So you haven’t made reservations yet, have you? It’s okay, we got you covered. Whether you’re taking out a significant other, celebrating Galentine’s Day or just treating yo’ self to a nice meal, here’s a guide to the not-so-dreaded V-Day:
For the fancy night out: RM 12:20
Finally the neighborhood has the perfect, fancy date night location. Try out some French hors d’ oeuvres while enjoying the company of your boo. Snack on a French cheese plate, oysters and steak au poivre, or peppered steak. If your date isn’t impressed by your taste and French accent then maybe order a few cocktails like the side car or gin and tonic.
For the boozy couple: Cedar & Vine
Photos by Kathy Tran
Want a quintessential Lake Highlands cocktail? Try Cedar & Vine, whose drinks are inspired by the people and places of our neighborhood. Bar manager Tara Dieringer has worked in the area for only a few months, but her regulars already gave her the 411. We’re a place with a small-town feel, where everyone knows everyone. So how do you make a cocktail that reflects who we are? Click on the article to see the recipes.
For a late-night meal: Yama Sushi
Who knew we had late-night sushi in the neighborhood? Closing at 2 a.m. on the weekends, Yama Sushi has “traditional, straight from Japan” entrees. Share some romantic conversation over sashimi and yakitori.
For a Galentine’s brunch:Â SoCo Coffee and Goodeats
Breakfast sandwiches at SoCo Southern Comfort Kitchen
Show the women in your life that it really is ovaries before brovaries, uteruses before duderuses. SoCo Coffee is a new kid on the block but it’s turned into a fresh spot for such a brunch. They serve chicken and waffles sliders, “open faced” mini waffles topped with fried chicken and bathed in maple honey Jalapeño butter. They also have nutter butter peanut butter French toast with caramel bananas and avocado toast with baby arugula tossed in lemon juice and cilantro and thinly sliced radishes, pickled red onion and 5 minute egg sprinkled with a chili seasoning.
For the penny-pinching couple: Mario Bros Tacos
They specialize in 100% authentic Mexican favorites from the streets of Monterrey, Nuevo León Mexico. Tacos de trompo [al pastor], carne asada, chicken fajitas, barbacoa, beef tripe and tacos al vapor. Any taco connoisseur knows that authentic tacos are very cheap because of the no-frills, just flavor cooking.
For the sweet-tooth date: BrickHouse Burgers & Shakes
While they serve hamburgers, the crème de la crème at BrickHouse are the mega shakes. The Cookies ’n’ cream and Reese’s peanut butter shakes have sweets along the rim and are topped with whipped cream, candy and cookies.
For a non-awkward friend group date: Lovers Lane Pizza
This pizza and pasta place serves great plates of pasta that are perfect for family-style sharing with your friend group. Popular dishes include the chicken Marsala and the penne rigate with grilled chicken, fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, red bell pepper and a touch of tomato sauce. Seafood lovers might enjoy the seafood combo — linguini with mussels, calamari, shrimp, clams and a white wine garlic sauce. Lobster ravioli with brandy cream sauce is also a favorite.
For a friendly neighbor: Resident Taqueria
Recently, the owner of Resident Taqueria was assaulted by tip jar thieves, luckily the culprits were caught. If you want to show support for Andrew Savoie, spend your Valentine’s Day eating unique tacos that range from caramelized cauliflower with kale, pepita and lemon epazote aoli to pecan smoked chicken with pickled sofrito, crushed peanuts and salsa macha. Savoie is also siblings with our resident rockstar, St. Vincent.
