A Local’s Guide to Valentine’s Day in Indy

Two people dining at Bluebeard
Photo courtesy of Conde Nast

What’s that old saying? “Indy is for Lovers?” Alright, maybe that’s not quite it. But take it from me—you can find plenty of fun date destinations right here in Indianapolis. From gondola rides to delicious dinners, Indy has everything you need to celebrate the love in your life.

Because that’s what Valentine’s Day is all about. Whether you spend the day with your partner, your besties, your pup, or all by yourself, Valentine’s is a time to celebrate love and appreciate the important people in our lives. All you need is the perfect way to make your V-Day a truly special occasion.

If you need inspiration for your holiday plans, check out this quick round-up of the best Valentine’s Day spots in Indy. With everything Indianapolis has to offer, it’s impossible NOT to fall in love with the city. 

If you need a romantic restaurant for the foodie in your life…

Indy’s favorite brunch spot is opening for dinner—with an exclusive Valentine’s Day (or Anti-V-Day) menu! On February 14, Milktooth is opening their doors for couples, singles, and friends alike to enjoy an evening of love (of food, that is.) Their menu boasts classic goodies like spaghetti and meatballs, chicken piccata, tiramisu, and sangria. But be prepared to wait for this delicious meal, because Milktooth will not be taking reservations!

Meanwhile, Bluebeard is serving up a special 3-course prix fixe Valentine’s Day dinner complete with wine pairings. This award-winning, farm-to-table restaurant is famous for combining fine dining with authentic local flavors. Guarantee your reservation on February 14 by securing tickets at a fixed price of just $99 per person.

Brand new to the Indy scene, The Prewitt has been making a splash in the local foodie scene. This upscale restaurant and lounge is rich with Plainfield history, offering a whole new culinary experience within the historic Prewitt Theatre. My mouth is watering just reading through the 4-course menu built exclusively for Valentine’s Day. The meal is available for $95 per person or you can add a wine pairing for a total of $125 per person. 

You can also treat your sweetheart to a heartwarming Indy classic with Mama Carolla’s. For just $50 per person, Mama Carolla’s is offering a special 3-course Valentine’s Day menu—with limited-time Valentine’s cocktails available to accompany. I’m honestly shocked when there are spots available, which can be booked online or by calling Mama Carolla’s.

People dining at Bluebeard
Photo courtesy of Bluebeard
People dining at Milktooth
Photo courtesy of Bon Appetit

If you’re not into traditional dinner dates….

Try cozying up with your partner beneath lights of Platt 99 at their annual Date Night Under the Lights! This 90-minute experience for two includes a bottle of champagne with a flight of Valentine’s-inspired juices, two specialty cocktails, and a charcuterie board filled with cheese, chocolates, and cakes. Yum! At $100 per couple, this romantic night can be booked from February 9 through February 19.

If love is ale you need, head to Field Brewing in Westfield for a Valentine’s Dinner for Two. This 4-course dinner proves that Field Brewing not only has an incredible selection of craft beers—but an impressive menu to match. From creamy Tuscan soup and strawberry panna cotta to Moroccan spiced striped bass with a pomegranate pilsner, you need to see this menu for yourself! 

For something more casual, nothing says love like a night out at Indy’s premier honky-tonk bar. Exclusively on Valentine’s Day, Duke’s Indy is serving a Whole Damn Dinner for two featuring fried chicken, spicy mac-n-cheese, a chocolate caramel brownie, and two drinks of your choosing. Tickets appropriately cost $69 per couple with limited reservations available.

After all, life is short—so eat dessert first! This Valentine’s Day, you can enjoy a sweet celebration at SoChatti’s special Chocolate & Wine Class. This delectable night includes a flight of SoChatti chocolates paired with complimentary wines. You’ll also get to enjoy a tour of their chocolate factory, themed charcuterie boards, a chance to make drop candies, and a few other V-Day surprises. Reserve your spot for $110 per person.

If you want to get their heart racing…

Heat things up at Era Pilates for their special Valentine’s Day workout! You and your significant other can enjoy a 45-minute, partner-based class that’s uniquely tailored to your skill level. So, beginners are welcome! After you work up a sweat, Helm Coffee will be offering samples for you and your special someone. Tickets are just $79 per couple, but you’ll want to book this class through Era Pilates to reserve your time.

If you love a good old-fashioned rom-com, spend your Valentine’s Day testing your movie knowledge! From Sleepless in Seattle to Sweet Home Alabama, Metazoa Brewing Co. is hosting a Romantic Comedies Trivia Night on February 14. Reservations are free, but you must register online to reserve your table. Arrive early to grab your favorite Metazoa brew, and don’t forget that your four-legged Valentine’s are welcome, too!

If you’re interested in learning more about craft beverages, opt for Tango U: Valentine’s Day edition at Hotel Tango in Fletcher Place. This 90-minute guided mixology class will teach you how to make two specialty cocktails and (hopefully) impress your date with your new bartending skills. Each class includes snacks for the evening and a bottle of Hotel Tango spirits to practice with at home. So, mark your calendar, grab your tickets, and don’t forget to tip your instructor!

Valentine’s Day is also the perfect time for tea for two! Down at Tea’s Me Cafe, you can enjoy a special Valentine’s Day tea tasting with your partner, your friends, or just yourself. Tickets are only $20 per person, so everyone can enjoy a fresh brew to warm your heart.

Pint of beer with dogs running in the background
Photo courtesy of BringFido
Macarons at Gallery Pastry Shop
Photo courtesy of Gallery Pastry Shop

If you’re celebrating with your Galentine’s…

This one’s for the girls! Celebrate the gal pals in your life at Kismetic Beer Company—a local woman-owned brewery that understands the importance of a girls’ night out. Their Galentine’s Day Party has everything you need to show your friends what they mean to you. In 2023, they had food from BEAST, permanent jewelry by Zink Metals, ceramics by Marret Metzger Studio, reclaimed wood jewelry by Bicursal Designs, and even a DJ set by Delic. Not to mention local craft brews from Kismetic Beer themselves!

If you feel like dressing up for the occasion, come channel your ultimate Euphoria-inspired looks at Mansion Society! Mansion Society is an amazing mother-daughter coffee shop with delicious cakes, treats, and other eats. Their themed Galentine’s Day celebration will feature pop-ups, prizes, and more!

After all, nothing goes better together than you and your besties—except maybe yoga and wine. If you need some exercise to balance out all your Valentine’s goodies, Tuggle’s Gifts and Goods is hosting a special Galentine’s Yoga + Wine for an uplifting and empowering evening. Invite your friends for a fun night of meditative yoga followed by wine tastings from Uva Wine. 

You can also treat yourself and your friends to a night out at Ash & Elm Cider. For Valentine’s, they’re offering a delicious macaron and cider pairing, featuring handcrafted macarons from Gallery Pastry Shop for only $20. If you (like me) want a little salt to balance the sweet, they’ll be offering a cheese pairing flight—as well as a build-your-own-waffle menu so extravagant that Leslie Knope would be proud. Bring your favorite board games and your squad of gals for a night you’ll never forget! 

Platt 99 Bar
Photo courtesy of The Alexander