A very popular way to celebrate Valentine’s Day in most cities is a romantic (and usually expensive) dinner out. Atlanta is blessed to have lots of great restaurants that range from casual to white tablecloth dining.

Valentine’s Day is not just for couples!! Having been single for Valentine’s Day most of my life, this day always filled me with dread until recently when I had an epiphany - why does it have to be about being part of a couple? I have love for friends, family and especially good food and can celebrate however I want. Don’t let your relationship status on Facebook get in the way of enjoying a fun night out!

A couple recs:

Atkins Park Smyrna - Singles Awareness Day/Anti-Valentine’s Bash. Sat 2/11 10pm-1am. Celebrate being single with drinks, eats and live music from Homefront!

El Taco - Tues 2/14 (dinner). Grab some girlfriends and tear up the place! Great food and $4 pineapple infused tequila shots. Located in VaHi, spin the wheel and win cool prizes!

Antico Pizza - Anytime! Honestly, I have so much fun when I’m hanging out with friends at Antico in Midtown. Everyone can BYOB - whether it’s great craft beer or a fave bottle of wine and enjoy what is arguably the best pizza in the city. Gather at large family style tables and mangia! What’s not to love?

Alma Cocina - Tues 2/14 (lunch and dinner). Great food and a great cause! Alma is the location of the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s monthly supper club, which means 20% of your check goes to ACFB. How easy is that? You get great food and money goes to a fantastic ATL non-profit. A big win for singles and couples alike!

No. 246 - Tues 2/14 5-8pm. $55. 4-course meal at one of my favorite Italian restaurants in town. Be a bit sly and go for the Chef’s Counter on either Monday 2/13 or Weds 2/15 - I guarantee a fantastic time!

Three Sheets - Tues 2/14. Sensual Small Plates for 2. $5+. Three Sheets will test the theory that certain foods can be an aphrodisiac! Indulge in Bananas Fosters Flambéed Tableside, Oysters Rockefeller, and Truffled Deviled Eggs at this OTP gem.

La Tavola - Tues 2/14 5:30pm-10pm. $49 Prix Fixe dinner. This intimate Italian restaurant in VaHi has a lot of fans (myself included!) and they have a special 3-course menu for the occasion! Great wine list, delish cocktails by Alli at the bar and amazing food from Chef Brent Banda, this place is great all year round!

This is just a small example of all the amazing dinners and events happening in ATL - for a full listing of cool Valentine’s special menus and more, check out Open Table Atlanta!