With Valentine’s (and Galentine’s) Day just around the corner, here are our favorite hot spots for you and your flame.
The Post Oak Hotel Couples Spa Experience
Treat yourself to a night of gourmet magic, whether it’s a cozy candlelit dinner or a jaw-dropping feast to impress your guests. Let Takeachef whisk you away on a culinary adventure right in the heart of your home. With 161 culinary geniuses in Houston, you can customize your request, check out chef profiles, chat with your favorite, book your dream menu and savor every bite. It’s time to indulge! 844-905-1243, takeachef.com/en-us
MAD
Looking for a truly out-of-this-world experience? Cue River Oaks District’s MAD. Seamlessly blending Spanish gastronomy with Madrid’s iconic nightlife, the eatery’s menu spotlights innovative tapas and small bites, wood fire cooked rice, fish and meats, craft cocktails and a stellar wine cellar. Inside, the moody yet whimsical space is designed by Barcelona-born Lázaro Rosa-Violán and features funhouse mirrors, original Picassos, a Salvadore Dali sculpture and more. Reserve your spot now for a far-from-traditional Valentine's Day dinner. 4444 Westheimer Rd Suite C180, 281. 888.2770
Houston Ballet VIP Experience
Celebrate Valentine's Day with an exclusive VIP night at the Houston Ballet. The experience includes an exclusive on-stage dancer meet-and-greet, a private green room reception, complementary tasty treats and drinks, a themed photo booth and a special gift to commemorate the night. Don’t miss out on this breathtaking experience paired with the current top show: Cinderella.
Tavola
From the masterminds behind Michelin-starred and award-winning concepts including Le Jardinier and L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Tavola stuns Houston’s dining scene with savory bites and a romantic atmosphere. Stop by this upscale Italian eatery for lunch or dinner on Valentine’s Day—or squeeze in a nightcap at the lively brasserie-style bar. 1800 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 100
Romantic Hot Air Balloon Ride
As the sun rises or sets, take your season of love to new heights with a hot air balloon ride. Air Carriage Over Texas has the ultimate experience waiting for you in Houston, right at the San Marcos Regional Airport. Pilot Art Moller has crafted a flight like no other–safe, unforgettable and most of all fun. This ride is a total of three and a half hours, with an hour soaring above the world. Get ready to dive into a movie lovers paradise with this one-of-a-kind experience.
Karne
Marrying a mix of the classic American steakhouse with traditional Korean fare, Karne dazzles and delights in the Heights neighborhood. The modernized Korean steakhouse, from restaurateur Jason Cho with chef Yurum “KP” Nam leading the charge in the kitchen, is rife with authentic ingredients and fresh flavor profiles. As for this Valentine’s Day? Choose between a three or five-course menu, complete with a limited edition cocktail and live DJ. 2805 White Oak Drive
Studs
No partner, no problem! Grab a group of friends and head to Studs for the ultimate bonding experience.“We were excited to bring Studs to Houston’s buzzy Rice Village shopping district,” says Studs co-founder and Chief Brand Officer Lisa Bubbers. “Getting a new piercing is exciting and sharing it with a loved one makes it even more memorable. Galentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity for best friends to get matching ear piercings and shop our new Valentine’s collection of earrings.” At the appointment, expect an expert ear piercing with needles, complementary and personal consultation, an array of cute, high-quality piercing jewelry and so much more. 2567 Amherst St, 832.981.2869
Clark’s Oyster Bar
Sometimes, you have to say “shuck it” and try someplace new. Luckily, Houston hosts a bevy of new eateries to entertain, and we have flagged the one at the top of our list. Ladies and gentlemen, might we introduce you to Clark’s Oyster Bar. Summoning with palette-pleasers including oysters from both the East and West Coast, signature seafood dishes, clams and a cold bar for the books, this resto packs the ultimate punch. With a flagship location in Austin and another in Aspen, Co., Clark’s Houston is guaranteed to have discerning diners buzzing in no time. 3807 Montrose Blvd.
Auto Exotic Rental
It’s time to spice up your love life with a dash of luxury. Buckle up for a fun joyride in the fleet of Auto Exotic Rental luxury cars, from the suave Rolls Royce to the sleek and stylish Porsche. If you’re feeling adventurous, hop onto their collection of sports cars, including the Ferrari, Lamborghini, Austin Martin and Maserati, all in different shades of cool. Want to give someone an unexpected treat? Snag one of their sweet gift cards. 1717 St. James Place
La Colombe d’Or Hotel
Nestled nicely in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood, this beloved hotel is the ultimate staycation, boasting 32 suites in three unique stay experiences, extravagant hotel amenities, a sculpture garden, mouth-watering dining options and so much more. “With over 100 years of history and a collection of more than 425 pieces of art and sculpture,” shares co-owner Dan Zimmerman, “La Colombe d’Or is one of the city’s most elegant spaces for a romantic dinner and getaway.” During your stay, don’t forget to check out the hotel’s rotating events—from a posh Art Salon to weekly HIIT classes and so much more. 3410 Montrose Blvd, 713.524.7999
Rosie Cannonball
What’s more romantic than a delicious wine list and even dreamier dessert menu? Rosie Cannonball serves up European-inspired fare—showcasing local vegetables, pizzas and pastas, simple seafood and locally sourced meat cooked over live fire. Our favorites? The Cavatelli Alla Bolognese with lambrusco bolognese and parmigiano reggiano is an absolute must, but if pizza's more your style, we recommend the Cacio E Pepe baked with white sauce, formaggi al pepe and pecorino. 1620 Westheimer Road
With a menu of lavish cuisine and cocktails to tantalize the taste buds, might we introduce you to Se7en—the newly opened entertainment restaurant located in Upper Kirby. Putting a creative spin on Asian-Mediterranean cuisine, the restaurant welcomes guests from Tuesday to Saturday to delight in the sensorial experience of this culinary concept, and we promise it is unlike any other. “Our primary focus is to create a mixture of wonder and intrigue while making our guests feel at home,” shares co-founder of Seven Hospitality Group Frank Edosomwan. “We have spent months going over every detail to ensure that this deep sense of euphoria is brought to all guests.” 3300 Kirby Drive, Ste. B
Photography by: Photo by Sweet Lova/500px/Courtesy of Getty Images
