Whether it’s showing love to your friends, your significant other, or your city (wink wink), we think you’ll fall in love with these Valentine’s Day events and dinner plans.
Sweet treats for sweethearts
For the ultimate sweet day, start with Five Daughters Bakery’s Valentine’s Day box, save room for the double chocolate flourless cake at Frothy Monkey’s annual Frothy Love dinners, and reserve a spot at JW Marriott Nashville’s pop-up dessert lounge.
Move to the music
Take a loved one out for live music at Harriet’s Rooftop or The 5 Spot, dance the night away at the Sweet Heart Big Band Dance, or celebrate a day late at the Valentine’s Mixtape concert at Bridgestone Arena.
For coffee lovers
If a perfectly poured latte says more than flowers ever could, celebrate early at 8th & Roast’s Coffee Lovers Date Class (Feb. 7) or consider latte art classes at Retrograde Coffee (Feb. 13) or Merge Coffee Bar (Feb. 14).
Shaken, stirred, and smitten
Sip your way through hands-on cocktail experiences at Standard Proof Whiskey Co. or Tipsy Scoop. The team behind newly opened Love’s Alibi will host a pre-holiday cocktail experience at Liquor Lab on Feb. 12, where guests can learn to make three cocktails from the bar’s menu.
Pups and pals
For those who love dogs, cuddle with adoptable pups and make floral bouquets with Wags & Walks Nashville (Feb. 7), sign up for this paint-your-pet party at Urban Dog Bar (Feb. 12), or enjoy a Loveless brunch supporting Friends of MACC (Feb. 15). If you want to take it one step further, surprise a loved one with a puppygram.
Mix and mingle, singles
If meeting new people is on the Valentine’s Day agenda, grab tickets for a singles event (with bowling) at Pinewood or stop by the Pitch Ur Single Friends market at Nelson Green Brier Distillery.
Give the gift of flowers, with a twist
Trade roses for orchids this year at Orchids at Cheekwood, opening Saturday, Feb. 7. The annual display fills the Historic Mansion and Loggia with vibrant floral installations that offer a brief escape from winter.
Bit by the anti-love bug
Less into hearts and flowers this year? The Belcourt Theatre’s “Romance Is Dead” series is for those “who prefer the chill of a thrill over a Hallmark love story” with “The Shining,” “Ghost,” and “Phantom Thread” among the flicks.
Check out ELEVEN11’s food and drink menus. | Photo by Connor Roberson
If dinner is the date
1 Kitchen Nashville | Valentine’s weekend specials join the regular dinner menu, with highlights like cacio e pepe, roasted duck breast, prime filet, and seared scallops.
Aba | Slow-braised lamb shank and coconut cream shortcake will be available in addition to the regular menu.
Bad Idea | The $125 prix fixe dinner will feature dishes by new chef David Breeden.
Blue Aster | This four-course dinner runs two nights with optional wine pairings and dishes like hamachi crudo, squid ink lumache, scallops, and more.
Butcher & Bee | The restaurant’s “vegetarian chef’s choice” option lets the crew curate the table with their favorite dishes.
Chauhan Ale & Masala House | Some of the Valentine’s specials include saffron lobster thermidor, seared scallops with six curries, and a cardamom brownie a la mode.
ELEVEN11 | With just 11 seats at the counter, this intimate dinner will book up quickly. If reservations are gone, stop by the bar for a drink with your date.
Ella’s by Christian Petroni | Dinner specials run two nights and include strawberry and beet salad, shrimp and crab Louie, filet, and a winter lemon tart.
Maiz de la Vida | Guests can choose from a selection of appetizers, entrees, and desserts complemented by candlelight and the option to add on cocktails, mezcal, or wine.
Maiz de la Vida Taco Truck | Stop by during Valentine’s weekend for heart-shaped containers filled with quesabirria.
The Mockingbird | The one-night-only “Love Songs” menu features themed cocktails like “I Wanna Dance With Someboozy” alongside playful dishes such as “It Must’ve Beet Love” and “Always and For Cheddar.”
The Restaurant at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery | Enjoy four courses with drink pairings and a welcome cocktail for $75 per person.
The Optimist | The four-course prix fixe menu is $105 per person and includes options like duck leg confit, poached lobster with champagne sauce, and ricotta cavatelli.
Perenn Franklin | This ticketed six-course tasting menu draws inspiration from the owners’ travels through England, with dishes such as cured scallops, Sunday roast, and croissant sticky toffee pudding.
Star Rover Sound | Menu additions include an 18-ounce T-bone steak for two and a six-ounce Arctic char option.
Stateside Kitchen | Valentine’s specials include white truffle linguine and a chocolate shell dessert filled with mousse and layered with white chocolate crumble.
Sushi-san | Special dishes for the holiday include an akami tuna rose and a sashimi bouquet, plus we recommend stopping by the soft-serve window after dinner.
Turkey and the Wolf Icehouse | The Valentine’s weekend meal deal for two includes a shareable cocktail, lasagna, a side, and dessert