From luxe staycations and romantic candlelit dinners to at-home activities and low-key parties with the girls, we’re sharing our favorite ways to spend Valentine’s Day in Houston.
When you're done perusing this list, check out how to celebrate Valentine's Day 2021 in our other markets: Aspen, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, NYC, Orange County, Palm Beach, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco, Scottsdale, Silicon Valley, and Washington D.C.
For an intimate, low-key dinner pour deux…
La Table
1800 Post Oak Blvd. / Website
Serving modern French fare in a light, airy atmosphere, La Table is the perfect blend of everyday and special occasion. This classic Uptown bistro offers both indoor and outdoor seating options, and puts a fresh spin on French favorites—think steak frites, fried chicken a l’Anglaise, macaroni au gratin and tarte flambee.
See also: 6 Thoughtful Valentine's Day Gifts For The Man In Your Life
For a chef-driven meal in an avant-garde setting…
MAD
4444 Westheimer Road / Website
Since its highly anticipated opening last summer, this River Oaks District eatery has set a new standard for restaurant design. While its Madrid-centric menu of tapas and craft cocktails is certainly worthy of praise, MAD’s dark and dreamy interiors are the real star of the show. Designed by Barcelona-born Lázaro Rosa-Violán, the space features original Picassos, funhouse mirrors and Chihuly chandeliers. Visit MAD’s website to make reservations for a far-from-traditional V-Day dinner.
For a classic, romantic evening of gourmet fare…
B&B Butchers & Restaurant
1814 Washington Ave. / Website
You can’t go wrong with dinner for two at this upscale butcher shop-steakhouse hybrid. A Houston classic by any standard, B&B manages to exude elegance without feeling stuffy or overdone. If you’re going to splurge on high-quality steak or lobster—or both—B&B is your best bet. Make a reservation online or, if you missed your chance to dine in, be sure to check out B&B’s Valentine’s Day to-go menu for decadent take-home offerings.
For an at-home picnic under the stars…
The Fab Fête
1919 Edwards St. / Website
Weather permitting, a backyard picnic is always a good idea. A French-inspired picnic? Even better. Thanks to Houston hostess extraordinaire Elizabeth Swift Copeland, we can enjoy gourmet, restaurant-quality soufflés at home—without having to beat one egg white. The Fab Fête specializes in readymade, freezer-to-oven soufflés. While The Fab Fête ships nationwide, Houstonians can pick up their online orders at the brand’s local warehouse.
See also: 7 Gift Ideas For A Fun-Filled Galentine's Day
For a Galentine’s night on the town…
The Rustic
1836 Polk St.; 1121 Uptown Park Blvd., Ste. 4 / Website
With locations in downtown and Uptown, this lively indoor-outdoor venue is a go-to for any occasion, including GNO. Grab your gals for a low-key night featuring local brews, casual eats and live music. Be sure to check The Rustic’s website for concert dates, times and details for both locations.
For a casual V-Day happy hour…
Los Tios
Multiple locations / Website
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere! This local Tex-Mex institution has been serving up classic fare since 1970 and now operates five area locations, including its San Felipe flagship. The family-owned chain is best known for its margaritas and signature puffy quesos, as well as its mesquite-grilled fajitas, enchiladas and combo plates. If your V-Day dreams involve a fuss-free, tequila-heavy date night, Los Tios is your spot.
Book a luxurious staycation with your sweetheart…
Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District
5701 Main St. / Website
For a weekend getaway without the hassle of traveling, look no further than these boutique digs. Houston’s culture-rich Museum District houses this sexy yet sophisticated hotel known for elaborately themed suites. Every room features Italian linens, rain forest shower-heads and state-of-the-art espresso machines, ensuring a luxurious stay regardless of your room selection. Just around the corner is the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston—if you and your Valentine decide to explore the neighborhood.
Take a flower-arranging class with your girlfriends…
FIORI
4315 Montrose Blvd. / Website
Comprising an Italian bistro and a flower shop, this Montrose concept serves authentic fare against a bloom-filled backdrop. While class topics range from making specialty gin cocktails to assembling the perfect holiday centerpiece, FIORI’S floral-focused classes are led by in-house florist Flowers & Flourless. Check FIORI’S website and Instagram for details on upcoming floral design classes, and call for more info.
Treat yourself (and your significant other) to a couple’s massage…
Trellis Spa
111 N. Post Oak Lane / Website
Following a multimillion-dollar renovation and expansion, Trellis Spa will officially reopen in early February—just in time for Valentine’s Day. Located inside The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa, Trellis is now the largest spa in Texas at 26,500 square feet. Reserve the couple’s suite for a custom couple’s massage or body treatment, with spirits and sweet treats available in special packages. View the full spa menu online and call to book a treatment.
Grab your gal pals for the ultimate at-home activity: a virtual macaron-making class…
Macaron by Patisse
Known for its not-so-common macaron flavors like fig & goat cheese, tiramisu and lemon mascarpone, this French bakery is solely dedicated to perfecting the meringue-based confection. While in-person baking classes are on pause due to COVID-19, owner Sukaina Rajani still offers monthly virtual classes. Gather a few of your girlfriends and choose someone to host; you’ll receive recipes and a supply list upon registration, then the main event is livestreamed via Facebook. February class details have yet to be posted, but registration is done through Macaron by Patisse’s website so be sure to check back soon.
See also: 9 Sweet Valentine's Day Gifts For Her
Learn to cook a classic French dish with your lovebird…
Sur la Table
1996 W. Gray St. / Website
In addition to its universally beloved kitchenware, cooking emporium Sur la Table is known for its top-notch classes. If you and your partner want to up your cooking game, V-Day is the perfect time to channel your inner chef. At the River Oaks location, Valentine’s weekend classes include Classic French Macarons on Feb. 13 and 14, Classic Beef Bourguignon on Feb. 13, and Traditional Coq au Vin on Feb. 14.
Insider tip: Sur la Table has reduced its class size to eight people to ensure ample room for social distancing, so be sure to secure a spot while they’re still available!
Plan a Galentine’s Day mani-pedi party…
Paloma at C. Baldwin hotel
400 Dallas St., First Floor / Website
Sometimes a day of pampering is just what the doctor ordered, especially for Galentine’s Day. On the lobby level of downtown’s C. Baldwin hotel, clean beauty destination Paloma offers the ideal setting for a spa day with the girls. This sleek salon uses only non-toxic products that are vegan, fair trade and non-GMO. Touting clean polishes from buzzy brands like Deborah Lippmann and J. Hannah, Paloma doesn’t sacrifice wellness for beauty. Book your appointment online or by phone.
Partake in Parisian high tea with your fellow mademoiselles…
Café Poêtes
122 W. Gray St. / Website
Fancy a French tea room? Treat yourself to Le Goûter, France’s version of British high tea, at this charming Midtown cafe. Helmed by Paris native Karine Favre-Massartic, Café Poêtes is the ultimate spot for a Galentine’s tea party. Sip a cup of Earl Grey or a bubbly Kir Royale while delighting in a traditional menu of seasonal gazpacho, choux pastries, savory eclairs, quiches and madeleines. Call or go online to reserve your table.
Photography by: from top, photos: by Julie Soefer; by Terry Vine; by Kerry Kirk; by Elina Sazonova/unsplash; by Taylor Heery/unsplash; by Ben Hill; courtesy of Café Poêtes
