Valentine’s Day, like all holidays, is the perfect opportunity to dress to impress and take your sweetie for a completely romantic evening. Unfortunately, the pressure to make Feb. 14, a total success requires picking just the right restaurant for you and your better half. For those who find themselves attached to the man/woman of their dreams at this time of the year, there is no excuse to forgo the traditional Valentine’s dinner for two. Although take-out is cozy, nothing beats a romantic getaway where you can stare into one another’s eyes while savoring the taste of an impeccably prepared filet mignon. If you really want to impress the love of your life, make a reservation at one of these fabulous finds right here in Lawrence. Even if you’re happily single, you can make this year a Valentine’s Day to remember by taking your fellow singles out for a fun night of fantastic food. Bon appetit!

Krause Dining

811 New Hampshire

785-838-9830

If you’re the Hollywood type and enjoy exclusivity, this is the place to go. This popular restaurant, which has been raved about in many publications, has a reputation as Lawrence’s finest gourmet restaurant, making it difficult to get a reservation unless you plan in advance.

Sure to please, Krause Dining resembles restaurants in Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza.

The prices are big city as well, so if you’re treating your valentine, make sure you come prepared to pay a stiff bill. The menu is well worth it though and you’ll find yourself in for quite a night.

Pachamama’s

Behind Hy-Vee on

Clinton Parkway

785-841-0990

Pachamama’s restaurant offers a new-world take on fine dining.

High timbered ceilings and stone floors offer a rustic feel in this classy establishment.

Although the menu is high-priced, with entrée’s in the upper $20 range, the food is gourmet and interesting.

Dishes are expertly prepared, and the presentation is absolutely beautiful with even simple dishes arranged in an artistic fashion.

While the entrée’s are only for those who prefer something a little different, the desserts are tempting for any taste, so save room.

Teller’s

746 Massachusetts

785-843-4111

This quaint restaurant offers the best of Lawrence’s downtown atmosphere. Located right on Massachusetts Street, this old bank building is the perfect setting for a lovely evening of pure romance.

Towering ceilings and art give Teller’s unsurpassed class and elegance, while the menu offers a wide selection of fine cuisine from steaks to Italian dishes. There is also an award winning selection of wines to choose from for the true connaisseur.

Although Teller’s is not exactly easy on your wallet, it’s delicious and quite impressive.

If your date goes well, Teller’s is also conveniently open for breakfast, Monday through Saturday.

Hereford House

4931 6th St

785-842-2333

This classic Midwest steakhouse offers the finest cuts of steak at fairly decent prices. Casual and friendly, Hereford House boasts the best steaks around and is sure to impress your special someone, but it offers a less intimate atmosphere so groups of friends can share in the fun.

Even if you’re not a fan of steak, there is always something on the menu you’ll be sure to enjoy at this locally renowned restaurant.

Stone Creek

3801 W. 6th Street

785-830-8500

Stone Creek’s casual atmosphere suggests a Rocky Mountain retreat that’s cozy yet sophisticated.

With two levels, it offers a quiet place to enjoy your company as well as the food.

Appetizers such as the delicious spinach and cheese crab dip preclude a vast menu ranging from pizzas to Italian pasta to sandwiches to burgers. Although casual, the restaurant is quiet, offering a quaint place to share in great food and great conversation as a twosome or with a group.

Cafe Beautiful

728 1/2 Mass., (upstairs)

785-THE-RICE

If you lovebirds enjoy fine sushi, this is the place for you. Many say it’s the best sushi in town and if you visit Café Beautiful, you’ll probably agree. It’s located upstairs and has a cozy, informal atmosphere that lets you relax and enjoy yourselves.

More sociable than other restaurants, it offers four tables where you can sit to dine while getting to know the other patrons sitting nearby. An absolute must for sushi lovers!

La Tropicana

434 Locust St.

785-749-3550

If you’re in the mood to break tradition and experience something a little different, La Tropicana offers something a little south of the border.

This restaurant, located northeast of campus, offers traditional Mexican food that’s much more authentic than what you’ll find at generic restaurant chains. It’s family owned and friendly, with a very authentic feel.

This cute cantina is brightly colored and moderately priced, which will make your Valentine’s a fiesta to remember.

Thai House

724 Massachusetts

785-312-9991

The atmosphere is awesome at the Thai House, offering a quiet, upscale, Southeast Asian feel right on Massachusetts Street.

Atmosphere, unfortunately, beats out the food. While the crab rangoon is phenomenal, the rest of the menu is just all right.

While you may not be adventurous enough to stay for a whole meal, it’s definitely the spot for drinks and appetizers even if you’re not up for an entrée.

— Edited by Vanessa Pearson