Wondering where to take that special one or celebrate solo on Valentine’s Day? Here are a few ideas to stay local:
Clouds Valentine’s Day Special
Clouds will host candle-lit dinners and a Valentine’s Day brunch from “100 feet above.” Located on Stanton Avenue, Clouds will serve four-course meals starting at 5:30 p.m. from Thursday to Saturday.
These meals include everything from a house-made strawberry tomato bruschetta to a penne pomodoro. The Valentine’s Day Brunch will happen on Sunday during three time slots: 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon.
The brunch will include pastries, coffee and mimosas. The event has a discounted student rate, starting at $16.50. These meals are exclusively reserved through online booking on their website.
Workspace at Memorial Union
The Workspace in the Memorial Union, located on Lincoln Way, is the perfect place for a Galentine’s get-together, a date night craft or a place to create a homemade gift for your special someone.
This week’s drop-in craft is a wooden heart-shaped valentine that each participant can decorate. The craft is $8 to $10 for ISU students and is available until Friday, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Bar La Tosca
If you are looking for a cafe-style restaurant near campus, check out Bar La Tosca on Welch Avenue. The restaurant’s menu includes pasta, soups, salads and sandwiches.
View more of Bar La Tosca’s options on their website. According to their Facebook, they will also offer a special French-tasting menu on Friday and Saturday. One student frequents this restaurant but skips the main course.
“I go to Bar La Tosca for the drinks and appetizers because they are all so good,” said Elsie Parriott, a junior in advertising.
Paddy’s Traffic Light Party
Say “Beer my valentine!” this Friday at Sips & Paddy’s on Welch Avenue! Please be aware of the dress code, though. If you’re caught wearing green and in a committed relationship, you could be sleeping on the couch this Valentine’s Day. The Traffic Light Party entails single people wearing green, people in relationships wearing red and those in between wearing yellow. Check out Paddy’s Instagram for more information. For some people, Paddy’s is the place to be. For others, it’s more of a plan B.
“If I had a girlfriend, I’d take her to a movie,” said Francis Dunning, a senior in history. “Since I’m single, I’ll be at Paddy’s.”
BlueFish Hawaii Poke Bowl
Looking for something different that won’t break the bank this Valentine’s Day? Consider BlueFish Hawaii Poke Bowl, located on Welch Avenue. The eatery will be open from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Valentine’s Day.
BlueFish Hawaii Poke Bowl features build-your-own poke bowls with lots of variety. One student loves this restaurant for their meatless options.
“BlueFish has vegan options, so I come here a lot,” said Sarah Kothlow, a senior in environmental engineering.
Ames has plenty to offer, whether single or in a relationship, this Valentine’s Day and weekend.
