How to Celebrating Valentine's Day 2020 in Washington, DC

It’s been a little hard to celebrate anything in a while but this year, Valentine’s Day falls on a long weekend and I’m ready to enjoy it. I have a little bit of a soft spot for Valentine’s Day because my birthday is a few days later (February 17!). Plus, I’ve always enjoyed sending all my loved ones cards whether I was in a relationship or not. So whether you are celebrating the day with your lifelong partner, your group of friends, your family, or just loving yourself, here are a few local vendors who can help get your party started.

Valentine’s Dinner To-Go

Hank’s Oyster Bar: Hanks has two great options for your Valentine’s Day dinner. Get everything you need to assemble a meal for 2 including salad, lobster ravioli, surf and turf, and chocolate strawberries. $90 – orders must be in by February 12 for February 14 pick up. Or for $55, get a seafood plateau with oysters on the half shell, middleneck clams on the half shell, chilled jumbo shrimp, seafood ceviche, mussels escabeche, and chilled Maine lobster. Pick available February 12-14.

Uptown Market: Located in Van Ness, Uptown Market offers grocery staples like artisan cheese, fresh seafood, butcher cut meats, and house-baked goods plus a restaurant and coffee bar. Due to the pandemic, the restaurant is offering curbside pick-up and local delivery. For Valentine’s Day, you can take home a romantic meal prep option with 2 steaks, 2 crab cakes, a side of asparagus, and 2 chocolate truffle cakes. $49.

Lincoln: Get a three-course meal for 2 including a starter, entree like salmon, chicken, beef pot pie, and truffle risotto, and a dessert. Plus, choose your own entree sides! $75 for 2 + drinks and tip.

Colada Shop: Looking for a brunch deal instead? Snag Colada Shop’s Valentine’s Day box with 2 of each: heart-shaped guava pastelitos, empanadas, croquetas, and breakfast sandwiches. Plus, get a bottle of Cava and strawberry reduction to make your own sparkling cocktails. $60 for two. Delivery or pick up at 14th Street or the Wharf through February 14.

The Salt Line: The Salt Line has everything you need for an extra special date night. Choose from a fancy take-out dinner ($185 for 2) including crayfish bisque, tuna tartare, stuffed lobsters, carrots, potatoes, chocolate tart, and chocolate strawberries. Pick up available February 13-14.

Or plan a special date night on February 13 at 2 pm for a virtual oyster shucking class. Learn to shuck oysters like a pro and hear about oyster habitat preservation. Pick up oysters and supplies or get them delivered on Friday, February 12th. $50/person or $90/couple. Ticket sales benefit the Oyster Recovery Partnership and its mission to restore the Chesapeake with natural oyster habits and healthy ecosystems.

Treats & Gifts

Fetching Goodies Cookie Bars: Rachel runs a vegan and gluten-free bakery out of her home in Old Town Alexandria. For Valentine’s Day, you can enjoy festive chocolate chip cookie bars in 4 and dozen packs. Plus, check out our 1 on 1 interview with Rachel and how she got started.

Milk Bar: Milk Bar has several treats to help make your Valentine’s Day celebrate sweet. Try 6 or 4-inch red velvet cakes decorated for the holiday. Plus, try truffles filled with chocolate cake, chocolate chips, cream cheese, and red velvet crumbs on the inside. Purchase separately or as a gift package.

Layered red velvet cake and truffles from Milk Bar — Photo provided by Milk Bar

District Doughnuts: District Doughnuts has partnered with Ash to Oak to bring you a doughnut and flower combo gift! Choose from mini assorted donuts ($25), regular-sized doughnut 4 pack with chocolate, Nutella, chocolate strawberry, and hot chocolate ($20), and add a flower arrangement ($35 in addition to the doughnut price). Regular sized doughnuts are also available gluten-free.

Circuit Breaker Labs: Local STEM-inspired artist, Amanda Preske, designs creative art and jewelry using recycled circuit boards. For Valentine’s Day, she’s created cute heart jewelry, mugs, and art that make great gifts for your geeky Valentine.

Crumb and Clover: If you are in Virginia, check out Leesburg home baker Rachel. For February, Rachel has flavors like cupid’s sprinkle, red velvet, and chocolate-covered strawberry. Plus, check out out our interview with Rachel to see how she got started.