Illustration by Haley McLendon
Valentine’s Day is on Thursday, Feb. 14. Have you decided where you are going to take your sweetheart for a romantic dinner for two? Or maybe you are showing your love for your amazing group of friends! However you plan on spending the day, there are tons of amazing restaurants around Bellingham to celebrate the holiday with amazing food.
DRINKS
If you and your date are 21 or older, the Swim Club Cocktail Bar in Fairhaven is a great place to grab a fancy cocktail and indulge in some yummy appetizers. Swim Club is celebrating Valentine’s Day Thursday through Saturday, with a special menu that includes fricasse and pineapple cake. Their drinks run between $10-12, and their snack bar offers bacon fat popcorn, potato skins and more. They open at 4 p.m. on Thursdays and close at midnight. No reservations required. Check out their menu here.
DINNER
Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen is offering a Sweetheart Dinner special of one appetizer, two entrees and one dessert for $60. Choose between seared sea scallops and stuffed flank steak for the entrees, and tiramisu brulee and strawberry rose petal cheesecake for dessert. Their website also mentions that vegetarian options will be available upon request, and their regular menu will be available too. Reservations are recommended and they can be made by calling 360-752-3377.
If you are going out with a group, Rook & Rogue Board Game Pub is a fun place to spend the evening. They have a fun cocktail (and mocktail) menu and offer amazing appetizers -- my favorite is the deep fried ravioli. They also have a “Linner” menu with soups, sandwiches, burgers and pasta. Many of their menu items have geeky names, like the Shirley Temple of Doom and Netflix and Chili. And, of course, they have a massive supply of board games. For their full menu and a list of available games, check out their website.
Giuseppe’s Al Porto Ristorante Italiano offers a special Valentine’s Day menu for both lunch and dinner. Lunch runs from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and dinner runs from 4:30-9:30 p.m. The menu includes lobster ravioli and braised lamb shanks. Enjoy delicious Italian food while overlooking Bellingham Bay. Reservations are recommended and they can be made by calling 360-714-8412.
DESSERT
Pure Bliss Desserts is my go-to date night spot year round, but they are pulling out the stops for Valentine’s Day. Along with their regular menu, they will be offering heart-shaped iced shortbread cookies, pink champagne cake, sea salt chocolate caramel tart, petite belgian chocolate tortes and red velvet cake. Prices range from around $3-7 per slice, before tax. Check out their menu here.
