Where to Celebrate Valentine's Day in Washington, D.C.
Roses are red, violets are blue, Valentine’s Day is for cocktails, and maybe food too. Whether you want to share sexy sips with a significant other or are looking to roast this love-themed day with a couple passive agressive martinis, we’ve rounded up some of the best V-Day deals and love potions in the district.
Columbia Room: This inner cocktail sanctum at The Passenger is like mecca for D.C. cocktail enthusiasts, and on Valentine’s Day you’ll have the chance to drink with his holiness Derek Brown himself. The bartender extraordinaire will be joined by Katie Nelson and chef Joe Rumberger for this feast, which includes drink pairings with all five courses including Champagne, a glass of Madeira, an apple ginger sangaree, the Flame of Love cocktail, a rye Old Fashioned and the bar’s own take on hot chocolate (Tuesday, Feb. 14, 6 PM and 9 PM seatings; $150 per person; 202-393-0336).
Pre-Valentine’s Sparkling Wine Tasting at BRABO Butcher’s Block: Nothing says romance like a little (or a lot) of bubbly, especially if it’s of the locavore variety. This Saturday, you can taste a selection of sparkling wines from Charlottesville-based Janisson & Fils, a winery established in the 1920s with vines orginally grown in Verzenay, France (Saturday, Feb. 11, 6–8 PM; Free; 703-894-3440).
Smith Commons: The bubbly comes gratis when you indulge in this H Street spot’s prix-fixe Valentine’s meal. Enjoy a complimentary glass with the three-course dinner, which includes smoked lobster ravioli, foie gras and banana panna cotta with “coconut air” (Tuesday, Feb. 14; $60 per person; 202-396-0038).
Local 16: Love this neighborhood bar? Prove it at the anti-Valentine’s Day staff auction. Get liquored up with $5 mango martinis, Veev sangria and other happy hour drink specials from 5–8 PM, then bid on your favorite bartender (you know there’s a few!) and return for drinks and dinner on the house if you win. Proceeds benefit the Shaw Middle School music program fund (Tuesday, Feb. 14; Free; 202-265-2828).
J&G Steakhouse: Swirl, sniff and sip wines hand-selected by sommelier Guy Golan, all paired with the prix-fixe Valentine’s Day menu at the W Hotel’s swanky steak joint. With some oysters and the warm chocolate cake, you’ll be feeling the amore in no time (Tuesday, Feb. 14; $135 per person; 202-661-2440).
Co Co. Sala: It doesn’t get any more indulgent than the aphrodisiac-inspired menu at this Penn Quarter restaurant and chocolate shop. The “Cheese and Chocolate Fetish” prix fixe Valentine’s Day menu begins with the “Sip of Fetish,” a cocktail with chocolate-infused vodka and strawberry foam, and includes wine pairings with courses such as bacon and gruyere scones, butter poached lobster and squash ravioli (Tuesday, Feb. 14; $105 per person; 202-347-4265).
