KC Restaurants to Visit for Valentine’s Day Based on Your Relationship Status
Valentine’s Day is around the corner. Not sure how to spend it? Fear not—Food Editor Grace Pritchett is here to guide you to the Valentine’s meal for you, based on your relationship status.
Valentine’s Day combines my love of love with my love of food for an adorable holiday but it’s not always easy to decide how you want to spend this day, or who you want to spend it with. Read on for my restaurant recs for every kind of relationship, even the confusing ones.
Ridin’ Solo
You’re single and not looking for a valentine, other than your dog of course. Whether it’s fancy sips or classic sweets, treat yourself to whatever kind of Valentine’s Day you want to have.
@feastmag / @annapetrow
Photo by Kaley Kocinski
Swordfish Tom’s (210 W 19 Terrace) is the perfect locale for a solo night with a secluded location and moody environment. Their menu of craft cocktails never disappoints and gives you the chance to be a little adventurous with your tastes, which is much harder to do in the dating world. More of a sweet tooth? Buy your own chocolate this year at Andre’s Confiserie Suisse (5018 Main St) from their selection of handcrafted chocolates and pastries. I think that wine bar is calling your name.
Single & Ready to Mingle
You’re single but very interested in what the city has to offer. Jump off the dating apps and into these spots for some single people-watching. You never know who you’ll lock eyes with over Detroit-style Pizza.
@parlorkcmo
@jriegerco
Parlor’s (1707 Locust St) collection of food concepts allows you to really narrow down what you’re looking for. Do you want to date someone who likes fried rice or fried chicken? (Or both!) Order up and let your food tastes bring all the boys to the yard. J. Rieger & Co.’s Monogram Lounge (2700 Guinotte Ave) has a sprawling bar that is perfect for making eyes across the room. Try something classic from their cocktail menu or start swapping recs with someone at the bar. No matter what, you’ll end your night going down a slide and that’s the kind of Valentine’s Day I’m trying to have.
Casually Coupling
It’s not nothing, but it also might not be *something*. You’re not totally sure how to describe this new thing but you know you want to see them on Valentine’s Day. Keep it simple by picking a date spot that’s just as casual as your relationship status.
@gpritchettphoto
@pendulum_kc
Nothing says casual like burgers and milkshakes from Town Topic (2021 Broadway Blvd). Plus, their budget-friendly menu means you can eat what you want and still get to split an order of onion rings. Looks like the beginning of a beautiful something-ship. Brewery Emperial (1829 Oak St) offers a locally-sourced and thoughtfully-made food menu in a no-frills brewery so you can enjoy your date without the pressure of roses and white tablecloths. Sit back, sip on one of their craft beers, and soak up the casual vibes.
Officially Official
You’ve met their friends, they’ve showed up in your Insta-stories, and there is even talk of a summer trip. You’re official and you want to share it with the world. You also want to share whatever they’re ordering for dinner.
@il_lazzarone_kc
@kclocalevents
Hit up Il Lazzarone (412 Delaware St A) to split a pizza in this casual yet romantic space. Their authentic, wood-fired pizza offerings and extensive bar menu will have you feeling the love. This is also a great time for important relationship decisions, like your celebrity couple name or your stance on mornings. For some share-friendly foods, see Extra Virgin’s (1900 Main St) tapas menu. Their mix of small plates, like raw oysters, crab fried rice, and handmade pasta, allows you to order the perfect meal for your relationship. Because you have a bond that no ordinary menu could even begin to understand.
Long Term Love
You found someone that you love, morning breath and all. Maybe you don’t need a super fancy or showy dinner but you want something special to celebrate your relationship.
@greenladylounge
@westportcafe
Pick a cozy spot, like Green Lady Lounge (1809 Grand Blvd), to cuddle up and enjoy some time out of the house together. There’s nothing like smooth jazz, strong drinks, and a cheese plate (seriously, you have to order this) to elevate a night out. For something more food-focused but still jazzy, visit Westport Café (419 Westport Rd) for a truly romantic atmosphere. Let their creative bar program and French-style menu transport you to Paris even for a moment on this special date night.
Coupled but real tired of Valentine’s Day
Whether you’ve been around the Valentine’s Day block a few times or you’re just not much of a lovey-dovey pair, you can still celebrate the holiday and avoid the romantic dinner crowds. My go-to move is celebrating over breakfast, especially if we’re talking February 15th breakfast.
@distriktbiskuithouse
@kclocaleats
Something about a breakfast sandwich just makes me fall in love and the ones from Distrikt Biskuit House (9103 E 39th St) are no different. Take your pick from their stuffed sandwich offerings, like the Distrikt Biskuit Royale, and a la carte breakfast options for a delicious date. Honestly, you’re probably just staring at that biscuit photo instead of reading this and I do. not. blame. you. Seven Swans Crêperie (1746 Washington St) is adorable and comforting, just like your relationship, and full of butter and maple syrup, just like your relationship. Enjoy your time together with fresh crêpes, hot coffee, and sweet pastries. Crafted with care and local ingredients, their crêpes are the perfect Valentine’s Day gift.
