With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, love is on everyone’s mind.  BORO has compiled a list of restaurants, bars, shops, and other great places to prepare for and celebrate on February 14….but don’t forget about this list once the heart-shaped boxes of chocolate are no longer on the shelves. These spots are worth keeping in mind anytime love is in the air!

~Restaurants & Bars~

Bear

12-14 31st Ave, LIC
917-396-4939
www.bearnyc.com

Bear offers New European cuisine in an upscale setting with chandeliers, Venetian tiles, and mahogany wood.  Bear’s Valentine’s Day 3-course prix fixe menu is $45 per person, or $75 per person with wine pairings.

Brick Cafe

30-95 33rd St, Astoria
718-267-2735
www.brickcafe.com

This romantic cafe feels distinctly European with its candles and Moroccan lamps.  Brick Cafe features live music regularly as well as a weekday prix fixe menu.  For Valentine’s Day, they will be featuring a full dinner menu as well as specials.  Be sure to make your reservations early!

Il Bambino

34-08 31st Ave, Astoria
718-626-0087
www.ilbambinonyc.com

Il Bambino’s is well known for its panini menu and brunch specials.  This Valentine’s Day they will be offering four-course meals for $40 per person. The meal includes soup, antipasto, panini, and a dessert.

L’Artiste

42-20 31st Ave, Astoria
646-309-7504
www.laartisterestaurant.com

This cozy restaurant feels like a candle-lit bistro in Paris. With a great atmosphere and affordable high-end cuisine that has food critics raving, this is an ideal date spot.

Mundo

31-18 Broadway, Astoria
718-777-2829
www.mundoastoria.com

If you and your special someone have been longing for some travel but can’t make it out of the city, Mundo is the spot for you. This restaurant features unique takes on cuisine from all over the world, and it truly is possible to feel like you’re taking a journey just by stepping in and trying a few dishes.

Pachanga Patterson

33-17 31st Ave, Astoria
718-554-0525
www.pachangapatterson.com

This new-school Mexican spot wants to celebrate a different kind of love on the 14th: love among friends. In addition to their regular menu, Pachanga Patterson will be hoping to fill the restaurant with groups of friends by offering a family-style platter menu meant for sharing among groups of 4 or more.  They will also feature one-night only, heartbreak worthy drink and tequila specials.

Penthouse 808

8-08 Queens Plaza South, LIC
718-289-6118
www.penthouse808rooftop.com

The view of the Manhattan skyline and Queensboro bridge from the rooftop of the trendy Ravel Hotel is always sure to set the mood. This Valentine’s Day, they are offering a 4-course menu that starts at $149 per couple.

Penthouse 808

Shi

47-20 Center Blvd, LIC
347-242-2450
www.shilic.com

Shi’s upscale dining room boasts breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Their $140 per couple Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu includes half a bottle of Moet Imperial champagne.

Vesta Trattoria & Wine Bar

21-02 30th Ave, Astoria
718-545-5550
www.vestavino.com

Vesta’s Italian food and wide variety of wines make this a very popular spot in the neighborhood. On Valentine’s Day, they are featuring a three-course menu with a complimentary glass of prosecco for $50 per person (additional $20 per person for wine pairing). There will be seatings on the top of every hour.

Winegasm

31-86 37 St, Astoria
718-932-3331
www.winegasmeatery.com

This intimate wine bar and eatery is offering a four-course prix fixe menu on Valentine’s Day for $45 per person.  For an additional $17 per person, wine pairings are available.  The special of the evening, a 1998 Champagne Jacquart Vintage, is available for $13 per glass or $69 for the bottle.

~Shops & Gifts~

fLorEsta

51-02 Vernon Blvd, LIC
347-642-8108
www.florestanyc.com

No matter what the season or occasion, lovers always appreciate flowers, and fLorEsta’s designer Juan Carlo Bermudez knows how to create a romantic and beautiful arrangement anytime.  Check out some of his tips for unique Valentine’s Day arrangements here.

Inside Astoria

28-07 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria
718-956-4000

This little shop offers an eclectic variety of books, decor, jewelry, candles, and other miscellaneous items that make great gifts. This is one of those shops where it’s probably best to go in without too many set ideas about what it is you’re looking for–let the perfect gift find you!

Malu

12-09 Jackson Ave, LIC
718-729-6258
www.amomandpopshop.com

This mom and pop shop is sure to put a smile on your face when you pop in to grab an ice cream cone or chocolatey treat with your S.O.  If you feel like surprising a loved one with a tasty gift, why not stop by here and grab something local and unique? Malu is also hosting a photography exhibition with the theme of love in Long Island City throughout the month of February.

Site

35-11 34th Ave, Astoria
718-626-6030
www.sitenyc.com

This boutique has a wide selection of handmade, vintage, and colorful items.  You can buy a gift here, but it’s also a great spot in and of itself to walk in and browse the vibrant shelves with that special someone.