The Best V-Day Dates in Syracuse
Graphic by Ande Wittenmeier
Valentine’s Day is not fun for everyone. And it’s probably even worse when you’re under five feet of snow and shivering in single-digit weather. So while these V-Day date ideas may not melt the ice outside, maybe they will warm up your heart this week.
(Ick, yeah we know, major cringe, but it’s Valentine’s Day!)
The Dinner Date. If it’s in every rom-com and romantic drama, then it must be worth it. Especially if you go to Pastabilities or Francesca’s Cucina, two Italian favorites in the city. They are both very popular on the weekends so be prepared for a long wait. Another great option is Kasai Ramen, a hidden gem that serves comforting bowls of traditional ramen amidst a warm, industrial, and intimate atmosphere. For those who have a car, Skaneateles has lots of restaurants along the lake, including Elephant and The Dove, an amazing Mexican restaurant with an upbeat, fun vibe. (They also have Margherita Mondays!)
Order In. Fuck getting dressed up. The food tastes just as good on your couch as it does in the restaurant, and you have access to more of options on and off campus with the abundance of food delivery apps. If you and your partner want to lean into those sappy Valentine’s Day traditions, throw on a romantic movie, such as The Notebook (tissues recommended), Crazy Stupid Love, or Valentine’s Day, to spend some quality time together.
The Movie Theater Date. After two years of the pandemic, you’ve probably made it through all the watchlists on your streaming services, so why not go to the movie theater this V-Day. Syracuse’s Movie Tavern not only screen, but they BRING YOU FOOD AND DRINKS while you sit in a reclining chair. No need to smuggle in drugstore candy or squeeze in a dinner before the showing.
The Overnight Getaway. For those of you whose significant other either lives on campus, nothing is less romantic than kicking your roommate out for a few hours and/or rushing through your quality time with your S.O. But an overnight stay at one of the hotels in Syracuse or a nearby town would remove any worry of your roommate walking in on you and your partner. Indulge yourself even more with room service and be the material gworl that you romanticize about daily.
The Bar Scene. Whether it’s one of the bars on Marshall or downtown in Armory or Clinton Square, bar hopping with your partner is a definite memory-maker. Syracuse has a bar for whatever vibe you are feeling. Get dressed TF up in whichever clothes make you feel confident (and warm) and spend the night people-watching and spending time with your S.O.
The Self-Love Night-In. If you’re feeling alone this Valentine’s Day, just know that you're actually not. So many people are single and find being around (sometimes repulsive) PDA really difficult, which is why V-Day can also mean giving yourself some love in any form that you want. Enjoy that lengthy skincare routine you’ve been dying to try but haven’t had the time for; eat an entire box of chocolate-covered strawberries without sharing; drink a bottle of your favorite booze as a toast yourself; or even get yourself off tonight with a new toy (let’s be honest, romance is great, but the big-O is better).
While these ideas are great for V-Day, you can also do them any day of the week, which is great for those who can’t be with their partner this holiday or maybe for those who want to make the holiday into a holi-week. Honestly though, we think one day of mushy-gushy romance and Hallmark movies is enough for us here at Jerk.