Celebrating Love in East Austin

Valentine’s Day Ideas: Where to go with (or without) a date!

Words by Sam Lauron Photo by Hatchet Alley

The season of love is upon us. Whether you plan to celebrate with your sweetheart or a group of friends, there’s something happening locally for everyone this Valentine’s Day. 

Blue Starlite Drive In 

Few dates are as classic as going to see a movie. This Valentine’s Day, make a movie date even more memorable by visiting Blue Starlite Drive In. As part of their 10th annual Love Fest, the East Austin drive-in movie theater will be showing Princess Bride on Friday, February 14. Pull into the car slot, order some sweet treats from the concessions stand, and enjoy a fun date night for two. 
2103 E.M. Franklin Ave. | bluestarlitedrivein.com 

Galentine’s Day and Valentine’s Day at Colleen’s Kitchen

The Mueller eatery will be serving special menus for both Galentine’s and Valentine’s Day. For Galentine’s Day (February 13), the menu includes deviled eggs, pimento cheese, chicken and waffles, and a sweet treat for $22 per person. Bubbly cocktails and half-priced wine to toast with your favorite gals will also be available. For Valentine’s Day, Colleen’s will be offering a special four course dinner for $60 per person with optional wine and cocktail pairings. Reservations are encouraged for the occasion. 
1911 Aldrich St. | colleensaustin.com

Juniper 

Pasta and wine are always an excellent idea when it comes to planning a romantic dinner for two. Upscale Italian restaurant Juniper has got you covered with their specially-curated menu for Valentine’s Day. The five-course menu offers several choices for each course, with standout dishes like cacio e pepe, grilled branzino, and pan roasted cauliflower. Don’t skip one of their dessert choices on Valentine’s Day:  tiramisu, ricotta torte, or grapefruit sorbet. 
2400 E Cesar Chavez St. | juniperaustin.com 

Whisler’s Valentine’s Day

Spend an intimate evening sipping craft cocktails at one of the best cocktail bars in Austin: Whisler’s. The East 6th Street bar will be hosting a Valentine’s Day themed night, complete with burlesque performances in both the main bar and the Mezcaleria Tobala as well as a special extended set from Luis Banuelos. There will also be a special Lover’s menu with festive cocktails for the occasion. 
1816 E 6th St. | whislersatx.com 

Valentine’s Day at Hatchet Alley 

An adventurous date awaits at the newest axe-throwing facility in town. For Valentine’s Day, Hatchet Alley is offering an axe throwing special. For $35 per couple, you and your date can enjoy an hour and a half of axe throwing along with free beers provided by Friends and Allies. Don’t have a date but still want to partake in the fun? Directly after the couples’ throwing session, which starts at 6:30pm, Hatchet Alley is hosting another session for singles and friends. Tickets are $18 per person or $45 for three people, and the second session kicks off at 8:30pm. 
443 Bastrop Hwy N | hatchetalley.com

Pitchfork Pretty

Known for their use of fresh, seasonal ingredients that come directly from their own garden, Pitchfork Pretty is going all out for Valentine’s Day. The Holly neighborhood restaurant is offering a six-course prix fixe menu for the romantic holiday. Dinner is $85 per person and includes dishes like aged duck and their signature fried chicken. The special menu also includes complimentary bubbles. 
2708 E. Cesar Chavez St. | pitchforkpretty.com 

Celebrate Not Celebrating Valentine’s Day

If the holiday of love isn’t something you celebrate, not to worry, there’s an event for that, too. Join Punch Bowl Social at their new downtown location for an anti-Valentine’s Day party. The bar and entertainment space will be serving up a special punch for the evening called Shot Through the Heart, which is made with Old Forester bourbon, strawberry cinnamon shrub, pear syrup, teakoe pear tea, and garnished with pickled strawberry and cherry. 
522 Congress Ave. | punchbowlsocial.com 

The Galentine’s Show 

Hosted by the team behind The Cathedral and atxGALS, the fourth annual Galentine’s Show will be an evening of art and female empowerment. On Friday, February 14, the refurbished church space will be showcasing art from 10 local female artists. The Queen of Hearts themed night will also include music from DJ Diggy Dutch, a photobooth, and an open bar with festive cocktails. Tickets are $45, and a portion of ticket sales will benefit Girls Empowerment Network. 
2403 E 16th St. | thecathedralatx.com

For those who want a night in instead of a night on the town, consider making a special dinner with one of our recipes.