So... anyone got plans set for Valentine's Day yet?
Otherwise known as Singles Awareness Day, Galentine's, Bro-entine's and for some, just February 14th. If you do, that's great! Go you and your plans.
But for those of you who don't, we have a few lineups for the couples, non-couples, friends, FWBs and singletons.
And don’t worry, these recommendations aren’t pity parties or speed dating gimmicks. We made sure that you will have fun regardless if you have a special someone or if you ARE the special someone in your life.
#loveyourself
1. Go for a classic bowl of Spaghetti
Nothing says romantic (or cliche) than going to an Italian restaurant for Valentine's Day. We'd definitely recommend Patsy's Italian Restaurant since their 70-year family run business has yet to have steered us wrong.
[anad]
Bonus points if you can just 'happen' to chew on the same noodle. #instagramgold
2. Gorge on Chocolate Drinks (and other sweets)
Who doesn't like chocolate? Save for those who are allergic. We think hitting up Prospect Heights Southern Mexican restaurant Citrico will satisfy your sweet tooth with their salted Mexican hot chocolate (yum!) that you and your significant other can customize to your liking.
And if they don't like chocolate, there's other sweet drinks and treats for you guys to try out.
3. Order a steak...at an edible temperature
Valentine's Day is anything if not the treat yo'self holiday. Treat bae to one of the delectable dishes on the special prix-fixe menus crafted by one of NYC's amazing steakhouses for an amazing meal that'll only cost you one of your limbs instead of an arm and a leg.
We kid, but food like this is worth it, every once in a while. Try Club A Steakhouse, a chic midtown spot with a $100 prix-fixe, or Lincoln Square Steak for 3 courses, including dessert and a champagne toast. Yum!
Oh, and pro-tip: Never order any kind of steak well-done. Like, why? No, really. WHY?!
4. Get kinky ;)
Okay, so this is more for the kinky and curious, but it's educational!
The Valentine's Day Rose Soiree, hosted by Babeland (yes, the sex toy store. Don't judge.) is guaranteed to help you and any of your companions get into loving yourself with bubbly drinks. Admission is free, and the event starts at Mon, Feb 13th, at 7:00 pm! And the plus side?
You'll have good vibes all around. #noshame
5. Go to an 'Anti-Valentine's Day' Event
What's love got to do with it? Whether you're just anti-romance or not a fan of the pink frillies of the holiday, going to an event that doesn't want to celebrate all that nonsense may be the best thing for you.
Hosted by the Social Wine Lovers of NYC, The Anti-Valentine's Day Party is happening on February 11th from 7: 30 pm to 11:30 pm. Admission is 25$, but the upside is that 50% of the proceeds from the event to Bideawee, a non-profit organization that cares for cats & dogs in search of "forever homes."
Who can say no to fun and a cause?
6. Go to an inclusive event for singles and couples
If you don't want to be left out of Valentine's Day but you don't want to stick out either, try the Lovecraft: A Valentine's Day Experience. Said experience is going to be running for three days thanks to Pop Up Nation from February 10th to the 12th at 435 Broome Street.
The vast arrangement of venues and activities are something for both couples and singles to enjoy, with the latter able to receive makeovers, massages, and a chance to make their own pleasure box.
Plus it's free to attend so you don't have to feel obligated to put out....well anything really.
7. Get kinkier ;) ;)
If you really want to be racy, you can dress up in your finest red and go to Valentine's Day: The Story of Red on V-Day. The gala is geared toward the darker side of romance and sensuality, with tickets that can give you a closer access to one's inner sexual spirit.
You gotta wear red though, and the dress code is 'red tie' couture and costume.
So this is kinda leaning toward a real life 50 Shades of Grey area. Very nice.
8. Try something new at Shay & Ivy!
Shay and Ivy are having a prix fixe dinner special on February 14th at 39 W 24th St, New York. We love their American cuisine and think that the atmosphere is great for the low-key dinner dates.
9. Get super kinky and go to The Museum of Sex ;) ;) ;) (okay, we'll stop now)
Skip the formalities and thrust yourself (and maybe your partner or friend) into the tantalizing exhibits at the Museum of Sex on V-Day.
From exploring the interactive sensory exhibitions to the sex toy shop at the entrance, you can't go wrong with figuring out what your kinks are at a place where everyone can come together.
Unless this is your first date. Then yeah, you kinda messed up.
10. Profess your love on the red steps at Times Square
For those who want to make a big statement (or who want to watch others do that, we don't know why) Love in Time Square is the time to climb up the red steps and drop proposals, wedding ceremonies and vow renewals for couples.
For the nostalgic, there's a rumor of the Heart of Hearts kaleidoscopic kissing booths being around.
[anad2]
We wouldn't recommend anyone to show up there single. The event is free to attend and starts at 9:00 am, so be ready to share your love (or avoid the steps all day).
11. See a concert to share the Single's Awareness Day with everyone else
For those who want to mellow out being single and not go to a party to celebrate, you can actually wallow in self-reflection at a tribute that expresses a love of music.
Unlovable: A Smiths and Morrissey Valentine's Day is on its sixth annual run at the Bell House where The Sons & Heirs play in honor of the music of The Smiths and Morrissey. Tickets are 18$, and the doors open at the Bell House at 7:00 pm on Valentine's Day.