Your guide to Valentine’s Day date spots at five different price points

Whether you consider it to be a real holiday, or just something Hallmark invented, Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and ready to inundate everyone with hearts, candy, and an endless loop of Ed Sheeran songs.

As Columbus continues to navigate these strange times, there are still plenty of creative ways to celebrate love on February 14th – both in person, or from the comfort of your couch.
We’re rounded up the best V-day date ideas to match your budget and your comfort level, so grab a dozen roses and get ready to celebrate.

White Castle 

White Castle has been offering its signature in-Castle, reservations-only Valentine’s Day dinner since 1991. Out of caution for the health and safety of their customers and team members, they have decided to shift their focus and create a to-go experience this year.

On February 14th only, cravers can grab the new “Love Cube,” a meal for two (or one, we’re not here to judge) in a specially designed box. Binge some Netflix while enjoying eight Sliders, a choice of two shareable sides, five-piece cheese sticks, and two small Coca-Cola Freestyle soft drinks.

The cube costs $14.99, and you can also add on their new strawberry swirl cheesecake on a stick dessert.

COSI

Celebrate a few days early at the COSI After Dark on February 10th. The theme for this 21+ event is The Science of Love, and from 7 to 10 p.m. you and your date can explore the center kid-free. Tickets are $20 in advance, $30 at the door, and include entertainment and activity stations designed with love in mind. 

If you are looking to extend date night, COSI and the Hilton Columbus Downtown are partnering together for a special Valentine’s Day offer. The package will include a pair of tickets to the Feb. 10 After Dark event, plus an overnight stay in a deluxe king room, some bubbly and strawberries, breakfast for two and complimentary valet parking. 

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Hot Chicken Takeover & Mikey’s Late Night Slice

Hot Chicken Takeover and Mikey’s rrr Night Slice (dubbed Hot Mikey’s Takeover) will once again be hosting their annual Valentine’s Day fundraiser benefiting the Columbus Diaper Bank. Pizza kits will be available for pre-order on the Mikey’s Late Night Slice website in three different Hot Chicken Takeover combinations: Nashville-style, Ma Mac’s, and a vegan option.

Kits will cost around $30, and there will be a live-streamed pizza making party with the wsr on Feb. 14. “Whether you’ve got someone to spend it with or you’re single AF,” said Late Night Slice founder Mikey Sorboro, “this will be an unforgettable and unique experience that will bring us all together.” 

High Bank Distillery

If you’re ready to ditch the sweatpants and enjoy a dinner out, head to High Bank Distillery. Executive Chef Benjamyn Greig has compiled a special $45 Valentine’s Day menu made up of 3 courses, including house smoked salmon, surf and turf and a specialty dessert from The Cheesecake Girl. This curated dinner will only be available on Feb. 9-12 and Feb. 14.

High Bank is also featuring a speciality cocktail pairing for two V-day themed drinks. $25 will get you a Love Stuck, made with High Bank vodka, house made strawberry balsamic shrub, cucumber and fresh lime, along with Crimes of Passion, consisting of Whiskey War, chai-infused sweet vermouth, pomegranate and fresh lemon.

The Kitchen

The Kitchen on Livingston Avenue will be hosting two different Valentine’s Day experiences this year. On February 12, pairs can sign up for a Thai yoga workshop with Charles Gibson, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Tickets are $90 per couple and include a prepared brunch.

On Feb. 14, there will be participatory cooking and dining experience from 6-9 p.m. For $70 per person, participants will help create (and then enjoy) dishes including mixed green salad, petite filet mignon and flourless dark chocolate cake.

“We feel like cooking can be a really intimate experience, whether it’s with a friend or a romantic partner,” said founder and co-owner Anne Boninsegna. “Cooking is a great way to spend time together, and we try to make it fun and relaxing for everyone.”

This story originally appeared in the February 2022 issue of (614) Magazine.

If you like this, read: Mikey’s Late Night Slice planning new two-story pizzeria and bar in Olde Towne East

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