Seven unusual Valentine’s date options being offered in Wichita this weekend
This year is a rare one: Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday. That only happens every five or six years and won’t again until 2032.
Wichita bars, restaurants and venues have responded to the occasion by coming up with some pretty off-beat date ideas, from a formal party on top of a downtown building to a brewery beer-and-cupcake pairing to a singles dinner at the gym.
Following is a guide to seven of the most interesting date nights Wichita has come up with this year. Keep reading for a list of Wichita restaurants putting on special multi-course dinners this weekend.
As always, if I’ve missed something, email the details to dneil@wichitaeagle.com
VIETNAMESE VALENTINE’S FEAST at St. Anthony Catholic Church’s, 258 N. Ohio: The Year of the Horse starts next week, which is good timing for this church’s annual Lunar New Year celebration: St. Anthony was able to schedule its big dinner and food sale for Valentine’s Day weekend. The public is invited to attend the festival from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday. Both days, they can purchase food from a long list of vendors offering dozens and dozens of different dishes. While there, people also can play games and sing karaoke. Those looking for a more romantic date can pay $150 a person or $1,500 for a table of 10 and enjoy the festival’s annual VIP eight-course meal, which starts at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and will include things like crab and asparagus soup, and stir-fry ginger lobster. A couple of tables are still open, said Father Ben Nguyen. Reserve a spot by calling 316-258-4128 or 316-204-0214
1920’s-ERA AFTER-DINNER DATE at The James & Rye, 917 E. Douglas: The new downtown cocktail bar has planned an event for 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday that invites people to dress in tailored suits, waistcoats, silk dresses and statement hats as though they were visiting a 1920s speakeasy. The event will include dessert charcuterie, romantic music and cocktails. Tickets are $150 a couple at thejamesandrye.com/events/valentines-day/
ROMANTIC MOVIE NIGHT at Boulevard Theaters, 353 N. Mead: This Old Town Square movie theater is offering a Valentine’s Day date night package that costs $89 a couple and includes two tickets to either “Casablanca” or “Wuthering Heights” in the director’s suite, two large fountain drinks, two regular popcorns and dinner for two that includes a main course, a side and a dessert. The “Casablanca” deal starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday, and the “Wuthering Heights” deal starts at 8:40 p.m. on Saturday. Book at oldtown.blvdtheatres.com/valentines-date-night/
FALL IN LOVE AT THE GYM, Genesis Health Clubs, 6100 E. Central: The Genesis Health Clubs on East Central includes a club called Club Noir, and it’s putting on a Valentine’s Day party for singles that will include catered food, drink specials, a photo booth, dance lessons and giveaways. It starts at 6 p.m.
DRESS-UP PARTY HIGH ABOVE WICHITA, Ruffin Building, 100 N. Broadway: If you’ve wanted to check out the views from the Ninth Floor Club (previously the Petroleum Club) inside the Ruffin building in downtown Wichita but aren’t a member, here’s your chance. The venue is putting on a party that’s open to both members and nonmembers from 6 to 11 p.m. on Saturday. It will include an Italian buffet dinner, music from The Fabulous Shirt-heads, late-night snacks and a cash bar. Partygoers are asked to wear formal attire. Tickets are $175 a couple for members and $225 a couple for non-members. Get them at ninthfloorwichita.com/
ROMANTIC GREENHOUSE PARTY, Atreeum Greenhouse Venue, 7445 N. Woodlawn, Valley Center: This wedding venue, which is filled with tropical plants, is hosting a Valentine’s Day party from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday that will include a pasta bar dinner, cocktails, live music, dessert and a photo booth. People can pay extra for access to a flower bouquet bar, a mixology class and more. Tickets cost $130 a couple and are available at square.link/u/pkmziJUF
CUPCAKES, SPAGHETTI and BEER, Nortons Brewing Company, 125 S. St. Francis: This downtown brewery is continuing its annual tradition of a Valentine’s Day cupcakes-and-beer pairing event. From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, couples can share two beer flights paired with four cupcakes from The Good Witch Bakery. Those who also want some savory with their sweet can add on the brewery’s “Lady & The Tramp” spaghetti and meatballs special. Tickets are $48 a couple at nortonsbrewing.com under the “online order” tab.
Special restaurant menus
AVI Seabar & Chophouse, inside Drury Plaza Broadview Hotel, 135 N. Waco, 316-262-3300: The restaurant is offering its 14th annual $149-a-couple Sweetheart Surf and Turf four-course menu that includes a choice of appetizer, salad or soup, two entrees, two sides and dessert with a glass of champagne or sparkling cider apple for each person. The special is available from 4 to 11 p.m. Friday and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday. Visit www.aviwichita.com/menus/special-occasion-menu for reservations.
Bar Louie, 1532 S. Ridge Road: This new restaurant next to the airport-adjacent Hilton Garden Inn/Homewood Suites hotel is offering a dinner Friday through Sunday that includes a grilled chicken Caesar salad, a side of truffle fries, cheesecake and a martini. It’s $40 a person. They’re billing it as a “Galentine’s” party, but Valentines are welcome, too.
Bella Vita Bistro, 9506 W. Central: This Italian restaurant is putting on its first Valentine’s weekend in its new location on West Central and will offer a special menu both on Saturday night and on Sunday, when the restaurant is normally closed. On both nights, people will be able to get a special, which will vary in price depending on the entree the customer chooses. The restaurant will be open from 4 to 9 p.m. on Saturday and from 5 to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Reservations are recommended at 316-941-4500
FioRito Ristorante, 3134 E. Douglas: This restaurant, whose owners were both recently nominated for James Beard awards, is putting on a special Valentine’s Day dinner on Saturday. It will include three courses and costs $80 a person. Reservations are available from 4:30 to 10 p.m. at www.tbdine.com
Layali, 236 Greenway, Derby: This Mediterranean restaurant is offering a special Valentine’s Day menu between 4 and 9 p.m. on Saturday. The evening will include music from Shawn Britton between 6 and p.m.
Love & Co., 1720 E. Douglas: This new restaurant will be the site of a party called “Velvet Hearts: The Art of Attraction.” It lasts from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday and will include signature drinks, creative painting, a photo booth, a love note creation activity, and R&B music. The event is appropriate for singles, couples and groups and costs $23.18 for general admission, $65.87 for a table for two, and $129.89 for a table for four. Get tickets at www.eventbrite.com
Magnolia Cafe, 2424 N. Woodlawn: The restaurant is partnering with Custom Cuisine Catering on Saturday to offer a special Valentine’s dinner for two that includes a shared starter, soup or salad, choice of main course and dessert. It’s $150 a couple, which includes a glass of Prosecco for each person. Seatings are at 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Call 316-260-1356 for reservations.
Public at the Brickyard, 129 N. Rock Island: Public will be offering a special four-course dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. on Saturday. It costs $120 a couple. The evening will include jazz on the heated patio from 6 to 9 p.m. and drink specials. The regular menu also will be available.
Point Nine, 1539 N. Andover Road, Andover: This new Andover venue is offering a three-course dinner that’s $75 a person and includes appetizer, entree and dessert. It’s available from 4 p.m. to close Thursday through Sunday. Reservations are recommended at pointninetrailside.com/valentines-day/
Room 9100, Wichita Marriott, 9100 Corporate Hills Drive: This hotel’s new fireside lounge is offering a four-course Valentine’s Day dinner that will be available Tuesday through Saturday. It includes a soup, salad, choice of entree and dessert and costs $150 a couple. Wine and martini pairings are available for an extra cost. Make reservations by calling 316-462-3178.
Siena Steakhouse, 104 S. Broadway: The restaurant inside the Ambassador Hotel in downtown Wichita is offering a prix-fixe menu starting at 5:30 p.m. that costs $85 a person. Make reservations at www.opentable.com
Simply Sangria, 243 N. Cleveland: This local winery is offering a special Valentine’s Day three-course meal from 8 to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday. The event will also include music from a live band. Tickets are $110 a couple. Get them at www.facebook.com/Simplysangriawine
Viva Tacos & Tequila, 9719 E 21st St.: This new Mexican restaurant is offering a three-course Valentine’s Day special menu on Saturday that will include a mini ceviche, choice of ribeye or salmon, cheesecake and choice of adult beverage. It’s $49.99 a person. Reservations are recommended at 316-358-7402.
Wichita Brewing Co & Pizzeria, three Wichita locations: This party is also billed as a Galentine’s event for the ladies. The restaurants are offering a $45 special that includes an appetizer to split, a pizza, two craft beers and two WBC pint glasses to keep. It’s available on Friday and Saturday while supplies last.
.jpg)