In eight short days, couples will be flocking to the softly-lit restaurants around Ames, which will fill up quickly, for their Valentine’s Day dinners. For those who haven’t made reservations yet, you still have options.

Elisabetta Barison, part owner of Plus 39, said people started to make reservations two weeks ago. She suggests calling as soon as possible as they will get very busy.

Last year, Plus 39 created a Valentine’s Day atmosphere for diners.

“It was a very nice night because we had a girl who played violin during the night,” Barison said. “I had decorations around the restaurants and special decorations on the tables with flowers and hearts. It was a good Valentine’s.”

This year, Barison plans to have a special dessert and hopes that there will be another violinist. Plus 39 will also have a promotion with Finesse Spa Salon with more information being released today on Facebook.

Like other restaurants, all hands will be on deck to accommodate the guests and make sure they can guarantee good service, especially on Valentine’s Day.

Aunt Maude’s is another popular choice for couples. Brian Gould said they’re pretty much booked until 10 p.m. for the main dining area, but customers can walk in and dine in the lounge area.

“Typically, it’s a good idea to call two months ahead,” Gould said about making reservations on special holidays.

For Valentine’s Day, Aunt Maude’s will have its regular menu in addition to a special entree: Dungeness crab cakes. They will also serve two entrée specials: beef tenderloin Oscar and chicken Kiev.

For people who haven’t made reservations, there are always restaurants that don’t take reservations, if you’re patient enough to wait. The Cafe will have its regular weekend menu with different features for Valentine’s Day.

Kevin Rettig, owner of The Cafe, said they would get pretty busy. Don’t expect to go to The Cafe and be seated right away. Rettig said The Cafe has a cozy atmosphere and they give guests the best service possible.

Plus 39, Aunt Maude’s and The Cafe are just a few of the restaurants in Ames for Valentine’s Day sweethearts. There’s also Olde Main, Dublin Bay and Fuji Japanese Steakhouse.