It is officially February, my friends! This means I get to start planning for one of my favorite holidays ever: Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day gets a bad rap but I, for one, am obsessed. Wine, chocolate, showing the most important people in your life that you love them, and even more wine—what’s not to like? For those of you who still aren’t convinced, check out my top 5 date nights in Savannah, GA, and I bet you’ll feel shot by Cupid’s arrow by the end. Whether you’re celebrating this year with your boo thang, your galentines, or a little me-time, this Valentine’s day is sure to be one to remember.
5. The Olde Pink House
23 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31401
Dine-in and take-out options available.
Date night is just an excuse to get dolled up and get out of the house. And there’s no better place to break out those heels buried under your old gym shoes and dirty laundry at the back of your closet than The Olde Pink House (Be warned: if you do wear heels and are seated on the second floor, their steep, narrow steps break more ankles than Allen Iverson. I may or may not have fallen down them...twice). This gorgeous, historic restaurant was my go-to spot for any special occasion during my first few years living in Savannah. The Olde Pink House is probably one of the most well-known spots on my list, but it is touristy for a reason—and that reason is, it’s fan-friggen-tastic (and maybe a bit haunted). With the creaky old floors, chandeliers, and traditional fireplaces, it’s like walking back in time, straight into the 1700s. How freakin’ romantic is that?
If you and your boo are anything like me and mine, you’d probably prefer Domino’s pizza in bed with a glass of wine over a boujee restaurant that gives you imposter syndrome. But on the rare occasion that we like to go out and pretend we are fancy-schmancy and TOTALLY know which forks go with what dish, The Olde Pink House is the place to be. And have I mentioned the cuisine is *mwah* chef’s kiss? No one does southern cuisine quite like The Olde Pink House. White tablecloths, homemade mac and cheese and fried chicken? How could you not impress your date with that?
Date Type?
Looking to Impress - Are you having an anniversary? Did you forget your anniversary and want to make up for it? Then I highly recommend The Olde Pink House. This fine dining experience is on the pricer end, but well worth it for a special occasion. Your date and your tummy are sure to thank you.
Recommendations:
Fried Calamari - Fun fact: I had never had calamari until my friend treated me to this appetizer, tricking me into thinking it was “fish,” knowing if I knew it was octopus I wouldn’t try it. It was only after I fell in love that she revealed its’ true identity. But there was no going back. The bond between me and The Olde Pink House’s fried calamari was already formed.
The Grouper - My boyfriend will vouch for this dish all day long. Unfortunately, this was a special when we went, but lucky for you, their specials are always bomb, no matter what. Can’t go wrong there.
Mashed Potatoes - Order mashed potatoes as a side, no matter what you get. They’re like little carb clouds sent from heaven.
4. Better than Sex
410 W Broughton St, Savannah, GA 31401
Dine-in and take-out options available.
(Disclaimer: I have never actually been to this place in particular, but I’ve been dying to go since I discovered it.)
I’m a sucker for a good pun and some sexual innuendos—and this place’s entire menu is just that. The Super Soaker. Hand Crafted Lickers. Milfshake. Between my Red Velvet Sheets Cheesecake. I’m blushing just looking at their menu—not to mention, drooling a bit. Rumor has it this dessert bar’s dim lighting and secluded booths make for the ideal setting for you to snuggle up with your sweetie and share a piece of chocolate cake.
Photo by @betterthansexsavannah
For me, the only way to my heart is with dessert. Better than Sex is every dessert junkie’s wildest fantasy come true. They have a plethora of sweets to choose from that are sure to tickle your taste buds, from cheesecakes to bread pudding. Plus, most of their specialty drinks are rimmed in the most delectable melted chocolates. Are you turned on yet?
Photo by @betterthansexsavannah
Date Type?
Feelin Frisky - Call me old-fashioned, but this doesn’t strike me as a “first date” kinda place. I’d save this for when you and your sweetheart know each other a bit better and looking for a place to mix things up. This is also a great spot for some takeout if you’re having a “Treat Yo Self” Valentine’s Day, or perhaps spending the night with some girlfriends looking for a fun and extra sweet way to celebrate Galentine’s day.
3. Lulu’s Chocolate Bar
42 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401
Curbside pickup and take-out options only, as of now.
Lulu’s is basically a PG-13 version of Better than Sex, but I can actually attest to Lulu’s greatness having spent many a girl’s night in this sweet shop. In fact, I actually spent my 21st birthday there. (Yes, I got a pumpkin spice martini for my first legal drink and it was delicious. My inner basic was screaming.)
Lulu’s is pretty small and a little loud, which is the perfect excuse to lean over and get a little closer to your date for the evening. The dim lighting and exposed brick interior will have you making goo-goo eyes at your crush across the bar. But frankly, it’ll most likely be your warm, triple chocolate chip brownie that you’ll be wanting to make out with again at the end of the night.
Date Type?
Gettin’ Intimate - In all seriousness, I think Lulu’s is a great place to get to know someone. Chocolate, wine, and (hopefully) great conversation? You’re definitely gonna be left wanting more. And if they doesn’t ask to split a dessert, you know they're a keeper.
Recommendations:
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Red Wine - All of their dessert wines sound fantastic, but this is by far my favorite drink I’ve gotten at Lulu’s. It tastes exactly like the name implies. I know you’re supposed to “savor” wine, but with a red this delicious, I couldn’t help but knock ‘em back.
Big Cookie - Warm, with two scoops of vanilla icecream. Get ready to mouthgasm.
2. Peregrin
256 E Perry St, Savannah, GA 31401
Dine-in only.
Unpopular opinion: Peregrin has one of the best views of the city. Most tourists go straight to River Street and just stay there their entire visit. Although River Street is extremely charming, it is not all Savannah has to offer. Yes, rooftop bars on the river give you a view of the bridge, the water, and drunk people stumbling on the cobblestones. But what if I told you, from Peregrin’s rooftop, in the heart of Savannah, you overlook the bridge, the steeples of St. John the Baptist’s church, and various quaint rooftops scattered throughout the entire city, all while sippin’ on some frosé next to a giant mural of a pretty bird? Yeah, I’d make some reservations too. May I suggest around sunset? Trust me, your date will swoon.
Peregrin’s rooftop lounge is actually part of a very fancy hotel. I would have never found this gem if I didn’t go with one of my friends who knew their way around. Walk straight into the hotel and to the right, there are a gold set of elevator doors. Ride the elevator up to the roof and feast your eyes on one classy rooftop. This date night is probably better in the warmer months, but is well worth ruining your outfit with a jacket if you want still want to go in the winter. Fair warning: their menu is rather small and mostly consists of apps and small bites. This is more of a place you go for pre- or post-dinner drinks. No matter when you go, your date will totally be picking out your future baby’s names in their head by the end of the night.
Date type?
Love is in the Air - This is definitely the type of place you’d want to take someone special. There’s just something about a good view that puts all the butterflies in your tummy (or is that just the wine?)
Recommendation:
Frosé - Both Frosé options are to die for. Especially in Savannah’s humidity. Plus, it’s great because it forces you not to drink too fast, otherwise, you’ll get a brain freeze.
1. Bella Napoli’s
18 E State St, Savannah, GA 31401
Dine-in, curbside pick up, and take-out options available.
Okay, I’ll start by saying, this choice may be a tad biased. My freshman year roomies showed me this hidden gem, and it’s had a special place in my heart ever since. A feeling that only deepened when my boyfriend and I had our very first date there. I ate two entire loaves of bread by myself, partially so he couldn’t see how hard my hands were shaking, partially because it’s just so damn good. When he asked if I wanted more, I knew he was the one.
Sentimental value aside, Bella’s has the best, authentic Italian food I have ever eaten in my entire life. The tiny interior, red and white checked tablecloths, and magical candlelight transports you to a scene out of Lady and the Tramp. You’ll be mesmerized into leaning across the table just to hold your date’s hand. You may even be compelled to do that super cheesy thing where you feed food to your significant other (just don’t do what my boyfriend did and miss their mouth, poking them in the nose with your fork). You really could not go wrong with a single item on their menu. (If your date is gluten-free, the allergic reaction to eat this is WELL worth it. My bread-fearing friends will vouch for me.) Bella’s is most known for its “Famous Parm Wheel.” What is this you ask? Well, an extremely Italian man brings a gigantic cheese wheel next to your table and mixes cooked pasta, butter, oil, and other fantastical toppings inside of the wheel itself, coating it all in cheesy goodness, right in front of you. My boyfriend and I finally splurged and ordered this last Valentine’s day. I wasn’t sure what I loved more, the meal or him.
Date type?
You Have a Pizza my Heart - Wine, music, candles, a cozy interior, and food that makes you wish you had a second stomach. This specific combination of things can only lead to true love.
Recommendations (I hesitate to even give you these because I’ve never had a bad meal at Bella’s. Anything you choose will be wonderful.):
The Famous Parm Wheel - Pick a special occasion to splurge, baby, splurge.
Cheese Ravioli - They’re like little carb pillows filled with cheese to make all your dreams come true.
Honorable mentions:
Tybee Sunset Beach Picnic - If you’re willing to go for a short drive outside of Savannah, grab a bottle of champagne and a beach blanket and drive through the adorable, beach cottage town of Tybee Island for a sunset picnic. “The Last Song” was actually filmed there (ya know, where Miley and Liam’s love story all began?) If you wanna score big points, watch the movie and then head to the beach to reenact the final kissing scene.
Picnic in Forsyth Park - Pick up a box of pizza and gaze lovingly into each other's eyes under the glorious branches of Savannah’s iconic Spanish moss trees. I mean, come on, wouldn’t you be all mushy if someone did this for you…
Leopold’s - This adorable little ice cream shop is a great addition to any date night (if the line isn’t down the block). They have themed monthly flavors which means in February the Rose Petal ice cream is resurrected, along with a bunch of other goodies.
Photo by @leopoldsicecream
Funky Brunch - Looking for more of a breakfast date? Funky Brunch is the place to be. Make sure to get a griddle table so you can make your own heart-shaped pancakes with your boo. When is making pancakes together ever not a great bonding experience?
So, where are you taking the lucky guy or gal this year? I’d love to know. Comment your favorite go-to date night places below. Follow my Instagram account @cheridan.arthur for some up and coming V-Day goodies you don’t want to miss out on. Sending all my readers lots of love this time of year.
Xoxo.
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What I'm Reading:
Beneath A Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan - Still making progress on this one. (I'm a slow reader, okay?) But I'm loving it even more with every turn of a page.
What I'm Listening To:
La Vie En Rose Cover by Daniela Andrade - I wont lie, I think this cover was the background music on a TikTok I watched at some point, and it haven't stopped humming it since. It's completely stuck in my head...so naturally I've been playing it on repeat.
What I'm Watching:
The Good Place on Netflix - I started watching this recently with my boyfriend for something more light hearted for a change. I'm enjoying it so far, but can't say it's one of my favorites. (It's kinda hard for any comedy show to follow up after I watched Schitt's Creek though.)