Let's be real: Valentine's Day can get real expensive, real quick. Whether you're dining with your honey or grabbing a bite with a pal, take advantage of these delicious and affordable menus.
Meat-Lovers Find Romance at 4505 Meats
Meat-lovers, it’s your lucky day. 4505 Meats is offering a hearty plate of ribs for two, with your choice of two classic sides (beans, potato salad or coleslaw) and two Parker House rolls for $40. Pair your 'cue with one of their incredible local draft beers—choose from breweries such as Triple Voodoo, Social Bar & Kitchen, and Anchor Brewing—or fancy up the meal with a glass of Cultivar Wine, they'll be poured by the keg all day long. Pre-order now at (415) 231-6993. // 705 Divisadero (Alamo Square); 4505meats.com
Live Music at Mr. Tipples
What's more romantic than a live jazz accompaniment on Valentine's Day? Stop by the sexy new bar Mr. Tipples Recording Studio and enjoy swanky cocktails ($12) while nibbling on delicious bites (ranging from $6-$10), as live music plays in the background. Dessert will be a tough choice between the Vietnamese coffee sundae (condensed milk ice cream, coffee granita, boba, $7), and the Mr. Tipple’s Drumstick – a riff on the childhood favorite ($6). Keep everyone happy and order both. // 39 Fell Street (Mid-Market); mrtipplessf.com
A Sparkling New Delarosa
You’ll be sure to to impress your date with dinner and cocktails at the fabulous new downtown Delarosa. Start off with aperitivo cocktails ($8), sharing meatballs in spicy maranga ($8) or broccolini bruschetta ($6). As for entrees, you must order pizza. The pappardelle Napoletana ($11) and the spicy fennel sausage, scamorza and onion pizza ($15) are house favorites. To end, the Coppa Siciliana with vanilla gelato, lemon ricotta, cracked cannoli shell, chocolate sauce, and pistachio ($7) will satisfy and cleanse your palette at the same time. For those who want to avoid downtown this Sunday, the Chestnut Street location is always a cozy classic. // 37 Yerba Buena Ln (SoMa) or 2175 Chestnut St (Marina); delarosasf.com
Gorgeous Views at El Techo
El Techo's Latin American-inspired menu and expansive rooftop views are perfect for a romantic Valentine’s Day feast. Start with an order of empanadas ($8), the restaurant’s signature ceviche ($13), and a pitcher of margaritas ($31), before moving on to the famous chicharrones ($22). End the night on a sweet note with a plate of alfajores (house-made cookies, dulce de leche, and hot chocolate for $6). Your date will thank you. // 2518 Mission Street (SoMa); eltechosf.com
(Photo courtesy of Novela)
Movie Night at Novela
If you and your S.O. haven't been together that long (and dinner seems daunting), snuggle up to the bar at Novela for a boozy movie-night. They'll be playing classic, romantic movies while you enjoy a Romeo & Juliet cocktail combo (order two cocktails on the menu for $18) plus popcorn and candy. Throw in Novela's signature charcuterie plate ($15) and deviled eggs trio ($8), if you're feeling extra peckish. // 662 Mission Street (SoMa); novelasf.com
Spaghetti Sunday at Capo's
The Chicago-themed restaurant from chef Tony Gemignani is offering a sweet Spaghetti Sunday deal this weekend. Share spaghetti (Lady and the Tramp-style) with meatballs, a Caesar salad, garlic bread and two glasses of red wine, plus a sweet chocolate dessert finish for $49 (for two). The only thing missing is one of Tony’s acclaimed pizzas. // 641 Vallejo (North Beach); sfcapos.com
(Photo courtesy of Bluestem Brasserie)
Valentine's Day Brunch at Bluestem Brasserie
Everyone knows that brunch is far superior to dinner in San Francisco. Why not take advantage of the fact that Valentine's Day lands on a Sunday this year by treating your sweetie to a romantic mid-day meal. Bluestem Brasserie is celebrating love all weekend long, serving their complete brunch menu with a few festive additions. Need recommendations? We like the baker’s board ($10), the Bluestem burger ($17), cinnamon French toast ($14), or chicken and bacon waffles ($21). And what’s brunch without a Bloody Mary ($12). Bluestem’s classic Bloody comes with a BBQ salt rim! // 1 Yerba Buena Ln (Mid-Market); bluestembrasserie.com
