Well, I blinked on New Year’s Eve, and now it’s Valentine’s 2019! If you have a sitter booked and a reservation set for 7 p.m. with your significant other, consider yourself lucky. Or just someone who is really on top of things! I am not one of those people.
Valentine’s Day is not going to be a romantic stroll in the park this year, but instead a wild and crazy date night with my husband and two kids. Don’t feel bad for me. My husband and I will squeeze in a private date night in a week or two, but this night of love is going to be all about the squad. I actually wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s pretty special to teach my kids to celebrate with the people they love. My 6-year-old already has her red dress picked out, and I’m sure my 3-year-old will want to wear his blazer for date night with Mommy and Daddy.
The bigger issue is where to take my crew so we all can have fun while not destroying someone’s quiet proposal! If you are wondering the same thing, I’ve done some research on where to go. Here are my top six restaurants to take your kids on a Valentine’s date.
» Winslow’s Home: This best-kept secret off Delmar Boulevard is really not a secret at all, so snag a table early. It’s order at the counter and all shades of cozy. The menu features delicious, locally sourced food, and you can shop for fun toys for both kids and adults. We love to take coloring books and really soak up this treasure spot.
» The Fountain on Locust: You can do dinner here, but we love to head out dressed to the nines for a fabulous dessert at this magical art deco spot downtown. It’s so cute, and their desserts are insane.
» Pastaria: When I spoke to Gerard Craft about this genius spot, he said he wanted people to feel comfortable eating good food. Well, he succeeded! The kids’ menu offers an entrée and dessert for just $10, and little ones get to play with a ball of pizza dough while you wait.
» Baileys’ Range: Grass-fed burgers and local brews are enough to make any parent’s night. Add in made-from-scratch shakes and homemade ketchup, and this place pretty much has all of the bases covered. And I love the urban but cozy atmosphere that makes it so welcoming!
» Fitz’s (The Loop): I still remember going here as a kid with my parents. If your youngsters are under 10, watching the vintage soda bottle line is totally exciting. You can check the bottling schedule on the website before you go. It’s the perfect place to enjoy burgers and floats together.
» Peacock Diner: This is one of my favorite places to take our kids. It’s clean and colorful, and its milkshakes are massive enough to share. My kids love spinning on the bar stools at the countertops lit with neon and picking out their favorite song to play on the jukebox.
After dinner, catch a movie at The Chase or go ice skating at Shaw Park. Or, you may want to skip a formal meal altogether and head over to Brunswick Lanes for hot dogs and bowling! Even if you end up at Chick-fil-A, if you make it special for your kids, it could be the most romantic Valentine’s Day yet.
Katelyn Young Meyer is a local mom of two (her #crumblycrew) who shares real moments of motherhood as it relates to fashion, food and fun! Follow her on Instagram at @_katelynyoung_, or follow her blog at thebejuledlife.com.