The Most Romantic Restaurant in Every State

[MULTIZ321]

The Most Romantic restaurant in Every State
By Jillian Kramer/ Home/ Travel/ Food & Wine/ foodandwine.com

"With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to decide where you’ll make a reservation for the most romantic evening of the year. With this list, you won’t have to think too long—we’ve rounded up the most romantic restaurants in every state...."

Courtesy of Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism

Obviously, this article is somewhat dated - Valentine's Day is past this year. However, feel free to add your favorites to the list.

Richard

 

[Marathoner]

Thank you for this. Appreciate the inspiration.

 

[Glynda]

Apparently I don't get around much. I've only eaten in one of those.

 

[VacationForever]

When I see an article like this, it translates to an expensive dinner. I have not been to any on the list and also not interested in spending $$$$ on a meal.

 

[DaveNV]

I'll take the Polish dog at Costco. Oh, wait...

Dave

 

[VacationForever]

I'll take the Polish dog at Costco. Oh, wait...

Dave

I did not follow the other thread closely... is the Polish sausage still sold inside the store? What is it made of?

 

[DaveNV]

I did not follow the other thread closely... is the Polish sausage still sold inside the store? What is it made of?

It's a Polish sausage, so I presume pork or beef or ? It's actually pretty good. But Costco has decided to stop selling it, (for some crazy reason), and people are LIVID about it. Some locations still offer it, but many don't. I was making a silly joke, after reading the list of these Four $$$tar restaurants. I'm sure the restaurants are plenty good, but really - trapeze acts and Tarot card readers? Seriously? Not for me, thanks.

Dave

 

[VacationForever]

It's a Polish sausage, so I presume pork or beef or ? It's actually pretty good. But Costco has decided to stop selling it, (for some crazy reason), and people are LIVID about it. Some locations still offer it, but many don't. I was making a silly joke, after reading the list of these Four $$$tar restaurants. I'm sure the restaurants are plenty good, but really - trapeze acts and Tarot card readers? Seriously? Not for me, thanks.

Dave

But do they still sell in the fridge or freezer section, to be cooked at home? I have never tried but if they do have them, I may venture to buy some.

 

[DaveNV]

But do they still sell in the fridge or freezer section, to be cooked at home? I have never tried but if they do have them, I may venture to buy some.

I don't know for sure. They do sell the hot dogs that way. I'll have to check next time I'm in the warehouse. I'd buy them if they do.

Dave

 

[WinniWoman]

Hen of the Wood in Vermont is very popular and has exquisite food they say but I have yet to eat there. It is expensive and that alone would take away from my enjoyment I would think. But- I am curious and might try it one day- maybe.

 

[Egret1986]

We're in Santa Fe and booked Geronimo Restaurant a few weeks ago for our final night after a spa day. Expensive. I asked the Guide on a Food Tour that we took if the restaurant was really all that (as did another guest that didn't hear me ask). All she stated was "they have really good steaks." Hmmm. I got the impression (without her saying it) that maybe it's not a favorite of hers. Terra at the Four Seasons is listed for New Mexico on the list. Geronimo was listed as #1 on TripAdvisor and I didn't remember seeing anything about Terra, so I went on TripAdvisor to see where it fit in. It was listed #62 of 406 restaurants. I also saw it has a current Groupon. The pictures of the views of the mountains out the huge windows of the restaurant (especially if you go for sunset) probably gave it the edge for "romantic". We definitely won't have those views at Geronimo.

This list was for the most romantic. Perhaps, we should change it up. We are celebrating a couple of things (35th anniversary from this past Christmas Eve and my 60th birthday in August). They were the excuse anyway for spending this much cash on a meal. We never really get to celebrate our anniversary with Christmas (super peak season for both of our jobs), our twins birthdays on New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. It sorta comes and goes without much fanfare because we're so worn out from the season.

We'll be on Maui (first time) for this upcoming Valentine's (not that we go out of our way to celebrate this day). Should we make reservations for Merriman's (on the list)?

The only restaurant on the list that we've been to is Latitudes in Key West. We went there for lunch a couple of years ago.

When I see an article like this, it translates to an expensive dinner. I have not been to any on the list and also not interested in spending $$$$ on a meal.

You are correct, these lists do translate to "expensive." Also, they are a matter of other's opinions, which may not match your own personal tastes. I've asked my husband a couple of times about changing up our plans due to the expense. He says, no, let's go for it since we haven't spent anything on our anniversary in a long time. It's about the experience and 35 years is a milestone, as is 60 years. Agreed! We rarely splurge on things like this (expensive spa day and dinner), so we're gonna do it with no regrets. Hopefully, we'll be able to answer the question "is it really all that" with a "yes, absolutely."

 

[1Kflyerguy]

Well, I have been to Canoe in Atlanta for a business dinner, food and service was great, but the occasion was not romantic... We have been to Merrimans at their Big Island location. I have not been to the Maui location. Its been a few years but for me the Big Island location felt crowded.

 

[Glynda]

I've been to 82 Queen in Charleston numerous times over many years. Eating in the courtyard at night under the little white lights could be quite romantic if it's not really hot, raining and mosquitos/gnats are not out and biting. Expensive? Yeah, it can be if you choose certain things. I have mostly been there at lunch time. It's certainly not the best restaurant in Charleston but it's an institution. I never walk by it that I don't think of NBC's weatherman, now retired, Williard Scott. Any time Charleston came up on the air he spoke of his fondness for 82 Queen and their She Crab Soup.

Dave, your well timed comeback was hilarious!

 

[Luanne]

We're in Santa Fe and booked Geronimo Restaurant a few weeks ago for our final night after a spa day. Expensive. I asked the Guide on a Food Tour that we took if the restaurant was really all that (as did another guest that didn't hear me ask). All she stated was "they have really good steaks." Hmmm. I got the impression (without her saying it) that maybe it's not a favorite of hers. Terra at the Four Seasons is listed for New Mexico on the list. Geronimo was listed as #1 on TripAdvisor and I didn't remember seeing anything about Terra, so I went on TripAdvisor to see where it fit in. It was listed #62 of 406 restaurants. I also saw it has a current Groupon. The pictures of the views of the mountains out the huge windows of the restaurant (especially if you go for sunset) probably gave it the edge for "romantic". We definitely won't have those views at Geronimo.

This list was for the most romantic. Perhaps, we should change it up. We are celebrating a couple of things (35th anniversary from this past Christmas Eve and my 60th birthday in August). They were the excuse anyway for spending this much cash on a meal. We never really get to celebrate our anniversary with Christmas (super peak season for both of our jobs), our twins birthdays on New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. It sorta comes and goes without much fanfare because we're so worn out from the season.

We'll be on Maui (first time) for this upcoming Valentine's (not that we go out of our way to celebrate this day). Should we make reservations for Merriman's (on the list)?

The only restaurant on the list that we've been to is Latitudes in Key West. We went there for lunch a couple of years ago.




You are correct, these lists do translate to "expensive." Also, they are a matter of other's opinions, which may not match your own personal tastes. I've asked my husband a couple of times about changing up our plans due to the expense. He says, no, let's go for it since we haven't spent anything on our anniversary in a long time. It's about the experience and 35 years is a milestone, as is 60 years. Agreed! We rarely splurge on things like this (expensive spa day and dinner), so we're gonna do it with no regrets. Hopefully, we'll be able to answer the question "is it really all that" with a "yes, absolutely."

We live in Santa Fe. We have been to Geronimo once, and that was during Restaurant Week when you could get a complete dinner (three courses) for $45.00. We found the service wonderful and the food very good. Would I go back and pay full price? Well, we haven't yet. There are SO many good restaurants in Santa Fe. That said, Geronimo is the favorite of many people, our hairdresser being one. He always goes there for special occasions. Also, many times when you ask people in the restaurant business what the best restaurant in town is, they'll say Geronimo. I think they may just be more consistent. They have a couple of special items, I've been told (they weren't on the Restaurant Week menu). I'm pretty sure on is the elk tenderloin (maybe that is the steak you heard about). There is also an appetizer, but none on their online menu sound familiar.

I've also been to Terra, but not for dinner. The location, and views, are lovely. The first time we went was for Father's Day breakfast. We weren't overwhelmed. We finally went back with some friends for lunch a few years later and were very favorably impressed. I get the idea with Terra it can be hit or miss.

Just curious, where are you doing your spa day?

About Maui, where are you staying? Our favorite restaurant to celebrate at is Gannon's in Wailea. Beautiful views and very good food. We've eaten at several of Peter Merriman's restaurants, Merriman's on the Big Island and Monkeypod on Maui, both in Wailea and Kaanapali and have enjoyed them all.

 

[bbodb1]

I'll take the Polish dog at Costco. Oh, wait...

Dave

 

[Egret1986]

Just curious, where are you doing your spa day?

About Maui, where are you staying? Our favorite restaurant to celebrate at is Gannon's in Wailea. Beautiful views and very good food. We've eaten at several of Peter Merriman's restaurants, Merriman's on the Big Island and Monkeypod on Maui, both in Wailea and Kaanapali and have enjoyed them all.

Hi Luanne,

We went to the International Folk Art Market on Sunday. There were a lot of volunteers everywhere, so I didn't bother to try to hunt you down. I believe you said that you would be at check-out. It was quite crowded.

Thank you for your input about Geronimo and Terra.

Spa Day (4+ hours) will be at Ten Thousand Waves. Very pricey day and evening. We're going for it since we're celebrating two big milestones.

As far as Maui, we'll be staying at Sands of Kahana.

 

[x3 skier]

With the right person, even Taco Bell can be the most romantic restaurant anywhere

Cheers

 

[VacationForever]

With the right person, even Taco Bell can be the most romantic restaurant anywhere

Cheers

Amen!

 

[lynne]

We're in Santa Fe and booked Geronimo Restaurant a few weeks ago for our final night after a spa day. Expensive. I asked the Guide on a Food Tour that we took if the restaurant was really all that (as did another guest that didn't hear me ask). All she stated was "they have really good steaks." Hmmm. I got the impression (without her saying it) that maybe it's not a favorite of hers. Terra at the Four Seasons is listed for New Mexico on the list. Geronimo was listed as #1 on TripAdvisor and I didn't remember seeing anything about Terra, so I went on TripAdvisor to see where it fit in. It was listed #62 of 406 restaurants. I also saw it has a current Groupon. The pictures of the views of the mountains out the huge windows of the restaurant (especially if you go for sunset) probably gave it the edge for "romantic". We definitely won't have those views at Geronimo.

This list was for the most romantic. Perhaps, we should change it up. We are celebrating a couple of things (35th anniversary from this past Christmas Eve and my 60th birthday in August). They were the excuse anyway for spending this much cash on a meal. We never really get to celebrate our anniversary with Christmas (super peak season for both of our jobs), our twins birthdays on New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. It sorta comes and goes without much fanfare because we're so worn out from the season.

We'll be on Maui (first time) for this upcoming Valentine's (not that we go out of our way to celebrate this day). Should we make reservations for Merriman's (on the list)?

The only restaurant on the list that we've been to is Latitudes in Key West. We went there for lunch a couple of years ago.




You are correct, these lists do translate to "expensive." Also, they are a matter of other's opinions, which may not match your own personal tastes. I've asked my husband a couple of times about changing up our plans due to the expense. He says, no, let's go for it since we haven't spent anything on our anniversary in a long time. It's about the experience and 35 years is a milestone, as is 60 years. Agreed! We rarely splurge on things like this (expensive spa day and dinner), so we're gonna do it with no regrets. Hopefully, we'll be able to answer the question "is it really all that" with a "yes, absolutely."

For us, Mama's Fish House in Maui completely fits the bill for both romantic and great food. It is quite expensive, but that is our splurge restaurant when we are on Maui. For Big Island, we love Beach Tree at the Four Seasons, again - it's all about the food with an great view.

 

[Luanne]

For us, Mama's Fish House in Maui completely fits the bill for both romantic and great food. It is quite expensive, but that is our splurge restaurant when we are on Maui. For Big Island, we love Beach Tree at the Four Seasons, again - it's all about the food with an great view.

I agree, Mama's can be quite special (and expensive) as well. We love it if we can get one of their tables right by the windows.

But if you are staying in Kahana, Merriman's would be the closest.

Hi Luanne,

We went to the International Folk Art Market on Sunday. There were a lot of volunteers everywhere, so I didn't bother to try to hunt you down. I believe you said that you would be at check-out. It was quite crowded.

Thank you for your input about Geronimo and Terra.

Spa Day (4+ hours) will be at Ten Thousand Waves. Very pricey day and evening. We're going for it since we're celebrating two big milestones.

As far as Maui, we'll be staying at Sands of Kahana.

Ten Thousand Waves is wonderful! Does part of your package include a meal at their restaurant Izanami?

 

[bbodb1]

With the right person, even Taco Bell can be the most romantic restaurant anywhere

Cheers

Only because of the possibilities suggested on the sauce packets....

Which was pure marketing genius....

 

[pedro47]

The Lemaire Restaurant in Richmond, Va is located in the Historical Jefferson Hotel downtown Richmond. The food served in this restaurant can match any five star restaurant on the east coast IMHO.

 

[Luanne]

With the right person, even Taco Bell can be the most romantic restaurant anywhere

Cheers

As long as you don't eat the food.

 

[VacationForever]

As long as you don't eat the food.

I did like the chalupa when they first came out and bought to go. Eat at home and be romantic.

 

[Luanne]

I did like the chalupa when they first came out and bought to go. Eat at home and be romantic.

I'm more worried about food poisoning. Or really more about just eating bad food. I've lived (and currently live) in places where it was so easy to get good, authentic Mexican food. Yes, I am a food snob.