Bundles of roses keep catching your eye. Flying babies seem to be everywhere. Armies of stuffed teddy bears haunt your dreams. Yes, Valentine’s Day is a month away, so it’s time to start thinking about dinner reservations. Behold: five great contenders for the occasion.
Mixologist overlord Jackson Cannon’s new Kenmore Square hot spot has that leather-throne-and-posh-decor
vibe that you crave on V-Day. Also: gin-heavy Hanky Pankys.
Why it’s right: Because it’s got a private four-seat bar, Cannon’s own blend of Four
Roses bourbon and animal-print couches to bring out your date’s feral nature.
There are only 28 seats here, so anything you can lock up in this cozy, cabin-feeling nook of a restaurant
will be ideal. Translation: reserve early... like, today.
Why it’s right: Because they’ve got a gorgeous fireplace lounge to warm up with a stiff
cocktail before moving on to your hand-rolled tagliatelle and braised lamb shoulder.
Once a home to the trading of Russian quill pens, this place now has a killer menu, exposed original beams
and floor-to-ceiling views of the Greenway.
Why it’s right: Table 121, the two-top in the corner, overlooks the historic marble
entryway, yet you have prime views of the Greenway and the restaurant bustle. And it’s PDA-safe.
This tapas house/bookstore/record shop plays Coltrane and serves shaved serrano ham, which has been
salt-cured for 18 months (17 months is just “meh”).
Why it’s right: Should you need poetic assistance, it’s near the bookstore, so you can
sneak off and grab a copy of Leaves of Grass (always leave the Kindle at home on V-Day).
This is your bi-level, three-bar ace for Tomahawk Veal Chops grilled over oak branches, and a
healthy selection of whiskey.
Why it’s right: Because being on the second floor almost feels like the penthouse. And
you’re near the antique oven in the open kitchen, which screams passion.
