VALENTINE’S DAY GUIDE:  Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day of the year, the one day specifically declared for couples to express their love for one another, the holiday for lovers to spend a romantic evening together. Expectations for some run high for the perfect night out. For some, choosing the perfect spot could seem a little daunting, but there’s no need to worry! We have gathered intell from the area’s top date-night destinations listing what they have to offer on (and around) Valentine’s Day to help plan an amazing dinner/experience for two. Pick your favorite spot (or a new one), book your reservations (don’t forget to call the babysitter early if you have littles) and get ready to wine and dine your Valentine! Enjoy your evening together as you celebrate that special someone in your life, and make it the best date night ever! Remember to tell them, you saw them in The SCENE.

Mamacita’s (Webster): Celebrating “El Mes del Amor” (the month of love), Mamacita’s is offering a 3-course Valentine’s Day special in addition to their regular menu. Guests will saver the Tuna Tostada as an appetizer. The main course is a surf and turf dinner consisting of a skirt steak, half a lobster, grilled vegetables and topped with seafood sauce. (Entrees can be served together or separately.) For dessert, taste the Tequila Rose Cake. This Valentine’s special is available the entire month of February.

Red River Cantina (League City): On Valentine’s weekend, treat your sweetheart to the Rio de Amor Valentine’s dinner for two, available Thursday, February 13 through Saturday, February 15. The special includes beef and chicken fajitas, shrimp brochette and 8-ounce lobster tail for $49.95. In addition, they will also offer chocolate-covered strawberries for dessert. Call 281-557-8156 to reserve your table for Friday, February 14. (Special valid while supplies last.)

Red River BBQ & Grill (League City): February 14 – Featured Valentine’s Day dishes include 1855 Black Angus Ribeye (12-oz for $19.99 or 16-oz for $24.99); New York Strip (10-oz for $24.99), add four shrimp (fried or grilled) to any meal for an additional $5.50; or 12 Jumbo Fried Shrimp with two sides and hushpuppies  $15.99. Their recommended wine selection (by the bottle) consists of The Prisoner ($50), Estancia Pinot Noir ($25), Estancia Cabernet Sauvignon ($25), Franciscan Chardonnay ($30), and Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc ($30). See restaurant menu for full wine list.

Katie’s Bar (Bacliff): February 14 - Enjoy adult beverages (including Valentine’s themed drinks) and live music with John “Del Toro” Richardson on Valentine’s Day.

The Backyard (Seabrook): February 14 – Reserve your seat today for The Backyard’s four-course Valentine’s dinner. The package includes two glasses of champagne included $60 per couple. Call 281-942-9620 or send an email to [email protected] for reservations.

Main 101 Grill and Bar (Downtown La Porte): February 14 – Enjoy the ambiance of fine dining and gourmet food with that someone special. Main 101 has prepared a Valentine’s Day menu – a specially created ala carte chef menu to choose from – available from 4 to 9 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended. Call 281-470-8484. 

Topwater Grill (San Leon):  February 14 - Enjoy a romantic evening with waterfront dining (indoor and outdoor seating) overlooking Galveston Bay. Topwater Grill is offering their standard menu plus an off-menu Valentine’s special (entrée and appetizer). They will be offering two specialty cocktails: PAMA Raspberry Margarita and the Flirtini (a raspberry and vodka martini). Topwater is not accepting reservations for Valentine’s Day; seating is first come, first served.

Scotty’s Pub On the Bay (League City): February 14 - Scotty’s Pub on the Bay will offer dinner and dancing. Chef Scott has planned a mouthwatering four-course dinner for Valentine’s Day. The package includes complimentary glass of champagne, (1st Course) Arancini (fried risotto balls) w/a spicy and smoky marinara, (2nd Course) Caprese Salad with Walnut Pesto and Balsamic Glaze, (3rd Course) Red Wine Braised Short Ribs with Zucchini Ribbons and Horseradish Cheddar Polenta, (4th Course) Bourbon Macerated Strawberry and Dark Chocolate Shortcake for $60 per couple. Toast each other with special Valentine’s themed cocktails. Live music from Raf Rivera, 6 to 9 p.m. and dancing with DJ Dirty D from 10 p.m. to close. Two seating’s are available: 6  & 8 p.m. Space is limited. Call 281-339-7474 for more information and reservations.

Jackie’s Brickhouse (Kemah):   Head over to Jackie’s on February 14 for dinner, drinks and live music. Order from their standard menu (Ribeye Steak, Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo, oysters, tacos, gourmet pizza or burgers) or get a few pounds of crawfish! Nick and the Grove will be live and on stage.

Mediterraneo Market & Café (Nassau Bay): Eat as if you’re overseas, without the travel expense! On Valentine’s Day, Mediterraneo is providing live music with Jeff Lopez and belly dancers. There will be roses for the ladies. Their market always carries interesting and exotic treats year round. Have dinner, dessert and some adult beverages from around the world, or stop by and shop for a special treat. Walk-ins are welcome. 

Monkey Bar (Kemah): February 14 – Hang out at Monkey Bar and get Valentine’s Day drink specials. (Happy hour is from noon to 7 p.m. with $1 off wells and $3 domestic pints.)

Tookie’s Hamburgers (Kemah): February 14 – Couples receive a free Bombshell OR a shake on Valentine’s Day only when eating at Tookie’s Burgers. The entire month of February, Tookie’s is featuring the Sweetheart Shake (strawberry Nutella flavored). 

Caps & Corks (Friendswood @ Baybrook Mall): Celebrating Valentine’s all month long, stop by and order a special Lovestruck cocktail and continue your mall stroll to pick out a gift for yourself or your special someone. (Guys, relax and hang out at the bar while your lady shops!) Made especially for the ladies, order a Galentine’s Sangria and hang out with your best gal pals while charging your phone at the bar or challenging friends to a board game!

Railean Distillery and Buccaneer Bar (San Leon): February 14 – The bar is hosting a Valentine’s party from 6 to 9 p.m. with food, prizes and live music from Austin McCarter. Have fun with Valentine’s themed drinks, such as Sex on the Beach, Pink Taco, Kissy Collins, Kamana Wanna Lei Ya and more!  The Railean Distillery & Buccaneer Bar opens at 3 p.m. and is fun place to stop in for drinks before or after your romantic dinner! Walk-ins welcome. February 15 – The Bucccaneer Bar is hosting an all-day Valentine’s happy hour with themed cocktail specials from noon to 9 p.m.

Bakkhus Taverna (Kemah): February 14 - Special dishes on Valentine’s Day include steak and lobster tail, Osso Bucco, and Strawberry Greek Salad. Valentine’s themed cocktails will also be available.

Opus Bistro (League City):  Share a romantic evening with waterfront dining overlooking South Shore Harbor Marina. Opus Bistro & Steakhouse features Chef Robert Kennedy’s interpretations of New Orleans-style French cuisine. Popular dishes include: the 8-ounce Filet, 22-ounce Bone-In-Ribeye, Red Snapper Charlie Brown, Veal Marsala and Lamb Chops. Reservations are encouraged. Call 281-334-5225.

Opus Ocean Grille (Clear Lake Shores):  Located within the Watergate Yachting Center, Opus Ocean Grille offers two stories of waterfront views and a variety of your favorite fresh seafood dishes; from oysters on the half shell, Alaskan King Crab, Chilean Sea Bass and much more. Reservations are encouraged. Call 281-334-0006.

T-Bone Tom’s (Kemah): Since 1974, this Kemah steakhouse has been serving lovers and families comfort food and offering live music in Tom’s Backyard outdoor area. Enjoy a steak or seafood platter and listen to live music by the Bama Breeze Sound on February 14. Walk-ins are welcome.

Luna’s Mexican Restaurant (League City) will celebrate Valentine’s Day with delicious Mexican food and specialty cocktails. Available Friday, February 14 through Sunday, February 16, order Luna’s three-course Valentine’s special. Also available at their other three locations: Baytown, Texas City and Friendswood. Walk-ins are welcome. 

Noah’s Ark Restaurant & Bar (San Leon): For a casual waterfront dining experience, enjoy the views at this two-story restaurant on the Galveston Bay with indoor and outdoor seating. Choose from steaks, seafood and more, along with a full bar complete with specialty drinks. Walk-ins are welcome. There’s never a wait.

Aquarium Restaurant (Kemah): February 14, 15 and 16: This waterfront restaurant in the Kemah Lighthouse District offers their Romance Under the Sea Valentine’s Special. The Sweetheart Package ($99.99 per couple) includes a five-course meal for two people and two glasses of champagne. Reservations required. Call 281-334-9010.

Edible (Webster): Forget the boxed chocolate and the dozen roses! This year, get a SWEET Valentine’s gift for everyone you love to savor! Choose from fruit arrangements to fruit platters and fruit “cones” for one to a “bouquet and box bundle,” complete with teddy bear. Add straight up fruit in fun shapes or fruit dipped in semisweet chocolate that can be rolled in red velvet cake crumbs or topped with a white swizzle. Stop by Edible in person (13914 State Hwy. 3) to order and hear their in-store-only deals! Order your arrangement, platter or gift in advance and opt for delivery or store pick up. For more information or to place your order, call 281-488-7777. (Tell them the SCENE sent you.) Pre-order prior to Valentine’s Day is recommended.

BARge 295 (Seabrook): February 14 - Broken Hearts Bash! Don't have a date for Valentine’s Day? No worries! Make new friends at the Broken Hearts Bash at BARge 295 floating barge! DJ Synergy will start at 9 p.m. so everyone can start the ancient mating ritual of dance. Show off your best moves!