Romance is in the Air (& Stomach) Again

Make Some Different Plans for a Day of Love

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and that means – wait, let’s guess, cards, flowers, and candy. There’s nothing wrong with that, I mean who doesn’t love roses and chocolate. But if you are thinking about spending the day doing something a little different, we’d like to make a few suggestions for dialing up the romance, sizzle, and sweetness that this holiday is all about.

The Fancy

A night on the town sometimes involves a fancy dinner. Tyler has an abundance of excellent restaurants offering everything from seafood to steaks. Reservations are highly recommended.

Texas de Brazil – 2376 Dueling Oaks, Ste. 100, Tyler

For the love of meat! Be sure to try the newest fine dining in town. Texas de Brazil is a Brazilian Steak House located just off of Old Jacksonville in Tyler. For one set price, they’ve got an endless amount of food to serve. To start, there is a wide selection salad bar – included in the price of the meal – and an all you can eat main course. The best part is, you never have to leave your seat, for the main course that is. If you are interested in this new fine dining experience, be sure to check it out.

Dakota’s – 4803 Old Bullard Rd., Tyler

Dakota’s is an intimate restaurant with a nice patio for more casual dining and drinks with an exceptional menu. From oysters Rockefeller to the steak and prime rib, and seafood main courses, the options on their menu are endless. Open for lunch and dinner, Dakota’s has little alcoves for some roomy tables which are romantically cozy and private. Susan Dent said, “Dakotas is our ‘go to’ place for any special occasion. We go for every Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, most birthdays, and sometimes ‘just because.’ The food is consistently delicious. Service is always great. It’s pretty and it’s quiet and intimate and such a nice change from so many other restaurants. It’s a perfect place for a romantic evening.”

Kiepersol Restaurant – 1508 Merlot Ln., Bullard

It is always first class food and service at Kiepersol. I have no doubt that you and your Valentine will enjoy dinner at this quaint, quiet, and overall incredible restaurant. From Duck cigars with crunchy relish and plum sauce to heavenly lobster bisque, steaks, and crab crusted Sea Bass, their menu features a wonderful selection. Wines, of course, are from Kiepersol’s on-site vineyard; they are a highlight. Bananas Foster and Cherries Jubilee are prepared tableside and is a show to behold.

Bernard’s Mediterranean Restaurant – 212 Old Grande Blvd., Tyler

Bernard’s has long been a go-to spot for people with special occasions. The intimate setting creates a very romantic and special dinner. Mediterranean-themed cuisine features everything from stuffed trout to rack of lamb and everything in between. What they have available sometimes varies, and they have daily specials. The Blanc De Poulet Campagnard, Sea Bass, and Lamb Chops are fantastic. There’s nothing not to love about this quiet upscale restaurant with excellent food, good wine, and perfect service.

Jack Ryan’s Steak & Chophouse – 102 N. College Ave., Tyler

The 1930’s Deco bank building is beyond beautiful. You step back in time when you enter, and the exceptional food is simply icing on the cake. When you first enter the foyer and see the grandeur of the staircase that leads up to the restaurant, you begin to realize you are in for a special experience. You are greeted at the grand front desk and with reservations made weeks in advance, immediately taken to your table. From an excellent wine list to a Tenderloin that will melt in your mouth, Jack Ryan’s will not disappoint. The Lobster Mac-N-Cheese appetizer is divine. The Chicago/San Francisco/Dallas and Cordon Bleu-trained chefs serve up brilliant sous vide meat perfectly seared and plated.

The Grove – 3500 Old Jacksonville Hwy, Tyler

If you have been to The Grove for lunch or to the Smoke Shack, this Cupid’s Day, try out the inside dining room for dinner. The menu hosts crab claws, Center Cut Filet, Center Cut Ribeye, Prime Bone In Ribeye, Jidori Chicken, Chilean Sea Bass, Beef Wellington, Pecan Crusted Salmon, Maple Roasted Duck, and much more. Lamb Lollipops and the famous Cap’n Crunch Shrimp are great starters. The Grove Kitchen and Gardens is a unique property and features chef-crafted menus set on a sprawling, beautiful piece of land in the heart of Tyler. The main restaurant is a beautiful indoor dining area, a covered patio dining as well as an open patio. All dining areas all look on to a beautiful courtyard area that has music performers most weekends. The Grove is a great place to take a date – it’s the perfect choice for treating special people on special occasions!

Something Different

If you want to do something a little different this year, here are a few suggestions:

Roast Social Kitchen – 1125 E. 5th St., Tyler

Roast is a unique restaurant located in midtown Tyler. It is an eclectic restaurant with an industrial-chic vibe offering uniquely-created dishes by their excellent new Chef Thomas Mattson. There are different specials each week and depending on popularity, these new dishes will be added to the menu. The Shrimp & Grits (pictured) are to die for – amazingly fresh wild caught shrimp straight out of the Gulf into a savory Lone Star “beer blanc” sauce atop a roasted poblano and aged cheddar grit cake. Watch their Facebook page for daily creations. We love the Warmed Olive Bowl for a starter, the Grilled Hangar Steak is Texas Akaushi beef, Argentinian Chimichurri, roasted carrots. It’s hard to beat the famous Bee’s Knees pizza with roasted garlic, 4-cheese blend, soppressata, Italian sausage, Mike’s Hot Honey, thyme, and fresh orange. Roast has a great bar menu with the best Barrel Aged Old Fashioned around. Roast is where the truly cool go to hang out, whether for lunch, cocktails or dinner!

Daniel Boone’s Grill & Tavern – 1920 E SE Loop 323, Tyler

Come out and get your spurs on for hearty American eats amid Western decor and a menu full of fun slang and humor! Boone’s offers reliable fast, friendly service, big portions, tasty comfort food, and neat decor, plus free beans, chili beans, and ice cream with your meal. They also have an amazing bar with good drink prices. The Bucket of Bird is a favorite as well as the huge Chicken Fried “Stake.” The Big Boonie Burger is always freshly made, and the “Basskit, Bakin Lettice&Mator” sandwich served on Texas toast is excellent. This is a very casual restaurant, sure to make you laugh and enjoy the meal.

Villa Montez – 3324 Old Henderson Hwy., Tyler

From their website, “Villa Montez offers Latin-style seafood and meat dishes, plus comfort classics, presented in a swanky hilltop mansion.” Yes, you read that right – hilltop mansion! Villa Montez has awesome food and an old world rustic charm atmosphere. It has been consistently decorated with art and furniture that create a unique “Mediterranean Mexican” atmosphere. There is a downstairs cellar, two upper rooms for private gatherings, three dining rooms, and an expansive patio. Overall, the menu has very interesting dishes with a South American twist. We love the sea bass and the margarita shrimp, they’re both delicious. Kristi Arms said, “Villa Montez never disappoints. This is a go-to for special occasions or just a delicious meal in a beautiful setting. My favorite is the Chimichurri Steak and the salad with the chimichurri steak on it. I can never seem to get out of there without getting a huge slice of their fabulous chocolate cake! They say it is for sharing…which I will usually do if I am asked nicely.”

A Lively Night Out

Stanley’s Famous BBQ – 525 S. Beckham, Tyler

If you are in the mood to do something fun this Valentine’s Day, Stanley’s is the place to be. This place is lauded for several reasons, best known for its award-winning barbecue, but also for their heated and enclosed patio this time of year. It is a wonderfully, casually comfortable place to eat with family, friends, or your special someone. We think it would be romantic to split their famous Mother Clucker – Cadillac edition with candied bacon and avocado – seriously, what says “I love you” better than sharing this delicious creation? Ok, maybe sharing the ribs would be even better! Stanley’s will satisfy both your romantic side and a desire to have some fun. Stanley’s offers a nice selection of craft beers and bourbons, too.

El Charro’s on the Ridge – 6899 Oak Hill Blvd, Tyler

I remember eating at the old El Charros as a kid in the 1970’s. This El Charros has preserved a number of the old recipes from the original restaurant and has added a few new favorites. Our favorites are the famous house margaritas, the Combination Plate, and Tony’s Tacos. The lively atmosphere creates a fun environment, full of tradition and memories. Ask for the “special hot sauce” – it is yummy and definitely very special. The orange sauce…what can we say. We love the stuff. We went thru three baskets of chips, it was so good!

Mario’s Italian Restaurant – 7916 S. Broadway Ave., Tyler

Diner Jack Wilson said, “We love the ambiance of Mario’s. It’s our favorite Italian restaurant. We love the classic old style of the place. When you walk in, you are greeted like family. The main dining room is so charming. Mo and his incredible staff make sure you leave with a happy heart and a full belly. The food is always impeccable and being serenaded while you dine is delightful. You can even dance! I highly recommend this treasure.”

We couldn’t agree more. 

Mario’s atmosphere is very romantic in itself, and the entertainer playing big band music on weekend evenings really sets the stage for the fun Rat-Pack style atmosphere with the walls packed full of iconic movie posters and photos of famous stars from Hollywood’s golden years. The menu offers classic Italian favorites including lasagna, spaghetti with meatballs, veal picatta, Roman Platter, Veal Parmigiana, and shrimp scampi. The cannoli is definitely worth saving room for. “Mario’s is one of my husband’s and my favorite date night restaurants. Mario’s oozes romance!”

Kawa’s Hibachi Grill & Lounge – 1024 WSW Loop 323, Tyler

This is a perfect restaurant to show off – from everything including the modern designed décor and ambiance which is both beautiful and appealing, to impressive Japanese favorites, sashimi, and sushi, Kawa’s offers a date-worthy evening of entertainment and food. You will love the hibachi show cooked right in front of you, and you will absolutely adore the food. Lauren Brooks said, “We ordered Rainbow Rolls to start, then scallops (that were cooked to perfection), steak (melts in your mouth) and Chicken/Shrimp with Fried Rice and then sat back to watch the chef do his thing – which was not only an exhibition of skill at the grill but also entertaining. The food was so good! It was a very impressive evening.” Overall, Kawa’s would be a wonderful experience for Valentine’s Day date. There is the option of general seating or hibachi.