Valentine’s Day. A day filled to the brim with heart shaped boxes of chocolate (or maybe in Boulder’s case, heart shaped boxes of kale chips), dozens upon dozens of red roses, and bags of tasteless conversation hearts. For those looking to do something special on this day of love, we have put together a list of places with Valentine’s Day specials. Know of a special we left out? Be sure to let us know about it in the comments!

BREWS OVER BUBBLES 

Lets face it. Here is Boulder, our craving for brews tends to way outnumber those for bubbles. Celebrate Valentines’s Day Boulder-style at several breweries and brew-centered eateries around town.

• Left Hand Brewing Company
  Forget champagne and roses. Left Hand Brewing Company, in Longmont, is serving up their selection of craft beers at their tasting room. Each pint is served with complimentary chocolate – because who doesn’t love beer and chocolate? www.lefthandbrewing.com
• Bru
  Beer Chef and Brewmaster, Ian Clark, is fusing his love of beer and food in Bru’s Valentine’s Day dinner – “Barley & Hops for Beer Lovers.” The 6 course dinner incorporates a variety of unique flavor combinations – including a Malted Marrow Marshmallow. Each dish is paired with one of Bru’s handbuilt ales. Reservations are recommended. www.bruboulder.com
• Boulder Beer Company
  Chocolate in a heart shaped box may be an ideal Valentine’s surprise, but here in Boulder chocolate flavored beer is the preferred way of sharing your love. Boulder Beer Company is pouring their Shake Chocolate Porter three ways: through a CO2 draft, Nitro draft and on special Cask/Firkin. They will also be serving their popular beer cocktail, the Chocolate Raspberry Cake. www.boulderbeer.com
• Bootstrap Brewing
  Celebrate Valentine’s a day early at Bootstrap Brewing. On Thursday, February 13ths at 7pm, Bootstrap is hosting a Beer & Dessert Pairing. For $10, guests will get four 5 ounce tasters paired with four different desserts. Seating is limited, so reservations are required. www.bootstrapbrewing.com
• Front Range Beer
  Who needs chocolate when you can eat cheese? Front Range Beer is teaming up with Gourmet Cheese Pantry Shoppe for a beer and cheese plate pairing. $20 gets your4 beer and cheese pairings for two people, and live music music by the Wild Mountain Honey Band. Be sure to get there early, quantities are limited. www.frontrangebrewingcompany.com
• West Flanders Brewing Company
  Executive Chef Tony Hessel is preparing a three-course meal with beer or wine pairings for you and your loved one. For $55 per person (or $40 per person without the beer or wine pairing), guests can choose from an array of dishes including rosemary rock shrimp, roasted wisdom farms chicken, brown sugar panna cotta and several others. Live music starts at 10pm. www.wfbrews.com

UNDER $50 

Valentine’s day doesn’t have to leave you digging in your empty pockets. Several of Boulder’s favorite restaurants are offering special menus, all of which are under $50 per person.

• The Chautauqua Dining Hall
  Boulder is known for our insane amount of hours spent hiking, biking and doing all things physical. Work up an appetite this Valentine’s Day at Chautauqua Park, followed by dinner at The Chautauqua Dining Hall. They will be offering a 4 course prix fixe menu for $45 per person, including a glass of sparkling wine. www.chautauqua.com
• The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse
  Sip on a pot of tea (or sparkling wine) at The Dushanbe Teahouse with your loved one from Friday the 14th to Sunday the 16th. They will be offering a 4 course prix fixe menu for $45 per guest. A limited version of their regular menu will also be available. www.boulderteahouse.com
• The Huckleberry
  The Huckleberry in Louisville will be offering a 3 course prix fixe menu for only $29 per person, including a glass of sparkling wine. Their regular menu will also be available. www.thehuckleberry.com
• Zucca
  Celebrate Valentine’s with pasta for two, Lady & Tramp style, at Zucca in Louisville. They will have an Italian 4 course prix fixe menu for $45 per guest, Friday February 14 and Saturday February 15. www.zuccalouisville.com
• Bacco
  Boulder’s Trattoria & Mozzerela Bar, Bacco, is serving a 4 course meal for $49 per person. The special Valentine’s offers several dish options, including Tortino al Granchio, Zuppa di Zucca, Paella Mista and many other italian-inspired dishes. Learn more at www.baccoboulder.com

LOVE AT FIRST PRIX FIXE

Valentines Day can be a day for love – love of food that is. Several restaurants in Boulder have created special Valentine’s Day prix fixe menus, perfect for those looking to try exclusive, off the menu dishes.

• Oak at Fourteenth
  Oak at Fourteenth is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a $70-per-person prix fixe, 4 course menu. Special dishes include sweet potato & sage ravioli, coal roasted beet salad, oak grilled quail and several others. Reservations (with credit card) are highly recommended. Be aware – if the reservation is cancelled within 24 hours, the card on file will be charged $35/person. www.oakatfourteenth.com
• Aji
  Aji has created a Valentine’s menu embodying its Latin American flair. For $50 per person, guests can enjoy a four course prix fixe menu with a glass of sparkling wine, Friday February 14 through Sunday February 16. The menu includes tuna crudo, creamed poblano soup, roasted beet tamale cakes, and much more. On Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16th a limited version of our regular menu will also be available. www.ajirestaurant.com
• Colterra Food & Wine
  The chefs at Colterra Food & Wine in Niwot are offering a 4-course dinner for Valentine’s Day for $75 per person. Praised for their use of locally sourced ingredients, Colterra will be serving a seasonally inspired menu with an artful approach. Reservations are recommended. Learn more at www.colterra.com
• Beehive
  Beehive is serving a 4 course meal, complete with a slider, salad, entree and dessert to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year. Guests can also indulge in specially curated Valentine’s Day Cocktails – like a “Venetian Kiss” or “A Romp on the Beach.” Beehive’s prix fixe menu is $68 per person. To make reservations visit: www.beehivegoodness.com
• Hotel Boulderado
  Enjoy an elegant 3 course dinner on the Mezzanine at the historic Hotel Boulderado. For $60 per person, guests will enjoy dishes including roasted squash soup with pomegranate seeds, beef tenderloin au poivre, a decadent dessert trio and several more. The Chico Meira, a unique blend of Brazilian influenced music, will also being playing live music on the mezzanine. You can also surprise your sweetie with a night at the Boulderado for a special discounted rate. See www.boulderado.com for more information.
• Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar
  Jax Fish House celebrates Valentine’s Day with options for lovers of the land and the sea. For $55 per person (add $30 if you want a wine pairing), guests will enjoy a three course meal. The first course is even loved themed – with menu items included the “Beeting Heart,” “Beet Three Way,” and “XOXO.” www.jaxboulder.com
• Salt the Bistro
  Salt the Bistro is preparing a Menu for Lovers this Valentine’s Day. On Thursday, February 13th and Friday, February 14th guests can choose from an array of unique dishes, all of which cannot be seen on their everyday menu. The 3 course dinner is $65 per person, with a la carte menu items offered at both bars. On Thursday, February 13th, they are hosting an Industry Valentine’s Day 3-course dinner, for $55, as well as their regular dinner menu. Learn more here: www.saltthebistro.com

VEG LOVERS, REJOICE 

Boulder vegetarian’s, rejoice! Two vegetarian spots in Boulder have created Valentine’s day menus just for you and your plant loving partner.

• Leaf
  Leaf created a Vegetarian Valentine’s menu, complete with a four course prix fixe menu and a glass of sparkling wine. The Prix Fixe menu, which includes a fondue for two appetizer, will be available Friday, February 14 through Sunday, February 16.  On Saturday and Sunday, a limited version of their regular menu will also be available. Learn more at www.leafvegetarianrestaurant.com
• Native Foods Cafe
  Vegan love is in the air at Native Foods Cafe. From Friday the 14th to Monday the 17th, Native Foods Cafe will be serving up their Lots of Luv vegan lasagna and tiramisu. Enjoy a veggie-filled meal with your loved one, all for under $15 per person. www.nativefoods.com

LOVE SIPS & BITES

Nibble or sip your way through Valentine’s Day at one the following restaurants, who are serving up special a la carte style menus.

• Flagstaff House
  The Flagstaff House is offering tasting menus for two, in addition to their regular menu. A tasting first course for two is $17 per person, and a dessert sample for two if $14 per person. Start, end, or spend your entire Valentine’s Day evening at the Flagstaff House. www.flagstaffhouse.com
• Empire Lounge & Restaurant
  The Empire Lounge in Louisville is offering an exclusive Valentine’s Day menu. The menu includes shared plates, soups and salads, suppers, and sweets; all of which are under $30. Nibble your way through Valentine’s with their a la carte style menu. www.theempirerestaurant.com
• Jill’s Restaurant at the St. Julien
  Indulge in a Valentine’s Day Specials menu at Jill’s Restaurant, located in the St. Julien. Some menu items include day boat scallop ‘au gratin,’ a duet of Chilean sea bass and potato wrapped shrimp, and an ‘angel and devils food cake’ dessert. All dishes on the menu are under $40 per plate and are served a la carte. Find out more and make reservations here: www.stjulien.com
• Bookcliff Vineyards
  Live music, wine flights and chocolate make BookCliff Vineyards an ideal spot for those looking for a place to share your love for vino. Enjoy a flight of three wines paired with three chocolate from Concertos in Chocolates, while melting away to live jazz piano. The celebration lasts Friday to Saturday the 15th, from 1 to 6pm and costs $7 per flight. Learn more at: www.bookcliffvineyards.com

SHOW ME THE LOVE 

Entertain your love this year with dinner and a show. In addition to live music at several of the mentioned restaurants, the following places are hosting shows for your Valentine’s Day celebrations.

• The Boulder International Film Festival
  For those looking to donate to a good cause can attend The Boulder International Film Festival’s fundraising event, “Foovie”. The event will include French themed food, wine, music and film at eTown Hall. Find out more on their program page. www.biff1.com
• Shine
  Celebrate Valentine’s Day in an entirely different light this year. Enjoy a specialized a la carte seasonal menu at Shine, while watching the Rocky Mountain Kings + Boulder Burlesque’s perforamnce of Draglesque. Ten percent of all proceeds will go to Safehouse to support therapy for the transgender community. Shine is also hosting a live burlesque show on Thursday as well, called Hearts and Tarts by Pearl’s Treat Burlesque. www.shineboulder.com 

We would love to hear where you plan to go for Valentine’s Day! Did we leave something out? Be sure to comment and let us know of any other food specials we missed!