Where to Celebrate Valentine's Day in Baltimore

Roses? Chocolates? Ho-hum. Whether you’re looking to impress your date with a night out on the town, or you just want to escape the crush of overly-amorous couples, we’ve got a handful of suggestions for your evening that include some special sips and tantalizing bites to help you really celebrate the day of love.

Heavy Seas Alehouse (1300 bank St.; 410-247-7822)
It's not absence that makes the heart grow fonder, it’s beer! And that’s why the folks at Heavy Seas are offering an optional $12 beer pairing option with their $49, three-course prix fixe dinner on Valentine’s Day.

Thames Street Oyster House (1728 Thames St.; 443-449-7726)
The kitchen crew at Fells Point’s go-to spot for shucked-to-order oysters is promising some special plates for Valentine’s Day guests in addition to its usual menu. The oyster bar has some surprises lined up too.

Wit & Wisdom (200 International Dr.; 410-576-5800)
Celeb. chef Michael Mina’s restaurant in Inner Harbor’s Four Seasons Hotel is serving a special $75, prix fixe menu that features such decadent dishes as Hudson Valley foie gras torchon with port gelee, peanut crisp, and quince butter; cast iron-seared rockfish with ember roasted tomato broth, braised haricot tarbais beans, and cabbage chip; and a poached pear with pain d’epices, red wine, and blue cheese. For $115 per person, they will pair a different wine with each course.

Waterfront Kitchen (1417 Thames St.; 443-681-5310)
The romantic candlelit setting, gorgeous harbor views and a sumptuous spread that includes dishes like Gruyere and Emmentaler cheese fondue for two; crispy duck leg confit with housemade sausage and white bean cassoulet, and a poached Springfield Farms egg; and dark chocolate panna cotta has all the potential for a most memorable Valentine’s Day. What could make this $69, three-course prix fixe dinner even better? Upgrading it with the a wine pairing for an additional $30.

B&O American Brasserie (2 North Charles St.; 443-692-6172)
If the special aphrodisiacs-themed couples menu B&O is serving Thurs., Feb. 13 – Sun., Feb. 16 doesn’t get love birds chirping a happy tune, the two complimentary glasses of prosecco served with the $120 prix fixe dinner surely will. An a la carte menu will also be available.

Mother’s Federal Hill Grille (1113 South Charles St.; 410-244-8686)
One of the best bargains you’ll find on Valentine’s Day is the $29, four course prix fixe dinner that Mother’s has lined up. It includes dishes like Hearts a Fire Mussels, mussels steamed with wine, marinara, crushed red pepper, and basil; and Sweetheart’s Tortellini, tri-colored cheese tortellini in a basil pesto sauce with artichoke hearts, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and spinach; plus soup and dessert. The drinks will cost you extra, but the cash you’re saving on dinner should easily cover a couple rounds.

Photo: Flickr user epw