It’s not too late.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and if you waited until the last minute to find a special place to take your loved one, there are still plenty of great options in South Philly.
Still need plans? Cupid has you covered. Here are just some of the great offerings right here in South Philadelphia on Valentine’s Day.
Dinner
The Dutch: At 1537 S. 11th St., the popular breakfast, lunch and dinner eatery with a focus on reinventing the Pennsylvania Dutch classics, is pivoting from its traditional Dutch-inspired cuisine for Valentine’s Day by reviving a plethora of Fond classics and new, imaginative French fare courtesy of chef Lee Styer. Styer’s highly flavorful, expertly prepared dishes planned for the special occasion include Hamachi Crudo composed of heart of palm, charred avocado, tobiko caviar, lime-coconut mole broth and cilantro, Duck Ragout and Gnocchi with yellow foot mushrooms, saffron and black truffle, Halibut en Brik prepared with jumbo lump crab imperial, pea leaves and sweet Aleppo pepper, New York Strip crafted with pommes anna, fontina, spinach and sauce perigord, and for dessert, Vanilla Caramel Eclair with blood orange, raspberry and hazelnuts, and Handmade Chocolate Truffles.
The Dutch’s Valentine’s Day dinner is priced at $500 per couple with the inclusion of expertly curated wine pairings course-by-course. Reservations are highly recommended and can be placed via Tock, or by sending an email to lee@thedutchphilly.com.
Jet Wine Bar: At 1525 South St., Valentine’s Day is Cheesy, at least, that’s what Jet Wine Bar, Philadelphia’s “global vineyard,” has dubbed its intimate evening of wine and cheese. This Valentine’s Day, couples are invited to the chic, cozy and recently revamped bar at Jet to sip wines from around the globe while enjoying sprawling cheeseboards, perfect for either pre- or post- dinner sips and bites, with two seating times available: Reservations for the 5-6:30 p.m. and 8:30-10 p.m. seatings can be made at www.jetwinebar.com.
For $45/person (includes tax and gratuity), cheese lovers will enjoy a bountiful board complete with four cheese-based dishes, including phyllo-wrapped brie, homemade mozzarella sticks and a dessert course, perfectly paired with a flight of three wines. Alternative to the flight of three 2.5-ounce pours, guests may also choose to get three full glasses of wine each for an additional $15
Laurel and ITV: At 1617 and 1615 E. Passyunk Ave., the sibling eateries will both offer special Valentine’s Day menus on Feb. 13 and 14.
Mish Mish: At 1046 Tasker St., Mish Mish will be taken over for a special Valentine’s Day dinner by Paffuto Italian Eats & Treats. $75 per ticket.
Rex at The Royal: At 1524 South St., Philadelphia’s home for elevated Lowcountry fare housed in the historic and newly rejuvenated Royal Theater, is offering an indulgent prix fixe menu on Valentine’s Day for $75/guest. The three-course meal will woo plant-based lovers and omnivores alike, with an optional wine pairing available for an additional $40. Beverage manager Joshua Scheid will also be mixing up a bevy of signature libations, including the opulent Royal Martini, made with Spanish gin washed with olive oil, Spanish dry vermouth, herbs de provence and bleu cheese olives, or zero-proof sippers such as the Cide Eye, crafted with apple pie cocktail syrup, lemon, sparkling water and a salt rim. Visit www.rexphl.com for the full menu.
River Twice: At 1601 E. Passyunk Ave., the restaurant will be hosting a romantic Valentine’s evening in its intimate dining room, featuring a seven-course tasting menu with two additional snacks and an ending mignardise for $150 per person at a table, and $175 for the chef’s counter.
Townsend EPX: Chef Townsend Wentz’s acclaimed French restaurant at 1623 E. Passyunk Ave. is serving up an extravagant prix fixe dinner. Couples in search of an evening full of decadence and romance can enjoy Broiled East Coast Oysters with nori royale, trout roe and lime, Steelhead Trout crafted with caviar, salsify, apple and Champagne buerre blanc, Foie Gras Roulette comprised of beet, mushroom and sauce albufeira, Venison en Crepinette with black truffle, winter fruits and vegetables and sauce grand veneur and Caramelized White Chocolate Crémeux. Reservations (www.townsendepx.com) are highly encouraged.
Gifts
Cake & Joe: At 1401 E. Moyamensing Ave., Cake & Joe will be offering special Valentine’s Day cakes – available as single serving or whole cakes – for the first two weeks of February. Whole cakes can be ordered in advance for Valentine’s Day gifts with 2-3 days notice.
Creations By Coppola: At 1724 E. Passyunk Ave., customized elaborate floral arrangements, with bouquets available for pre-order online and Grab & Go bouquets ready for pick-up in-store.
Favors and Flavors: At 1827 E. Passyunk Ave., offering decadent sweets including chocolate-covered strawberries, fruit towers and gift baskets, along with stuffed bears, cards and more.
Nice Things Handmade: At 1731 E. Passyunk Ave., find sentimental gifts like local art or home décor.
Occasionette: The independent, woman-owned and operated, gifts and goods retailer known for insanely creative and inspired gifting at 1825 E. Passyunk Ave. is helping love blossom by offering pre-order Valentine Bouquets ($54) through its website that will be available for pickup at its Collingswood, East Passyunk and Chestnut Hill shops on Feb. 13 and 14. Additionally, Occasionette’s truly massive stock of carefully curated greeting cards has been refreshed for the season with a wide variety of Valentine’s-themed stationery, perfect for accompanying one of its bouquets.
Sermania Jewelry: At 1719 E. Passyunk Ave., gift that one-of-a-kind present for someone special. Various retailers and services offer a diverse range of products, including hand-crafted, custom heart-shaped earrings, rings and pendants.
Entertainment
Guided Tour at Magic Gardens: At 6:30 and 8 p.m. at 1020 South St., an intimate tour focusing on the many romantic aspects of the glittering galleries and labyrinth. Learn about the love story of PMG creator Isaiah Zagar and his wife Julia and how the space itself is a love letter to art and artists.
Tours will last about 45 minutes followed by time to explore the space on your own. No general admission visitors will be in the museum during that time. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Most of the tour takes place in the indoor galleries, but the outdoor sculpture will be open, weather permitting. The tour also includes the fully mosaicked basement, which is not normally open to the public. Cost is $25 per person/$16 for PMG members. Tickets at https://www.phillymagicgardens.org/public-tours/valentines-day-tours/.
Cruise on the Delaware: City Cruises Philadelphia will host romantic cruises with special bundles for everyone looking to celebrate the day of love. Those looking to elevate their Valentine’s Day this year can enjoy a Valentine’s Signature Dinner Cruise on the Delaware River.
Valentine’s Day cruises will depart from Penn’s Landing, located at 401 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd. Cruises take place Feb. 11 from 7-10 p.m.; Feb. 12 from 6-8:30 p.m.; and Feb. 14 from 7-9:30 p.m. Guests have the option to purchase packages with their ticket to enhance their Valentine’s Day experience. The Silver Package includes a glass of champagne or sparkling wine and a rose. The Gold Package includes a glass of champagne or sparkling wine, a rose and a guaranteed window seat. The Platinum Package includes a bottle of sparkling wine or equivalent, a half-dozen roses, souvenir champagne flutes and a guaranteed window seat.
Pets
Amelie’s Bark Shop: Pets can get in on the Valentine’s Day celebrations as well at 1600 E. Passyunk Ave., with a selection of themed greeting cards, toys and accessories, like the Happy Hour Rosé Crusherz, a soft and silly chew toy in the shape of a wine bottle and the Hearts Sweater as a cute way to keep your pooch warm and available in a variety of sizes. All items are available for on-site shopping, and online ordering for pick-up and delivery.
