Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. Still looking for the perfect date spot on this international day of love? We’ve got you covered. Forgo your usual dinner place for something creative and fun that both of you can enjoy right in your own backyard. So grab your significant other or your BFFs and make this Valentine’s Day one for the books.
1. FOR THE ADVENTUROUS COUPLE
Check out the thrills of a mind-bending escape room. Locked (www.escapelocked.com, 22-56 31st St.) houses themed “Escape the Room” games in which you and your friends must escape a locked room in 60 minutes, using only your intelligence to unravel clues. Book online for you and your date, or get a group together and reserve a whole room!
2. FOR THE FILM BUFFS
Wow your date with your extensive knowledge on 1940s film noir at the Museum of the Moving Image (www.movingimage.us, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria). Stroll through the special exhibitions, or attend one of their daily screenings.
3. FOR THE MINDFUL COUPLE
Enjoy a peaceful morning or afternoon together by taking a yoga class at the local Yoga Agora studio (www.yogaagora.com, 33-02 Broadway, Astoria). Connect with yourself and each other with an activity that clears your busy mind and gets you moving together.
4. FOR THE FUNNY COUPLE
Need a laugh this Valentine’s Day? The Creek & The Cave (www.creeklic.com, 10-93 Jackson Ave.) in Long Island City is home to many stand-up comedians and improv troupes with affordable events happening every night of the week. Grab your date and take the edge off with a good laugh.
5. FOR THE WINOS
Wine makes everyone more creative. The Paint Place (www.thepaintplaceny.com, 31-21 31st St.) offers “sip and paint” classes in which you and your date can sip on wine and create a painted masterpiece with guidance by pros. Check out their online schedule to see what famous work is featured next, and sign up!
6. FOR THE COMPETITIVE COUPLE
Hop on over to Astoria’s Break Bar and Billiards (www.break-ny.com, 32-04 Broadway), a bar filled with classic games everyone can play and enjoy. Challenge your date to a round of ping-pong, hold a foosball tournament, or even take a shot at pool. Be sure to relax with a beer at halftime!
7. FOR THE BOOKWORMS
Enjoy a nice evening among literary minds at the LIC Reading Series (www.licreadingseries.com) hosted by LIC bar (45-58 Vernon Blvd.). Free readings are held every second Tuesday of the month at 8 p.m. — this means Valentine’s Day! So grab your favorite reading buddy and check out February’s lineup, including writers Jason Diamond, Kelly Luce and Sara Majka.
8. FOR PEOPLE WHO LIKE TO MOVE AND GROOVE
Swing by Q.E.D. (www.qedastoria.com 27-16 23rd Ave.) on Mondays for a swing dance class taught by Swing Dance Astoria (www.swingdanceastoria.com). The next series of classes starts the day before Valentine’s Day, so show off your moves by dropping by for one session, or commit to five classes to continue the fun. Also check out other events hosted at Q.E.D. like comedy shows and knitting classes!
9. FOR THE BRAINIACS
Want to show off those trivia skills you have hiding in your back pocket? The Alewife (www.alewife.beer, 5-14 51st Ave.) hosts a trivia night every Tuesday at 8 p.m. So Valentine’s evening, grab your partner-in-crime or get a group together, and face off in a war of knowledge over a cold beer.
10. FOR GALENTINE’S DAY
Grab your ladies and celebrate sisterhood by heading out for brunch on Feb. 13, the official Galentine’s Day, as dubbed by Leslie Knope of “Parks and Recreation.” Hit Mom’s Kitchen and Bar (www.momsastoria.com, 30-95 33rd St.) for all-day brunch including traditional egg-based meals and creative favorites like “mac ‘n’ cheese pancakes.”
11. FOR THE HOPELESS ROMANTICS
For a classic, romantic night out, check out Vesta Trattoria and Wine Bar (www.vestavino.com, 21-02 30th Ave.), an intimate venue with delicious Italian fare complete with wine on tap. This rom-com-worthy venue is the perfect spot to celebrate your love with a candlelight hue.
12. FOR THE PIZZA-LOVING COUPLE
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good pizza? If the romantic vibe isn’t your thing, head over to Astoria Craft Bar & Kitchen (www.astoriacraft.com, 18-01 26th Rd.) for a more laid-back Valentine’s. Enjoy pub food from pizza to burgers, accompanied by a tall pitcher of beer.
13. FOR THE MUSIC FANS
Want dinner and a show? The Beast Next Door Café and Bar (www.thebeastnextdoorcafebar.com, 42-51 27th St.) offers live shows Saturday nights: musicians, cover bands and even stand-up comedians. Listen and enjoy as you nibble on a selection of meats and cheeses while sipping craft cocktails.
14. FOR THE ARTSY COUPLE
If you prefer a creative activity on this Valentine’s Day, bring your date to Brickhouse Ceramic Art Center (www.brickhouseny.com, 10-34 44th Dr.) for a pottery class no matter your skill level. Classes offered are beginner wheel, beginner hand building, wheel throwing and glaze classes to name a few. Leave with the perfect handmade gift for Valentine’s.
15. FOR THE GAMING COUPLE
Are board games more your speed? Get out of the house and join a crew of like-minded gamers at The Geekery (www.thegeekeryhq.com, 42-11 Broadway). They offer “open play” during the week: you can bring your own games, or rent theirs, or maybe even enter one of their gaming competitions to up the stakes.
