Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! Whether or not you celebrate, who doesn’t deserve a date night (or a simple night out) every now and then? From cozy cafes to city buzz, I’ve compiled a list of my personal favorite places to take someone special – ranked by quality, price, accessibility, atmosphere and overall experience for a romantic evening out. Be sure to read until the very end for my #1 pick for this Valentine’s Day!

5. Parlor
Location: Kansas City (Downtown)

What do you get when you cross a food court and a bar? Well, you get Parlor; a vibrant and exciting host for Kansas City nightlife with doors open to guests of all ages. Parlor curates a regularly changing lineup of vendors that serve customers food-court-style, and, for guests over the age of 21, they have two bars between three levels. If you visit on a weekend, you might find yourself eating to the sound of live music, too! 

Price Range: $$
Vegan Friendly: Usually
Allergen Friendly: Usually
Menu: Parlor (current vendors)

4. Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
Locations: Kansas City (Westport), Overland Park

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery provides a unique dining experience centered around fresh ingredients, a cozy environment, and a vibrant atmosphere that simultaneously feels both retro and modern. The menu offers a variety of breakfast and brunch items ranging from pancakes to scrambles. The welcoming energy and wide variety of options make this the perfect place to start off your Valentine’s Day!

Price Range: $$
Vegan Friendly: Yes
Allergen Friendly: Yes
Menu: Snooze, an AM Eatery

3. Sweet Emotion
Location: Kansas City (The Northland)

What’s not to love about an ice cream shop offering a menu themed around early 2000s emo and alternative music? This charming stop combines sugar and nostalgia for a memorable and flavorful experience. It’s the perfect spot to hit for a tasty dessert, neighboring all kinds of fun date destinations in the Northland.

Note: This Valentine’s Day will fall on a Wednesday, which means RINO will be hosting stand-up-comics right on the other side of the curtain that separates the two spaces. Talk about a two-for-one deal!

Price Range: $
Vegan Friendly: Yes
Allergen Friendly: Yes
Menu: Sweet Emotion

2. Blue Sushi Sake Grill
Locations: Westwood, Kansas City (Power & Light District)

For sushi fanatics, there is no greater dining destination in the Greater Kansas City Area than Blue Sushi Sake Grill. The colorful and lively atmosphere creates an experience that visually combines traditional Japanese culture with American culture and the dynamic energy of urban nightlife. Between the extensive drink selection, delicious desserts and appetizers, and, of course, dozens of creative sushi rolls you won’t find anywhere else, Blue Sushi is top-tier!

Note: Be sure to book your reservation in advance! Due to popularity, a several-hour wait is not uncommon if you do not make a reservation on a high-traffic night like Valentine’s Day.

Price Range: $$$
Vegan Friendly: Yes
Allergen Friendly: Yes
Menu: Blue Sushi Sake Grill

Honorable Mentions…
Before I reveal my #1 pick for Valentine’s Day dining, here are a couple of restaurants I highly recommend planning a visit to, in addition to the other entries on my list:

Meshuggah Bagels
Locations: Kansas City (Power & Light District), Kansas City (Midtown), Overland Park

Description: Kansas City tribute to authentic New York and New Jersey bagels. A new location is coming to Liberty this February! 

Price Range: $
Vegan Friendly: Yes
Allergen Friendly: Yes
Menu: Meshuggah Bagels

Baba’s Pantry
Locations: Kansas City (Westport)

Description: Family-owned Palestinian restaurant with a menu consisting of recipes mailed to the owner, Baba, by his grandmother, Tayata, while seeking an education in the United States as a refugee.

Price Range: $
Vegan Friendly: Yes
Allergen Friendly: Yes
Menu: Baba’s Pantry

The Fix
Location: Kansas City (Downtown)

Description: Plant-based comfort food operating out of a renovated historic building near Martini Corner in Kansas City.

Price Range: $$
Vegan Friendly: Yes
Allergen Friendly: Yes
Menu: The Fix

Minsky’s Pizza
Locations: Liberty, Kansas City, Lawrence, Independence, Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit, and more

Description: Local pizza chain specializing in creative pizzas, pasta, sandwiches, salads, and more. Heart-shaped pizzas will be available at select locations this Valentine’s Day!

Price Range: $$
Vegan Friendly: Yes
Allergen Friendly: Yes
Menu: Minsky’s Pizza

Mud Pie Bakery & Coffee
Location: Overland Park

Description: Plant-based bakery with a variety of sweets and savory goods, including everything from pastries to sandwiches. Both Valentine’s Day and “anti-Valentine’s Day” Mostess will be available to those who order before they sell out! 

Price Range: $
Vegan Friendly: Yes
Allergen Friendly: Yes
Menu: Mud Pie Bakery & Coffee

1. The Tree Hugger Kitchen
Location: Riverside, MO

The Tree Hugger Kitchen takes the #1 spot on my list for its wide selection of food, dedicated staff and unique ability to make your dining experience feel like an indoor picnic. Complete with a shelf full of board games, rustic décor, comfortable seating and delicious food, I could not think of a better restaurant to spend quality time with my favorite person. Bring your stay-at-home date night to The Tree Hugger Kitchen this Valentine’s Day for a peaceful dining experience you’re sure to remember!

Price Range: $$
Vegan Friendly: Yes
Allergen Friendly: Yes
Menu: The Tree Hugger Kitchen

Is there such a thing as the Grinch but for Valentine’s Day? I think I can speak for lots of singles who are tired of the constant barrage of Valentine’s Day marketing and the general pressure of finding the “right” plans. Even if you’re perfectly content in your single status, Valentine’s Day can trigger complex feelings and be a reminder of societal expectations. Almost 50% of adults in America are single, so you are not alone. If you’re in this boat, this guide is for you! Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be stressful or a day that you have to miss out on. Here are some ways to celebrate this year:

1. Galentine’s celebration

Galentine’s Day is a celebration of friendship that can take place on Valentine’s Day or any time of the year! There are so many fun ideas for hosting a Galentine’s party, such as getting crafty with DIY projects, eating themed snacks like heart-shaped pizzas, or hosting a romcom movie night. Galentine’s Day is all about celebrating platonic love and the people that are important in your life, which is a unique kind of love that fulfills many needs that romantic love cannot.

2. Self-care night

If you’re going solo on Valentine’s Day, you might as well make a night of it! Get your favorite takeout, turn on a movie of your choice and indulge in a sweet treat of your choice. If you’re of age, maybe have a glass of wine — or two. Put on a face mask and enjoy your own company. There’s no shame in having a night in for yourself and prioritizing your self-care. On a more serious note, it’s important to take care of your mental health when practicing self-care. If you are working through difficult emotions, there are campus resources that can help you work through your experiences.

3. Treat yourself 

Going hand-in-hand with the theme of self-care, treat yourself to something that you would want a hypothetical partner to do for you. If you love flowers, go buy yourself flowers! Or you could even take yourself out to a nice dinner at your favorite restaurant. Maybe you want to see the new romcom movie, “Anyone But You,” but haven’t had the time. Valentine’s Day could be the perfect opportunity. It might sound a bit silly, but treating yourself is an act of self-love and doesn’t require another person.

4. Hit the town

On the other hand, if you’d rather spend Valentine’s Day out and not at home, that’s perfectly understandable. Go to a fun dinner, event, or bar with your single friends to make a night of it. Maybe you’ll find your Valentine after all if that’s what you are looking for, or you could play matchmaker for your friends. 

5. Hit the gym or take a fitness class

If you’re like me, sometimes having a good sweat session can be therapeutic. If Valentine’s Day has got you in the dumps, hit the gym and have a good workout to distract yourself. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to try pilates or kickboxing. This could be an opportunity to try a new challenge. Getting in a good workout will raise your endorphins and make your day better knowing you are working on becoming a better version of yourself. 

6. Spend time with family

If your family members or loved ones are welcoming to the idea, you could crash their Valentine’s Day plans. Maybe go out to brunch or lunch with your family to surround yourself with your people to celebrate this day that’s devoted to love. Spending time with family or loved ones can be a good reminder that you have people in your life who love you unconditionally, regardless of what period of life you’re in.

7. Do something kind for someone else

Gratitude and good deeds definitely lift spirits. They can help remove us from negative thought patterns and remind us of the most important things in our lives. Even showing a small act of kindness to a friend or acquaintance who may be going through a hard time can help brighten both of your days. If you’re interested, you could spend Valentine’s Day volunteering and giving back to your community.

Regardless of how you decide to spend Valentine’s Day, have fun with it and do something that will bring you joy. There’s no reason to forgo celebrations if you don’t have a partner.  Own it and celebrate in your own way!