How To Celebrate Valentine’s Day, Neighborhood By Neighborhood
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. And we’re about to hit panic mode when it comes to snagging those prized reservations. But, what if this year, you did things a little different? What is this year, instead of traveling clear across town, why not explore your own neighborhood? There are so many incredible neighborhood gems. So, here are our recommendations for a romantic dinner in your hood.
Midtown
For Drinks
Grab a cocktail at the bar at Empire State South. There’s a large, wrap-around bar that is serving some incredibly inventive cocktails. Our favorite right now is the Avant Gardner made with Bourbon, Pear, Sherry and Sage. Nibble on some In Jars, and assortment of pimento cheese, deviled ham, pickles and more. 999 Peachtree Street Northeast Suite 140
For Dinner
One of our favorite spots in Midtown is Ecco. There are not enough words to describe how fantastic it is. Before anything, before you even order drinks really, get an order of Goat Cheese Balls -fried balls of goat cheese and covered in peppered honey. And special on the menu for Valentine’s Day weekend is Campannelle with poached lobster, artichokes, sunchoke puree, and basil. 40 7th Street Northeast
Downtown
For Drinks
What’s better than drinks with a view? Head straight to the Hyatt Regency and ride the glass elevator to the top to The Polaris. You’ll step out into 60s chic space that is only missing Don Draper. And since they barrel age their own cocktails, you’ll have to start with a Manhattan. It’s the only way.Then sip and alternate between gazing at your beautiful date and the 360 degree view of the Atlanta skyline as the restaurant turns. 265 Peachtree Street Northeast
For Dinner
What’s better than drinks with a view? Dinner with a view! After you’ve taken a few turns around Polaris, head over to Westin down the street and go all the way to top again and step out into The Sun Dial. This time, instead of cozying up to a bar with a view, you’ll grab a table with one. As the restaurant rotates, you’ll get one heck of view of this gorgeous city of ours. And bonus points of you tell your date it’s dull in comparison to them. The Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta, 210 Peachtree Street Northwest
Virginia Highland
For Drinks
Let’s go old school and grab a martini at Highland Tap. It’s an old school steakhouse that’s serving up classic cocktails. And bonus? There’s a fireplace to get all cozy-like with your date. 1026 North Highland Avenue Northeast
For Dinner
After drinks, saunter around the corner to La Tavola. This neighborhood gem in Virginia Highland is an absolute delight. It’s cozy and romantic and everything you want in a date night. Piles of beautifully made pasta dishes accompany a wine list that is filled with classics and new tastes that you’ll fall in love with. 992 Virginia Avenue Northeast
Buckhead
For Drinks
This is Buckhead. This is Valentine’s Day. Let’s live it up. Head straight to Chops Lobster Bar and go to the bar. Order a bottle of bubbly and a dozen oysters and just take in the view. The room is stunning. Almost as stunning as the regular clientele that will saunter past you. But, you;ll only have eyes for your date, right? 70 West Paces Ferry Road Northwest
For Dinner
After you’ve finished your bubbles and oysters, grab an Uber and get to St. Cecilia. Grab a table toward the back for ultimate intimacy and then dive in. Inventive cocktails, fresh seafood and hand made pasta, there’s something for everyone. Our favorite? The short rib agnolotti. 3455 Peachtree Road
East Cobb
For Drinks
What’s better to kick off a date than a few glasses of vino? Well, how about a whole bar full of the best wine in the area? From red to white to sparkling, Stem Wine Bar is the spot to go to kick off your evening. 1311 Johnson Ferry Road #516, Marietta, GA
For Dinner
Just down the street from your wine will be Common Quarter. Opened last year from the guys that brought us Local Three and Muss & Turner’s, this place has really hit it’s stride lately. And this year, Chef Gardner will be offering up a prix fixe menu. Highlights include red wine braised short ribs and seared duck breast with soft polenta. End your meal on a sweet note with flourless chocolate cake.1205 Johnson Ferry Road #101, Marietta, GA
Roswell
For Drinks
Osteria Mattone has an out of this world wine list. Owner Ryan Pearnice even shipped in his brother, who oversaw the wine program at The Modern , a Michelin-starred Danny Meyer restaurant in New York City. With a James Beard award under his belt, you can be confident he will guide your wine selection with ease. 1095 Canton Street, Roswell, GA
For Dinner
For a romantic dinner, head to the new kid on the block Foundation Social Eatery. You’ll get a private vibe and beautiful surroundings. Start things off with woodfire overn-roasted mussels and move to house-made fettucini and end with a decadent banana bread pudding. You’ll immediately know why this new kid will be sticking around for quite a while. 1570 Holcomb Bridge Road #810, Roswell, GA
