Haven’t made any reservations for Valentine’s Day? Better hurry! There are plenty of options. Some restaurants in Ames are booked for Feb. 14 and others don’t take reservations.

Here are tips on finding the right restaurant:

1. Reserve early! Call several different restaurants in the area and check their availability, and don’t be surprised if they don’t have times available until 10 p.m.

2. Find out which restaurants don’t take reservations and which ones have walk-in service available — The Cafe and Aunt Maude’s have a few tables.

3. If you plan on showing up to the restaurant, show up with plenty of time before you’re starving, maybe up to an hour before you want to eat.

4. Look for specials and menu prices ahead of time. That way, when it comes time to pay for the meal, you aren’t surprised.

5. Enjoy the night with your sweetheart! 

See full article here.