Got your plans for Valentine’s Day? We suggest you stick to the ‘hood with one of these awesome Long Island City spots. We may be biased, but they offer the best neighborhood vibe and best of all, you can wander home without fighting for a cab. That’s certainly going to thrill your date. We call that a win, because why be stressed when you’re celebrating the person you love most in the world? If you’re swapping a twosome for a night out with friends, these happening crowdpleasers work for that too. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Levante
21-26 Jackson Avenue To our knowledge no one has ever said no to a pizza date, so head to Levante for its casual-cool atmosphere, Neapolitan pies, and list of more than 50 Italian wines. You can even impress your date by saying “I love you” in Italian—“Ti amo”—and belting out the lyrics to Dean Martin’s “That’s Amore.”
levantelic.com
Dutch Kills
27-24 Jackson Avenue
If sipping a meticulously crafted cocktail is your idea of an ideal night out, belly up to the bar with your Valentine at Dutch Kills. Known for their Prohibition-style vibe, expert mixology, and specialty ice, this spot is not only the drinking destination in LIC, but Thrillist.com called it “the best cocktail bar in Queens.” Hunger pains can be satiated with a hero from Hendu’s, a sandwich shop operating from within the bar.
dutchkillsbar.com
Casa Enrique5-48 49th Ave
The only thing better than one margarita is two! Celebrate the holiday of love with haute Mexican, the best way to describe the dishes at this Michelin-starred spot in LIC. With its mod seating and light, airy vibe, the food takes center stage. We’re partial to the tacos al pastor—a classic—accompanied by guacamole and washed down with just about anything from the bar. The tequila and mezcal list is certainly a sight to behold!
henrinyc.com/casa-enrique
Toby’s Estate & Doughnut Plant
25-26 Jackson Avenue
31-00 47th Avenue
Who says Valentine’s Day celebrations have to be in the evening? Start the day with your partner, a pair of coffee cups, and the cult-worthy breakfast sandwich from Toby’s Estate. Since calories don’t count on a holiday, walk a few blocks to Doughnut Plant for a sweet treat to kick off February 14th. The red velvet cake doughnut with cream cheese frosting definitely fits the mood of the day. tobysestate.com
doughnutplant.com
M. Wells Steakhouse
43-15 Crescent Street
If classic surf and turf is more your speed for a fancy night out, make a reservation for M. Wells Steakhouse, which serves up one of the best steaks in the city. Its moody, industrial-chic dining room defines swank and the menu delivers with impressive fare. Start the meal with the raw bar and namesake Caesar, then order the dry aged Porterhouse for two. We’ll warn you now: save some space for dessert, because chocolate lava cake is the only way to end a perfect Valentine’s Day.
magasinwells.com
