It’s almost Valentine’s Day, the holiday that comes with high expectations baked right in – a favourite amongst romantics and Nicholas Sparks’ aficionados everywhere. Valentine’s Day has never been something I look forward to. If I’m single I spend most of the time counting down to February 15th when the chocolate goes on sale at Shopper’s Drug Mart; and when I’m taken I spend the week prior to the big day wondering if a sock bunny is an appropriate gift. (What? I saw it on Friends that one time… it’s cool and nostalgic.)
If you’re like me and you don’t relish the idea of a prix fixe menu or you simply haven’t made reservations yet, I’ve got you covered. Here’s how you keep it cheap and cheerful in Toronto this V-Day.
Snakes & Lagers
This College St. bar opened just this past month and is brought to us by the same pair behind Snakes & Lattes. And while it boasts just as many board games as its predecessor, it differs in that fact that (you guessed it) it’s got… beer! Let the competition that comes with playing a board game from Germany add some spark to your night while dining on duck fat popcorn, crab cake sliders and mud pie. This fully licensed grown-up game room has everything from local brews to a 10-year-old Laphroaig to quench your thirst.
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Real Sports Bar & Grill
It may be Valentine’s Day but that doesn’t mean you should skip whatever wonderful Olympic games are sure to be on the 199 HD TVs at Real Sports. For the sports loving couple team alliances can sometimes get in the way – I once told a guy that I couldn’t date him because he was a Habs fan. But with the Olympics you can both cheer for Canada while enjoying a pint and the gastropub style menu at this athletic haven. As a bonus, Canada’s colours are red and white so you can be romantic and patriotic without requiring a wardrobe change.
House of Cards
I realize that House of Cards isn’t a place but the hit Netflix series returns to laptop screens everywhere on Valentine’s Day so it deserves a shout out. If neither of you feel like venturing out into the cold, why not just stay in with Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright for a night of intrigue and government conspiracy. While Kevin is breaking the fourth wall (and my heart), pick up your phone and check out the just-eat.ca app – you can order from great restaurants that wouldn’t typically deliver and you’ll never have to get out of your onesie. Onesies are sexy, by the way.
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Wherever you end up make sure you have a great time. Romance is less about the atmosphere and more about the person you’re with. This is especially true if they remember to tell you that you look great in that bright yellow onesie…
Have any fun and inexpensive Valentine’s Day date ideas? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.
