Valentine's Day is rolling into town, and most restaurants will be converted into a sea of two-top tables serving overpriced tasting menus. It's a night when a lot of single folks would be tempted to stay in, eat a burrito in bed, watch a movie, and call it a day. But I say if you're single and like to mingle, here are some ways to make it a fun night out, sans red roses.
Host a banquet dinner with your friends
There's nothing better than sitting around a round table with your friends, feasting on Peking duck, and drinking some quality Champagne. Hong Kong Lounge is a great option for your own version of a Lonely Hearts Club. // 5322 Geary Blvd. (The Richmond), hongkongloungesf.com
Sing an anti-love power ballad
Tomorrow, SF Indie Fest is hosting an Anti-Valentine's Day Power Ballad Sing A Long. Feel free to sing, hold a lighter in the air and sway, and let your hair down as you belt out hits from Journey, Guns 'n Roses, Bon Jovi, Warrant, and more. '80s outfits not required, but we're highly recommending them. Maybe you'll find a Madonna to match your geeky Sean Penn costume. Tickets are $15. // Tuesday, Feb. 14th, Roxie Theatre (Mission), Get tickets here.
Dine with strangers
February 14th is the perfect night to check out one of the many "dine in people's homes" services that offer a cozy meal, cooked by someone in your city, for people who don't know each other. For a spicy take on the night, there's a tasty tapas workshop on EatWith.com, or meet your new best friends at a Galentine's caviar soiree on Feastly. Or you could always skip dinner altogether and learn how to make magical macarons on Cozymeal.
Join the fight
Get our your aggression by beating up happy couples with fluffy pillows. The annual flash-mob Valentines Day Pillow Fight starts at dusk (around 6pm) at Justin Herman Plaza next door to the Ferry Building. Note:
- Bring a mask or bandanna to cover your mouth – it's easy to choke on flying feathers.
- Bring a synthetic pillow (not one with feathers). Trust us.. it's much more enjoyable this way.
// February 14, 6pm, Justin Herman Plaza (Embarcadero), sf.funcheap.com/pillow-fight-san-francisco
Send some dead flowers
Nothing sucks worse on Valentine's Day than going into a worldwide celebration of love after just having been dumped. Wanna get revenge? Then send your ex a bouquet of grossness from Dirty Rotten Flowers. Remember: revenge is a dish best served partially decomposed. // drf.bigcartel.com
Go drink
Valentine's night is also a perfect time to grab a fellow single wingman/wingwoman and go hit the bars. Odds are good most fellow drinkers don't have a significant other or they would be on a date that night (unless they happen to be dating someone who works in the restaurant industry). Go ahead and flirt shamelessly. Maybe even buy someone a drink. You are such a catch. Really.
