Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance! We think it is a lot more fun to celebrate all of the loves in your life – your kids, your sweetheart, your family and your friends. Make it a month-long celebration with these “date-night” inspirations filled with locally owned restaurants great for families, grown-up date options and fun girls’ night out experiences.
Happy early Valentine’s to you, our cherished readers!
Family-Friendly Eats
Treat the family to a night out on the town and yourself to a cooking- and dishes-free evening while showing some locally owned restaurants some love.
Fresh & Flavorful
For casual fast food, Saturn Grill (6432 Avondale Dr) creates fresh, scratch-made favorites for lunch and dinner. From the spicy turkey sandwich on homemade flatbread to sweet and spicy house-made chicken salad, there’s something for everyone, including vegetarian and vegan options. Save room for their homemade desserts!
Owned by parents wanting to create a family-friendly atmosphere, Nhinja Sushi & Wok (OKC, Edmond, Yukon) provides fast, fun and fresh fare. For Guatemalan food and Latin favorites, check out Cafe Kacao (3325 N Classen Blvd), offering breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes.
For a tasty spin on comfort food, check out Iron Starr Urban Barbeque (3700 N Shartel). Smoked meats, fancy mac & cheese and out-of-this-world double chocolate bread pudding make for a flavorful family meal.
Dinner & a Park
Downtown Oklahoma City’s Scissortail Park is the perfect place to work up an appetite. Walk the beautiful trails, rent a paddleboat at the boathouse and let imaginations run wild on the unique, creative play structures, sand pits and climbing walls. Then, head across Hudson Street to Social Capital (517 S Hudson) for street tacos, salads and house-made ice cream. You can’t beat the view of the sun setting on the OKC skyline from the expansive outdoor decks.
Food Hall Fun
Food halls have become all the rage, and they are perfect for families as the variety of options means everyone can get exactly what they want. The Collective (308 NW 10th St) features 8 kitchens and an outdoor dog-friendly patio with views of downtown OKC. Parlor (11 NE 6th St) combines a collection of chefs with three levels of seating, including outdoor patios. Try reimagined hot dogs from Monte’s Gourmet Dogs or fried chicken tender creations from Ray’s Chicken Kitchen.
Sweet Tooth
For an after-dinner or anytime treat, grab a whole pie or just a slice at Pie Junkie (1711 NW 16th St) with flavors ranging from bird dog buttermilk and peanut butter chocolate to key lime and apple crumble. Indulge in an ice cream cookie sandwich, sundae or fountain favorite at Roxy’s Ice Cream Social (OKC, Plaza District, Classen Curve, Edmond).
Editor’s note: Find our list of metro restaurants offering kids-eat-free and family discounts at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/
Date Night
Do: Fall in love with a classic ballet
Dine: Midtown eats
The OKC Ballet brings a stunning production of the story of Romeo and Juliet to the Civic Center Music Hall Feb. 20-22. Get swept away with this tale of star-crossed lovers. A quick trip up Walker Ave offers a host of Midtown dining options including Packard’s New American Kitchen and R&J Lounge and Supper Club.
Other stage productions this February include:
- The Simon & Garfunkel Story at Rose State Performing Arts Center, Feb. 11
- The Fire of Love: Romeo and Juliet by OKCPhil at Civic Center Music Hall, Feb. 14
- The Importance of Being Earnest at Shakespeare on the Paseo, Feb. 19-March 1
Galentine’s Night Out
Three ideas to celebrate friendship during the month of love:
- Before Adele, Beyoncé, Taylor and Gaga… there was Aretha, Tina, Carole and Janis. Enjoy Beehive at Lyric’s Plaza Theatre, Feb. 11-March 1. This electrifying show follows six women coming of age in a decade defined by music, rebellion and empowerment. Featuring iconic hits like: “It’s My Party,” “Be My Baby,” “Where the Boys Are,” “Proud Mary,” “Me and Bobby McGee” and many more.
- Roam the galleries after dark at Sam Noble Museum. Adult N.I.T.E (Nigh in the Exhibits) on Feb. 7 features an adults-only evening of socializing and discovery at the museum. Enjoy trivia, crafts, a scavenger hunt and more. Registration encouraged to guarantee admission.
- Indulge your creative side at Factory Obscura: On Feb. 14, Factory Obscura is hosting a V-Day Bash & Art Show complete with a community art show, music, performances and fortune telling. The Mix-Tape experience will also be open for exploring during the event. Tickets to Mix-Tape required.
For even more Valentine’s family fun, visit our Valentine’s Fun Guides to find family-friendly events, date night inspirations, staycation ideas and romantic escapes.
