Valentine's Day is coming up, and Dallas has never had more to offer. From new restaurants, live jazz, art museums, or even a drive-in movie, there is something for everyone and every budget. From free dates to extravagant nights out, this Valentine's Day will be the best one yet!
Indulge your tastebuds at Madrina or The Theodore
Photo by Catherine Downes for D Magazine
Madrina is one of the hottest new restaurants in Dallas with French-inspired Mexican cuisine and a cocktail menu full of mezcal, tequila, brandy, and cognac. Check out their dinner menu here. Be sure to make your reservation soon, spots will fill up quick. Meals range $30-60 a person.
Customers socialize at the bar of The Theodore in NorthPark Center, Wednesday, November 18, 2015.
The Theodore is a ray of shining hope in the otherwise dreary food selection at Northpark. Yes, you heard that right, one of the best restaurants in Dallas is at Northpark mall. This year Valentine's Day falls on a Sunday, and what could be better than an afternoon of shopping followed by a delicious new-American meal? Inspired by Teddy Roosevelt, the Theodore offers carefully crafted cocktails as well as one of the best burgers in Dallas.
Go back in time with a Drive-In movie at Galaxy Theatre
This weekend is going to be one of the most beautiful weekends in Dallas, so why not pull up to a massive theatre and roll those windows down? A tried and tested date-night, the Drive-In movie theatre is a surefire way to make this holiday a success. Tickets are $7 per adult for a double feature starting at 7pm, or sunset. If you get hungry, they have multiple concession stands with classic American foods at original prices! View showtimes here.
Charm your ears with live jazz at The Balcony Club
The Balcony Club is a Lakewood gem, made on the old balcony of Lakewood Theatre. This is the smoky, dark bar out of a noir film. With smooth jazz and limited seating, you can snag a great private seat if you get here early. The Balcony Club is perfect for jazz lovers or dates looking for something truly unique in Dallas. The Jonathan Fisher Trio will be performing on Valentine's Day from 8-11pm with no cover.
Explore Downtown, Uptown, and Beyond on the FREE McKinney Avenue Trolley
What's better than a free Valentine's Day date? The McKinney Trolley runs from West Village to the heart of Downtown at no charge to their passengers. With 38 stops, it's easy to explore Dallas in an afternoon. You can track where the trolleys are here. Plus, the weather will be beautiful this weekend so you'd be missing out on the rich history of Dallas and a fun date. Check out a great walking tour of Downtown Dallas here!
Picnic at the Arboretum (half-price admission in February)
Photo courtesy of the Dallas Arboretum
Gra your date and picnic supplies, and enjoy the rolling gardens of the Dallas Arboretum at half the usual price. At just $5 per person for entrance, feel free to splurge on that fancy cheese. The winter flowers are in full bloom, and the roses are already opening up. Be sure to bring extra blankets and pre-purchase parking to save even more money (call 214-515-6615 to purchase discounted parking for $8).
Chinese New Year Festival at the Crowe Collection of Asian Art
Celebrate Valentine's Day in a whole new way while welcoming the Chinese Year of the Monkey! The Crowe is hosting their annual celebrations this weekend on Saturday, February 13 from 11am until 7:30pm. Some of their premier activities include traditional Chinese New Year art making activities, calligraphy demonstrations, face painting, and fortune telling. From food trucks, to lion dances, and a grand finale firework display in the heart of Downtown, this is one of the best free events in Dallas this weekend. For more information and a schedule of events, click here.
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