Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and you are looking for the right place to take that “special someone.” Moreover, this year your New Year’s Resolution was not to wait until February 13th to make a decision on where to take your significant other.  Remember how badly last year ended? You go in the car at 7:00pm and drove the two of you around from place to place, being turned away time and time again, until you ended up at the Cici’s Pizza $3.99 buffet just before closing time.  Don’t be that guy in 2006.  The Atlanta Nightlife Advisor has come up with 14 outstanding Valentine's Day ideas that will fit in to your budget, and your idea of a good time.

If Money Is No Object…

Aria (404) 233-7673  |  490 E. Paces Ferry Rd. Atlanta, GA 30305  |  MAP THIS
   

This hip little house located in the heart of Buckhead represents the pinnacle of sophisticated dining in Atlanta.  Serving Traditional American favorites such as Seared Ahi Tuna, and Niman Ranch Pork, accompanied by a wine list so extensive that you will want to order more than just one bottle.  Aria’s cuisine is served in one of the most beautiful rooms in Atlanta, by an attentive and helpful staff that never comes across as snooty.  For Valentine's Day, Aria is offering a 4-course prix fixe menu that is sure to impress for $90 per person.

Canoe (770) 432-2663   |  4199 Paces Ferry Road SE Atlanta, GA 30339   | MAP THIS

What could be better than a romantic meal for two set in a room that will remind you of an elegant mountain lodge overlooking the Chattahoochee River.  If your date isn’t bewitched by this romantic setting, then she doesn’t have a pulse.  This Contemporary American charmer serves up an ever changing menu with heavy emphasis on fresh seafood.  You can’t go wrong with their Sautéed Scallops, served with toasted almonds and roasted tomato gazpacho.  This top notch destination always fills up fast, so don’t delay.

10 Degrees South (404) 705-8870   |  4183 Roswell Rd. NE Atlanta, GA 30342   |   MAP THIS

Take a trip to South Africa, and discover a first rate cuisine that is unlike any other.  The menu is filled with South African delicacies like Peri-Peri Chicken Spring Rolls and Prime Beef Filets, topped with an apricot curry sauce.  The soaring ceilings and oversized windows create a dramatic backdrop for an intimate dinner for two.  If you haven’t tried South African Wines, you are in for a real treat.  Their red varietals are just as tasty as their Californian counterparts, at a fraction of the cost.  Try the Onyx Shiraz, you won’t be disappointed.  As a Valentine's Day special, 10 Degrees South is offering a sumptuous 3-course prix fixe menu for $55 per person.

You're No Cheapskate, But You Don’t Want To Cash In Your 401(k)…

 Dish (404) 897-3463   |  870 N Highland Ave. Atlanta, GA 30306   |   MAP THIS

Tucked away in a cozy corner of Virginia Highlands, away from most of the walking bar traffic, is this sleek little bistro that serves up innovative twists on contemporary American dishes.  Where else in Atlanta can you get sweet chili infused duck tacos, or “free form” lobster lasagna with scallops and shrimp?  Dish’s wait staff can be best described as top notch with a dash of added wit.  The restaurant features a very respectable wine list that won’t make you look like a chump, if you aren’t up to date on the latest Zinfandel from the Paso Robles.  Make a reservation early, and request a table near the roaring fireplace.

The Lobby at Twelve (404) 961-7370   |  361 17th Street NW Atlanta, GA 30363   |   MAP THIS

The culinary geniuses who brought you One Midtown Kitchen and Two Urban Licks have opened their newest endeavor on the ground floor of the swanky TWELVE Hotel. Located in the heart of Atlantic Station, which has quickly become Atlanta’s newest destination hot-spot.  The vibe is cutting edge, young, and hip.  But “The Lobby “still manages to come across as relaxed and casual.  When you walk in to this dramatic dining room and you will take note of the wood-burning fire. Their Contemporary American menu is a diverse collection of small plates, wood oven pizza, and lighter entrees. You can’t go wrong with a selection from their list of delicious signature Martinis, or from their top notch wine list.

You’re Looking To Make It Through This Hallmark Holiday Without Going Broke

 Figo Pasta (404) 377-2121   |  627 East College Ave. Decatur, GA 30030   |   MAP THIS

Head over to the Decatur location of Figo Pasta, for some outstanding fresh homemade pasta at a great price.  If you love a bargain, you are going to love this place…. There isn’t an item on the menu over $8!  Now, I know what you’re thinking…  “I don’t want to take my date to the Decatur version of “Eats” for Valentine’s Day.”  Take our word for it, this place has ambiance.  You start by choosing one of 17 different kinds of pasta (including several stuffed raviolis), then you pick from 11 different sauces (the wild mushroom cream sauce never disappoints).  What about wine you say?   There are several well chosen selections on the menu with prices so low, that you will think you are buying them from the grocery store.  Just try and resist the Tiramisu for dessert…. We dare you.

 Noodle (404) 685-3010   |  903 Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30308   |   MAP THIS

This sleek little Asian noodle house on Peachtree is sure to leave a good impression on your date without sucking the old wallet dry.  When you walk in to the sleek dimly lit dining room, your eyes are immediately drawn to the clusters of hanging fiber optic lights, which look like an octopus on acid. Once you’re seated, the next things you’ll notice are the low prices.  The entrees here are priced between $7 and $9, and are so big; they’ll be a challenge to finish. But, don’t let the low prices and enormous promotions fool you…this ain’t no cafeteria.  When it comes to Pan Asian cuisine, this place is a heavyweight.  For appetizers, try the lettuce wraps or the sumptuous shrimp basil rolls.  When it’s time for the main course, you can’t go wrong with the Thai Peanut Noodle or the Mongolian Lamb Rice Bowl.  In addition, Noodle sports a killer list of specialty drinks.  If you’re looking to start your date off with a fastball, try the “Karate Punch.” Look out…They’ll get ‘cha!

Vino For Your Valentine

 The Grape (404) 875-4727  |  999 Peachtree St. Atlanta, Georgia 30309   |   MAP THIS

If you and your date are in to wine, you’re sure to find a new favorite at Grape.  Serving 120 different wines by the glass, there is something here for every palate.  Don’t worry about being overwhelmed.  They’ve organized their wine list in to 10 descriptive categories that make selecting the right wine for the evening a snap. If you’re still unsure about making a selection, a very knowledgeable and helpful staff is there to assist you.  If you are in the mood to snack on something while enjoying a glass or two, The Grape offers a nice selection small plates that perfectly compliment the libations.  Choose from four stylish locations in the Atlanta area.

 Vinocity (404) 870-8886  |  36 13th St. NE Atlanta, GA 30309   |   MAP THIS

Located in a converted 2 story bungalow just off Crescent Street in Midtown, is this swanky destination wine bar.  With over 70 wines poured by the glass, even the most discerning wine enthusiast will find something to get excited about.  The attentive wait staff is always available to make an informed recommendation.  If you brought your appetite, you are in luck.  Vinocity serves up an excellent dinner menu, which changes seasonally.  The Pecan encrusted Chilean swordfish is worth the trip alone.  Vinocity offers two distinct settings to enjoy your date’s company: the cozy dining room upstairs or the funky downstairs bar.

Sweets For Your Sweet

For Something a Bit Different

The Starlight Six Drive-In (404) 627-5786   |  2000 Moreland Ave SE Atlanta, GA 30316   |   MAP THIS

How about dinner and a movie? No, I’m not talking about staying home and watching TBS.  Head down to the Starlight Six Drive-In Theater on Moreland Avenue. Think about it, what could be more romantic than cuddling with your date in the back seat of your car? This Atlanta institution has been showing the latest Hollywood hits on the big screen every night since 1949.  Just $6 per person will get you a double feature that starts when the sun goes down.  To listen to the movie, just tune in the appropriate channel on your car stereo.  To make the evening even better, pack a back seat picnic.  Before you go to the drive-in, stop by Whole Foods or Eatzi’s and pick up a prepared dinner and a nice bottle of wine. Otherwise, you might be stuck eating cheese wiz nachos and Snickers bars for your Valentine’s dinner.

Wired and Fired (404) 885-1024   |  994 Virginia Ave. Atlanta, GA 30306   |   MAP THIS

Situated in a quaint little storefront in Virginia Highlands, is this intimate design your own pottery shop.  What could be more romantic than creating a work of art with your Valentine’s date?  Don’t worry about getting too messy, you won’t have to spin the clay, you just have to paint and glaze it.  The incredibly helpful staff is there to help the less artistically inclined.  As an added bonus, this place is B.Y.O., so feel free to bring your favorite bottle of wine.  I think a nice Sonoma Cabernet always goes well with clay.  If you manage to forget the wine at home, you can just run across the street to Murphy’s and pick up a bottle.  This year, Wired and Fired is running a Valentine’s Day special.  They are offering couples a 2 for 1 pottery deal.  Space for this event will fill up fast, so call ahead for reservations.

All Alone On Valentine's Day?

 Q100's Bitter Ball (404) 874-4505   |  1068 Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30309   |   MAP THIS

So maybe you don’t have a date for Valentine's Day yet.  No need to fret, you still have plenty of time.  Head to Q100’s Bitter Ball at Vision Nightclub on Saturday February 11th, and you’re sure to meet that “special anyone” to take out for Valentine’s Day just three days later.  All it takes is a $15 cover to get the good times rolling. Buy your ticket in advance at Q100.com.