Valentine’s dining alternatives: Cocktails, coffee, and more

Instead of the big to-do and waiting and rushing of a sit-down Valentine’s Day dinner, why not switch things up with a coffee/drinks and dessert crawl? Two parts of town have quite a few options for each in easy walking distance.

February 14, 2011; 12:00 PM • by Holly Gordon

Instead of the big to-do and waiting and rushing of a sit-down Valentine’s Day dinner, why not switch things up with a coffee/drinks and dessert crawl? Two parts of town have quite a few options for each in easy walking distance.

Carytown

Carytown Cupcakes (2820-C W. Cary Street) has exciting and new flavors all the time, like Red Bull, Samoa, Apple Cider, and Chocolate Meringue-Raspberry. They’re only open until 6pm on Friday and 4pm on Saturday though, so be sure to get in early.

If you’re not a cupcake person, frozen yogurt can be found at the newly-opened Sweet Frog (3137 W. Cary Street). Family friendly with bright lighting and plastic chairs doesn’t scream romance, but everyone likes ice cream, and it might be good for those with a more casual or new Valentine.

Continue the crawl down the street at Can Can (3120 W. Cary Street) for a French wine and the place to see and be seen in a chic setting. Or for a more neighborhood feel, try Secco. (2933 W. Cary Street) to taste some of the new wines that just arrived. Choose the couches at the front for a view of the street, or grab a seat at the cork bar and chat with the friendly and knowledgeable bartenders. They’ve got a special menu Monday by reservation only.

If you’re looking for a late night drink, Xtras (pictured above, located at 3322B W. Cary Street) is one of the few places in Carytown open late (til 2am). Last I was there the inside was full of happy eaters and drinkers while the rest of the neighborhood was dead. Their long, curved bar is sexy, and I imagine this would be a good place to meet someone if you are single that night.

Shockoe Bottom

Good for a first or last stop of the evening, Cafe Gutenberg (1700 E. Main Street) has both great coffee and beer and wine. They have one of the best views in town — on the second floor, overlooking the train tracks, I-95 and Main Street Station’s big clock. Gutenberg’s stopped letting people sit upstairs for some reason, so if you go, you may have to beg for romance’s sake.

A hip new place for drinks, The Lounge Bar & Grille (1717 E. Franklin Street) has built a fast following with smart use of social media. On Mondays they also offer $5 beef stir fry.

Havana ‘59 (16 N. 17th Street) is a classic for cocktails, especially their famous Mojito. With old-world charm, it’s a great stopping point on your crawl.

Honorable Mention

I’m not normally one to advocate chains, but I’ve always wanted to try The Melting Pot, but only for dessert. Honestly, I don’t have any desire to dip things into cheese, but two of you dipping fruit and cake into chocolate and getting it on your fingers, and maybe your lips…well, you get the idea. It’s gonna be slammed though, so be sure to pick a non-peak time or make a reservation now.

Of course, if you had your heart set on dinner out for Valentine’s Day, check out Holly’s picks for the big night — or you can always peruse our full list of Richmond’s Valentine’s dining specials.

(Photo by by Terra Gatti)

February 14, 2011 12:00 PM 0