Valentine’s day is one of those holidays that is either a “woo” or and “ew” for people. If you appreciate the unapologetic commercialism of the holiday, then you are probably looking forward to Tuesday. If you can’t look at another candy heart or see a pink teddy bear, then you’ll have to wait until St. Patrick’s Day for a holiday smooch. Let’s face it; more kisses begin with Keystone than with Kay.
Maybe you don’t have much of an opinion on the day and want to treat it as an excuse to get back in touch with your sweet love triangle with Ben and Jerry. Well, if you’re looking to dine out, the area is loaded with places to grab a bite and a brew with your friends. Everyone is going out you might as well, right? Love peer pressure. No matter your price range, you can use the day as an excuse to try something new.
Cheap Date
One of the benefits of living in a college town is that students are on budgets, so businesses cater to their needs with low priced options to get people in the door. If you have not tried it out, grab a bubble tea, (frozen is an option) at Lime Red downtown. The small café atmosphere is good for a date or just to sit with friends and chat. With teas being $5, even your most cash-strapped companion can join. If you’re feeling peckish, grab a dumpling. Now if you’re looking for something with a bit more substance, you can grab a burrito at Bueno, conveniently located next door. Nothing says “love” like a buffalo chicken burrito. Nothing.
I know what you’re thinking, because I know how girls work. “OMG, spring break is coming up and I’ve already cheated on my new years resolution. I’m just going to live off Chobani and coffee for the rest of the month.” No need, ladies, no need. Try Souperbowl, which is located next to Food For Thought books. It has great Panini’s and soups, and with a ½ Panini and cup of soup lunch deal for only $8, the hungry leave happy. They have classic board games for customers, but if history, and by history, I mean Words With Friends, has taught me anything, it’s that Scrabble ruins relationships. They also have fondue and who doesn’t love molten cheese/chocolate?
Wine ‘n’ Dine
If you’re one of those star-crossed lovers that expect being pampered you don’t have to go far. The ‘finer’ uptown establishments offer fare at reasonable prices, and if you know what you like, then you should be good to go wherever you choose. The Monkey Bar is underrated as a restaurant, mostly because those that dance on the benches one would sit at for dinner don’t understand it isn’t strictly a bar. Seafood or steak, they offer great options for both. If you order conservatively, you can escape with your wallet intact and enough red wine in you to get you up on the benches later that night. The same can be said for the Pub. However, to have a romantic dinner and a night on the dance floor, make your date for Thursday at “Club Pub”.
Other options that you may not think of are right in front of you every time you trek uptown. Chez Albert, which used to be next to Fresh Side and BOA downtown has moved down N. Pleasant and closer to the school. The large windows in front are great if you want the broken hearted people walking up to karaoke at Stackers to be jealous. Behind Stackers in the former location of La Piazza is the newly renovated “Johnny’s Tavern.” Check it out. Great wine menu, large appetizers, and nice atmosphere. If all else fails, a double scorpion bowl and an order of Crab Rangoon’s at Panda is $15.95 before taxes.
There are many places I’ve left out, and don’t even get me started on Northampton, I could write you a travel guide. Writing this has made me hungrier than a Top Chef marathon. So, grab a date and head uptown to celebrate love or feed your broken heart. Either way, you won’t go home hungry.