Communications, it sounds “sexier” that way. The cello produces deep, dark sounds, with a dancing flair by Lee.
“The Jupiter Symphony is perfect for Valentine’s Day because it is about things coming together perfectly. The finale is a great crashing together of sounds, breathtaking and inspiring,” Krane said.
Tickets can be purchased online at stlsymphony.org or by calling the box office at 314-534-1700.
5. Your Pot’s desire
Where: 6511 Delmar Blvd.
What it will cost: Items cost between $3.50-$60
Website: yourpotsdesire.com
Phone Number: 314-601-3982
Your Pot’s Desire, located in the Delmar Loop, could provide an artistic spin to a Valentine’s date. The shop allows visitors to choose fired pottery from the shelves to paint and personally decorate. The pottery is then put in the kiln, and the finished product is available for later pickup. This could be an untraditional, yet intriguing date idea and could yield some messy fun.
“It is a very relaxing, fun place, and there is a lot of one-on-one attention. Couples can talk and paint at the same time,” Owner Brittany Crittenden said.
Crittenden, a graduate of SLU’s entrepreneurship program, describes a romantic scene at Your Pot’s Desire, including chocolate-covered strawberries and wine for the special day.
6. Drunken Fish
Where: 1 Maryland Plaza
What it will cost: Entrees range from $12.75-$49.25
Website: drunkenfish.com
Phone Number: 314-367-4222
Sweetheart Soiree at the Drunken Fish location at Westport Plaza is a lively VIP party on Thursday, Feb. 10, from 9 p.m. to midnight, that invites couples to come and enjoy live music by DJ Show, sushi and cocktail specials, bottle service, karaoke and free champagne with RSVP. VIP access is limited so it is important to RSVP.
“We are making it an event. We are going out of our way to make you feel special from the moment you walk in the door. We want you to feel like this event was made for you,” Mark Murphy, General Manager of the Westport Plaza location, said.
RSVP atdrunkenfish.com or stop by the Westport Plaza location to pick up a ticket.
7. Onesto Pizzeria and Trattoria
Where: 5401 Finkman St.
What it will cost: Entrees range from $8-$25
Website: onestopizza.com
Phone Number: 314-802-8883
In case of an Italian craving, The Hill’s Onesto is holding a Lady & the Tramp Valentine’s Day Dinner Feb. 12 through 14. The regular menu is available online with the Valentine specials, which include dessert duos and dinners to be split between couples. As a meal is split, an accordion player and heated tent will contribute to the romantic ambience of Onesto Pizza & Trattoria.
Prices range from $8-$25, depending on what is ordered. A couple has the option to split a pizza for as low as $8 or to order a special entree for $25. Five percent of the proceeds will be donated to Stray Rescue of Saint Louis.
“Couples should come here for the romantic atmosphere and excellent food,” Owner and Chef Craig Stenson said.
Reservations are accepted at 314-802-8883.
8. Mojo Tapas Restaurant and Bar
Where: 3117 South Grand Blvd.
What it will cost: The Valentine’s Day special is $39.95 per person
Website: mojorestaurantstl.com
Phone Number: 314-865-0500
Mojo Tapas Restaurant and Bar is located less than five minutes from SLU’s campus on S. Grand Blvd. It offers close, casual dining for those looking for contemporary American or Spanish cuisine.
The Valentine’s Day special includes a set, four-course menu for $39.95 per person. The prefixe menu begins with a steamy lobster bisk and then follows with a pan-seared Serano ham-wrapped scallop over arugula salad with toasted macadamia nuts and passion-fruit vinaigrette. The third dish includes herb-marinated bistro steak with roasted red pepper mashed potatoes, broccolini and a house-made Worcestershire sauce. Dessert comes in the form of a two-layer parfait of raspberry and chocolate mousse.
The Valentine’s Day special runs Feb. 11, 12, & 13. However, the general menu prices dishes for $30 and under.
“We just have a fun atmosphere here. Plus, tapas is so conducive to sharing,” Owner and Chef Eric Erhard said.
Reservations can be made at 314- 865-0500.
9. The Melting Pot
Where: 6683 Delmar Blvd.
What it will cost: The Valentine’s Day special is $65 per person
Website: meltingpot.com
Phone Number: 314-725-4141
Nothing screams Valentine’s Day like fondue. The Melting Pot, located on East Delmar Blvd, will house your Valentine’s Day date with a special celebration including a four-course meal, one glass of champagne, a special gift for each guest and live music at $65 per person. The full menu and reservations are available for Feb. 12-14 online at www.meltingpot.com.
“We’ve been voted the most romantic restaurant year after year. And our private booths make for more intimate seating. We can also put roses on the table if requested. We strive to make The Melting Pot the most romantic restaurant ever,” Hostess Shelby Wrozier said.
10. Flamingo Bowl
Where: 1117 Washington Ave.
What it will cost: $4 per person per game and $3 for shoe rentals
Website: flamingobowl.net
Phone Number: 314-436-6666
Besides the fact that it is a big pink building, Flamingo Bowl, located on Washington Avenue downtown, is also a good place for a fun, entertaining Valentine’s Day date because the colorful interior yields affordable bowling, food and drinks.
“It’s always a party down here. And our bartenders are very entertaining,” Assistant Manager Katie Gwaltney said.
Bowling is all ages before 9 p.m. when it becomes only open to those of legal drinking age. If you are working as a bartender or waitress, you can bring a valid paycheck into Flamingo Bowl on Valentine’s Day to receive special drink deals from 11 p.m. until last call. The special deals include $1 wells and $2 draft beers. While sharing a soothing cocktail, your date and you can bowl together for only $4 per person per game and $3 shoe rental.
Check flamingobowl.net or call 314-436-6666.
