In Charlotte and looking for ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day 2021?
In a new “normal,” we’ve had to adjust our actions and habits to behave in ways that accomodate safety protocols for COVID-19. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t still experience a romantic meal with our partners, or pick up a delicious pastry just for ourselves! For the most romantic of holidays, a variety of Charlotte businesses are offering curbside, takeout, or delivery; allowing diners to experience excellent cuisine safely at home.
Some businesses offer extended Valentine’s pickup services, effectively extending the weekend into a four-day event. Conversely, businesses like bakeries are restricting promotional items to pick up to the 14th only. For your convenience, we’ve broken down each restaurant, bar, or bakery into its respective category, allowing you to peruse the list at your leisure.
Dinner
Stagioni
Just south of Dilworth is Stagioni, an Italian eatery offering a romantic, multicourse dinner for two.This special menu (for that special someone) includes lighter options like a mixed greens and goat cheese salad, to the most decadent New York Strip, dry-aged for 24 days and accompanied with potatoes au gratin. These indulgent flavors are available for takeout at $85/person plus gratuity and tax.
Fleming’s
Located in the Epicenter, Fleming’s Steakhouse and Wine Bar offers an upscale dining experience in the heart of the city. Offering prime cuts of beef perfectly paired with an extensive selection of wines, Fleming’s Valentine’s Day menu offers the chance to truly impress your partner. Beginning on the 12th and extending through the 15th of February, diners can make a reservation or order takeout of the full three course meal for $225.
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Tucked neatly in the South End of Charlotte is Sullivan’s, a classic but cozy steakhouse that delivers dynamite flavors. This Valentine’s Day Sullivan’s offers a prix fixe menu, featuring three courses–each more delicious than the last. Filet mignon, lobster bisque, and decadent cheesecake are all included for $79 per guest. For the hungriest couples, a bone-in Wagyu Strip drizzled with Sullivan’s signature sauce can be added for an additional charge.
Hickory Tavern
Looking for a nice Valentine’s meal that doesn’t break the bank? Hickory Tavern is the spot for you. They are offering a 2 for $75 deal. The deal includes a jumbo shrimp cocktail appetizer, a choice between a 10oz angus steak or pecan-rubbed cedar plank salmon, sides of lobster mac and cheese and/or brussel sprouts, and a peach cobbler for dessert.
Benny Pennello’s
It might be a little cheesy but a heart-shaped pizza never disappoints especially when it comes with cookies! Benny Penello’s has your Valentine’s day dinner and dessert covered without costing too much dough. Cheese pizzas with cost $30 and topped pizzas will cost $38, including two heart-shaped chocolate chip cookies.
The Fresh Market
For the budding chef who wants to woo their date with their cooking but isn’t sure where to start, the Fresh Market is the spot to be. This upscale grocery store is offering Valentine’s day packages for $49.99. The packages each include one pound of mascarpone potatoes, one pound of seasoned asparagus, 8 chocolate dipped strawberries, one dozen roses, a reusable shopping bag and an entree of filet mignon, chilean sea bass, or crab cakes. The packages can be picked up from February 12th – 14th and heating instructions can be found on the Fresh Market website.
thefreshmarket.comSweet Girl Cookies
The Charlotte-based bakery Sweet Girl Cookies is offering an assortment of their gourmet cookies in various seasonal boxes with a complimentary “You’re the Sweetest” card included in all Valentine’s orders placed by Feb. 9th. Valentine’s boxes include: “Best of” Box with 2 of Sweet Girl’s “BIG” Chocolate Chewy Caramel cookies and 6 “Classic” cookies, including Dark Chocolate Sea Salt, Chocolate Chip, Lemon Blueberry White Chocolate, White Chocolate Cherry, and Oatmeal Raisin ($31.99). There is also a BIG Chocolate Lovers cookie box available and a Classic Sampler.
sweetgirlcookies.com
Stoke
Stoke is offering a three course menu all weekend long, Feb. 11 – 14, for $40 per person with the option to add a bottle of Conundrum red or white wine to the meal for $35.
stokecharlotte.com
AC Hotel Charlotte SouthPark
AC Hotel Charlotte SouthPark is offering a Date Night package that guests can take advantage of any night over Valentine’s weekend (including Sunday, Feb. 14) featuring two cocktails from Cordial, sparkling Rosé and dessert provided in room, and a late checkout of 2 p.m. Cordial will be open for dinner/snacks and Cafecito will be open for breakfast. Book online; rates start at $169 a night. Cordial, the hotel bar, is hosting a Galentine’s Day popup with a Champagne cart and build your own G&T station, featured cocktails, pastries and snacks, and shopping from local makers. 11am – 3pm on Saturday, Feb. 13.
marriott.com
Summit Seltzer
Summit Seltzer is hosting a five course Valentine’s Dinner with Mad Dash that includes paired seltzers for $75 per person. Full menu can be found online.
summitseltzer.com
Fin & Fino
“Valentine’s At Home.” Fin & Fino is offering three Valentine’s features for a sweet Valentine’s at home, available for takeout Feb. 12 – 14. Enjoy 2 dozen oysters on the half shell + bottle of Aimery Cremant Brut; two 6 oz Filet Mignon with local baby carrots, mushroom demiglace, shaved Périgord truffles + bottle of Italics Sixteen Appellations Cabernet Blend, BK’s Dessert Cocktail for Two (with vanilla infused vodka, Dolin blanc, lemon cordial, shaved chocolate, cocoa bitters) all for $199.
Haymaker
Located just outside of Center City, Haymaker is offering a stunning prix fixe menu this Valentine’s Day. At $85 per person, you will be taken on a culinary journey through a first course that could include oysters, a rich second course of braised duck leg, and finishing your evening off with your choice of a golden apple tart or chocolate mousse. In order to secure your spot as a Valentine’s day guest, make a reservation and call ahead of time to say it will be pick-up.
North Corner Haven
5:00pm Cocktails by the Fire, 6:00pm Dinner & Live Music, 8:30pm Event Concludes
Tickets: Early Bird Pricing begins at $350 per couple, $700 per two couples
Join NCH on the Farm for an intimate valentine’s day celebration with your nearest and dearest. Before sunset, enjoy the grounds and crackling fire pits as you sip on a signature cocktail or glass of red wine. As you head into The Cedar Barn for dinner, you’ll be greeted by a beautifully designed space with the help of Proper Flower Charlotte and Party Reflections as the sounds of Parks Brothers Band (East Coast Entertainment) play softly before dinner. A delicious four course meal awaits including ingredients grown at North Corner Haven, curated by Chef Jon Fortes of Flipside Restaurant Group. Kindly view the menu below. After dinner, have one more cozy drink by the fire or enjoy the music in The Cedar Barn. Before you go, be sure to grab a quick couples photo thanks to Amy Ledyard Photography.
Buca Di Beppo
Nothing symbolizes love quite like a heart, especially when that heart is made of lasagna. Buca Di Beppo is having a “Valentine’s Lasagna Lovefeast” meal from February 12th-14th for $59.99. The meal includes a mixen green or caesar salad, garlic bread, heart-shaped lasagna, and mini cannolis decorated with heart-shaped sprinkles.
The Crunkleton
Located in the historic Elizabeth neighborhood, The Crunkleton club is the obviouschoice for its members this Valentine’s Day. The chef will be offering a prix fixe menu of oysters and caviar, a 6 oz. Wagyu strip with a lobster tail, and your choice of dessert for $80 per member or guest. Reservations can be made for the 12th to the 14th, and diners have the option to sit inside or in a covered and heated patio area.
Desserts
Sweet Girl Cookies
The Charlotte-based bakery Sweet Girl Cookies is offering an assortment of their gourmet cookies in various seasonal boxes with a complimentary “You’re the Sweetest” card included in all Valentine’s orders placed by Feb. 9th. Valentine’s boxes include: “Best of” Box with 2 of Sweet Girl’s “BIG” Chocolate Chewy Caramel cookies and 6 “Classic” cookies, including Dark Chocolate Sea Salt, Chocolate Chip, Lemon Blueberry White Chocolate, White Chocolate Cherry, and Oatmeal Raisin ($31.99). There is also a BIG Chocolate Lovers cookie box available and a Classic Sampler.
Sweet Spot at Home
For the couple that likes to cook and eat together, Sweet Spot at Home is an adorable way to bond and make something sweet to eat. Celebrate your Charlotte Valentine’s Day 2021 with the studio’s virtual classes and with their baking kits that can be purchased on the website. You and your sweet thing can make French macarons, donuts, or even candy bars for under $60 and just a little bit of virtual culinary instruction.
Your Mom’s Donuts
If you have a sweet craving that not even your partner can satisfy, Your Mom’s Donuts has Valentine’s Day donut packs perfect for sharing (or eating in your sweats, we don’t judge). For the lovers, the Match Maker 4-pack includes white chocolate donuts, as well as a refreshing lemon passion fruit donut. Don’t worry if you’re feeling unlucky in love–the Heart Breaker 4-pack is also available, with self-indulgent flavors like beer and bacon and a whiskey creme brulee filled donut. Both packs are available for pickup only on Valentine’s, so be sure to put your orders in soon!
your-moms-donuts-nc.myshopify.com
Sas Cupcakes
A charming bakery located just south of Ballantyne, Sas Cupcakes offers a variety of packs and sets available for sale on and just before Valentine’s Day. One of the most popular Valentine’s staples–the jumbo, chocolate covered strawberry–is available to be made for custom orders. Additionally, Sas offers a V-Day Works Box, which includes 4 cupcakes, 2 mini hot cocoa bombs, 4 chocolate covered strawberries, and 3 cake pops for about $50, including the delivery fee.
Sunflour Baking Company
The perfect sweet for your sweetie, Sunflour Baking Company offers an indulgent and diverse menu. From red velvet cake pops to French macarons to passion fruit caramel truffles, this bakery has your needs covered. For Valentine’s day they are offering two sizes of treat-filled boxes, the larger for $45 and the smaller for $18, that can be made gluten free or vegan.
Amélie’s French Bakery
When you can’t afford to take your significant other to Paris for Valentine’s Day, Amélie’s French Bakery is a solid substitute. They are offering a “Box of Love” for $24 which includes 12 assorted French macarons. Plus, $1 is donated to the NAACP and $1 to the Crisis Assistance Ministries with every “Box of Love” purchase.
For Goodness Cakes
This local bakery has more than just adorable puns. They are offering a variety of Valentine’s day themed treats ranging from $5 to $28. With items like the “Cupid’s Confetti Mini Cake Jar” and the “Raspberry Linzer Heart Cookies,” For Goodness Cakes will put anyone in the Valentine’s day mood.
Drinks
The Stanley
The farm-to-table restaurant The Stanley is now offering cocktails to-go! Curated by Head Mixologist Ali Adkins, these original drinks are full of flavor without overwhelming the palette. Their signature drink, Stanleyville, features Evan Williams Bonded Bourbon, Old Overholt Rye, and Spiced Cherry with bitters for $14. To warm up what’s sure to be a chilly Valentine’s–order a delicious drink from The Stanley to finish off your at-home date.
Peppervine
If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth and wanting something boozy, Peppervine has just the thing–dessert wines to-go! They have a plentiful selection of French, Spanish, and Portuguese wines which are designed to pair perfectly with their equally delectable desserts. Why not kill two dessert birds with one stone?
Dogwood
Dogwood is Southern hospitality in a glass. With to-go cocktails made with ingredients like smoked sweet potato, pecans, and corn silk tea, this bar will give a drink as memorable and interesting as your date.
Bardo
Want to add some mystery to Valentine’s day for only $12? Look no further than Bardo’s to-go “Bartenders Choice” cocktail. When it comes to enjoy yourself in Charlotte on Valentine’s Day 2021, there’s nothing like the bardo experience. You simply send a couple of words to describe what kind of cocktail you are in the mood for and the bartender makes something off-menu for you. Bonus points if you and your date design each other’s drink.
The Wine Loft
The Wine Loft just might have solved two problems at once: drinks and a Valentine’s gift. This upscale bar is offering several gift baskets ranging from $35 to $90. These boxes include everything from Pinot Noir to Ashton cigars to gourmet fig jam.
Elsewhere
Elsewhere is the perfect opportunity to show off your bartending skills or just enjoy a professionally made cocktail in your living room. This unique bar lets you order handcrafted cocktails to-go but also offers the chance to buy cocktail syrups and be the bartender for your date.The syrups range from $12 to $14 and the drinks from $10 to $40.
elsewhereclt.com
Words by Sloane Wick & Elizabeth Salerno
