Valentine’s Day is the one day where you actually have to try, be romantic, and act like you have your life together for the special someone who you may or may not be dating. Some spots will make your date think you're the definition of charm, while others will leave them wondering if you’ve ever even watched a rom-com movie. So, let’s talk about where you should definitely not take your Valentine, and where you might actually impress enough to score another date.
Though they’re on the boujee side, and let’s be honest, no high schooler has the funds to actually pay for it, places like The Capital Grille are definitely solid choices. If you want to show off your classy side or just have an excuse to wear that suit your mom bought you for prom, this is the spot. It’s fancy, the food is amazing, and even though you might have no idea what half the menu is, nod at the waiter and pretend you’re down for the “dry-aged steak.” Your date will probably be impressed by your attempt at sophistication and happy that you planned a lovely night. If you’re not quite ready to put your trust fund to work, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is a great middle ground. It’s laid-back, the food is good like pizza, burgers, and pasta, and they have pizookies. If you don’t know what that is, don’t worry, just order it. You’re going to want one, trust me. Your date will probably be thinking, “Okay, this person knows what’s up,” while you’re secretly trying to decide if you should let them get the last bite. So much for being "classy," but at least it’s a vibe and memorable. Honestly if I were taken here I would be perfectly content, as long as the conversation flowed and a pizzokie was ordered, I would be proud to tell my friends about my night.
Now, let’s say you're self-aware enough to acknowledge that sitting down in a dimly lit restaurant is not your thing. You could always try an activity, which also tends to be quicker! Topgolf is perfect, even if your golf skills are basically non-existent and you might look like you’re trying to swat a fly out of the air with a golf club, the vibe is still great. The food’s decent, but the vibes make up for it. As long as you don't get too competitive and start trash talking, you can get away with planning a memorable night. And if you happen to be absolutely awful, your date will probably laugh along with you, when you both miss the ball for the fifth time in a row. At least you’ll be having fun.
If you're feeling even more adventurous, how about some local escape rooms? You’ll find out exactly how well you work under pressure or if your date is secretly a master at figuring out puzzles. Either way, you'll have plenty of awkward but hilarious moments to laugh about afterward. Just make sure to keep your ego in check when they solve the puzzle before you even figure out the first clue. This is the perfect opportunity to slide in a few compliments about your date being smart or clever instead of the usually pretty. When you escape at the end of the hour you’ll both leave with the satisfactory feeling of a win, a sense of how you work together, and a unique story to bring back to the lunch table.
Given the weather and how competitive you are, if you really want to go for a simple but effective date, mini golf is always a safe bet. Hopefully you probably know how to “putt,” and are not just trying to avoid tripping over the turf. It’s cute, it’s chill, and it’s cheap.
Whether you’re going for that fancy dinner vibe or trying something more fun and low-key, there are plenty of ways to make your Valentine’s Day memorable without going overboard. Just remember, it’s all about having a good time and showing you put in some effort there is no need to stress about being perfect. Avoid the obvious places like the food court or the DMV, and stick to something that feels right for both of you. Good luck, have fun, and may your Valentine’s Day be full of laughs, good food, and maybe a little bit of awkwardness.
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