There are no rules for celebrating the holiday of love. And, as long as love is in the air, Cupid — the ancient Roman god of love in all its varieties — doesn’t seem to care how you and that special someone spend your Valentine’s Day.
Whether you’re chilling at home with your cat and a glass of vino, or “painting the town red” and dining out — make it special. If you’re choosing the latter, consider these romantic, Cupid-approved local spots where you can celebrate, Queens-style.
Queen’s Room – 36-02 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria
Treat your boo to brunch, lunch, dinner and/or cocktails. Whisper sweet nothings over an enticing charcuterie plate and sample their prix-fixe menu, which comes with a glass of something bubbly. If you’re going solo, just embrace your inner Cupid and celebrate being single … or, perhaps, your break-up or divorce?
Bourbon Street – 40-12 Bell Blvd., Bayside
You’re likely going to “heart” the cornucopia of Valentine’s Day offerings here. Sample a variety of home-cooked Cajun-American meals and listen to live music by Music After Dark (6 to 9 p.m.) over artisan cocktails with your BFF or significant other. Dinner for two specials include the “You’re My Lobster” clambake. (Call for prices: 718-224-2200)
Portofino Ristorante – 109-32 Ascan Ave., Forest Hills
Take your sweetheart to Italy in charming Forest Hills and savor your special moments together. This prix-fixe V-Day menu features an appetizer, pasta, main course, dessert and coffee (about $79), or six choices from their à la carte menu, with special drinks. As that vintage Dean Martin tune, goes: “When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie – it’s amore!”
Vetro Restaurant and Lounge – 164-49 Crossbay Blvd., Howard Beach
Surprise your honey with reservations to this highly rated, fine Italian dining spot by the water, and check out their V-Day menu, which includes mouth-watering fried calamari, baked clams and lemon shrimp apps plus memorable entrees and more. Celebrate your special love at happy hour — Tuesday to Friday, 4 to 6 p.m., in the Blue Lounge — with these great deals: $6 select apps; $8 glass of wine; $10 true cocktails.
White Radish – 108-25 Ascan Ave., Forest Hills
Grab some friends or bring a date and enjoy a special Valentine’s night out on the town. Make a toast to love and friendship, while enjoying the cozy ambiance. Enjoy farm-to-table American cuisine featuring savory apps, pasta and seafood offerings. And don’t forget to ask for that extra special, personal bottle of prosecco rosé ($14 each/200ml). Cheers!
Neir’s Tavern – 87-48 78th St., Woodhaven
Owner Loy Gordon loves welcoming folks, no matter the occasion. This famous bar, where “Goodfellas” was filmed, is one of the friendliest places in Queens. “We’re excited for another incredible Valentine’s Day at historic Neir’s Tavern, on its 193rd anniversary year,” Gordon told QNS. So, drop by with your sweetheart or a few good friends and raise your glass to love and friendship. Neir’s special V-Day menu offers a tasty prix-fixe three-course dinner (starter, entree, dessert), including a glass of champagne, for $45 per person. Reservations are highly recommended.
Sugar N Coal – 63-42 Woodhaven Blvd., Rego Park
Relax and enjoy some great hookah with good friends or that special someone … and party like it’s Valentine’s Day, 1989! Good vibes mixed with luscious desserts creates perfect harmony on Cupid’s big day. A blend of delicate sweets with the rich aroma of shisha ($15 for standard/$20 for signature flavors) makes for a one-of-a-kind experience. And during happy hour (4 to 8 p.m.), you can choose from 10 different cocktails and munch on yummy tacos and quesadillas, or tasty American and Indian fare.
Looking for something different to do on V-Day? Check out these cool options for singles or couples.
Rego Beauty Spa – 93-05 63rd Dr., Rego Park
This Valentine’s Day, escape and feel rejuvenated! There’s nothing like a relaxing full-body massage or a feel-good mani/pedi. Take a friend or your main squeeze. Couples massage: $45 per person for one hour.
Valentine’s Day Half Marathon or 5K – Beach 108 St., Rockaway Beach
Run for the love of running — with that special person or solo. Bring the love to the Rockaway Track Club on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 8 to 11 a.m. for a half-marathon or 5K presented by Rockaway Track Club and Healy’s Pub.
Get your bib tag and T-shirt and check in at Healy’s Pub, 108-07 Rockaway Beach Dr. The half-marathon and 5K start at 9 a.m. at the Beach 108th Street boardwalk. The half-marathon is two complete loops from Beach 126th Street to 56th Place, while the 5K is one loop from Beach 126th Street to 108th. Admission includes a T-shirt, medal and one free beer at Healy’s. For more information and tickets, visit eventbrite.com/e/valentines-day-half-marathon-or-5k-tickets-491889704347.
Astoria Maids of Athena Present ‘Be Our Valentine?’ – A Special Event
Single or not, come celebrate Cupid and dance the night away at Melrose Ballroom (3608 33rd St., Astoria) from Friday, Feb. 10, at 10 p.m. to Saturday, Feb. 11 at 3 a.m. The event is 21+ and tickets begin at $17.85; there are no refunds. A portion of proceeds will go to The Children’s Heart Foundation. For more info and tickets, visit eventbrite.com/e/the-valentines-day-event-tickets-506728016137.
Painting with a Twist – 97-14 Metropolitan Ave., Forest Hills
Bring your Valentine or meet someone new and channel your inner artist, as you spend a creative V-Day having fun at this artsy studio. Paint “Love is in the Air” on Sunday, Feb. 12, from 1 to 3 p.m. (tickets cost $49 per person), or try your hand at the painting “Meet in the Middle” on Tuesday, Feb. 14, from noon to 2 p.m. (tickets cost $45 per person). To buy tickets, visit paintingwithatwist.com or email studio349@paintingwithatwist.com. These events are for ages 18 and up.
