Romance is in the air: Where to celebrate Valentine's Day in Worcester
WORCESTER — Romance is in the air as Valentine's Day approaches, reservations are being made, flowers bought, and cards lovingly composed for sweethearts near and far. For a city with a heart at the center of its emblem, Worcester is no stranger to romance, offering a plethora of lovely places to celebrate the big day.
Looking to treat your sweetheart?
Bocado Tapas and Wine Bar - 82 Winter St., Worcester
Featuring more than 40 different tapas dishes, Bocado is the perfect place to enjoy a meal with your loved one. For those looking to share, the restaurant offers "The Bocado Experience" for two ($90), four ($175) or six people ($260), which includes a number of tapas, charcuteries, queso and, of course, churros with chocolate to top it all off. The eatery has a number of limited-time items on the menu as well, including a crab Rangoon dip, roasted broccolini and veal osso buco.
Castle Cantina - 1030 Main St., Leicester.
Is there anything more romantic than dining in an actual Castle? The unique creation of Mexican-Spanish fusion is waiting inside the stone walls of Castle Cantina in Leicester. Not to worry, no dragons here, but this beautiful building is enough to stir up some romance.
Dinner at Polar Park - 100 Madison St., Worcester
Polar Park is hosting the ultimate Valentine's Day feast with a full three-course menu. Patrons will be able to choose between a coffee-crusted filet with a red wine demi-glace, seared salmon with a lemon Beurre Blanc, or a Bolognese with a house-made vegetable sauce. Each entry will be searched with whipped garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, a fresh roll and butter. Finally for dessert, a choice of chocolate lava cake or tiramisu.
Cost: $70 per person (plus tax). Gates open at 6 p.m., dinner will be served at 7 p.m.
Farm to Fork Gourmet - Why not cook at home?
The good folks at Farm to Fork Gourmet in Holden will put together a ready-to-prepare meal that is sure to wow that special someone. The family-run catering company uses real, fresh ingredients from local farmers that can be picked up every Wednesday.
Don't want to break the bank?
Free Play Arcade Bar - 25 Union St., Worcester.
Gamer at heart? Why not spend the evening at Free Play Arcade Bar on Union Street? With games like Big Buck Hunter, Donkey Kong, Foo Fighters pinball and air hockey, there is a game for everyone. The bar also hosts live music on the weekends as well as an extensive beer and pizza menu.
Cost: Entry fee $7 ($12 Fri & Sat), unlimited play on all games.
Worcester Historical Museum – 30 Elm St., Worcester.
Love is in the air at the Worcester Historical Museum, with free admission throughout February. The month-long celebration was made possible with the support of UMass Chan Medical School. Aside from the free admission, the museum is offering a number of V-Day themed events, including Valentine making and a lecture on the history of chocolate, to name a few.
Cost: Free through February
Snap a pic or pop the question in front of the MARRY ME mural - 1 Exchange St., Worcester.
Want to tell someone just how you feel but can't find the words? Let Tavar Zawacki's mural do the talking. Standing 22 feet, 7 inches tall, there's no doubt your loved one will get the message. Now the only question left is: Will they say yes?
Cost: Free
Galentine's: For all the single ladies.
Rock out at Redemption Rock Brewing - 33 Shrewsbury St., Worcester.
"We’re celebrating Galentine’s Day the best way we know how — with women who rock," the event poster promises. And on Feb. 16., between 4:30 and 10 p.m., the brewery will be doing just that. The event will serve up local cuisine from the women-run Fat Rooster Food Trailer. The band Easy Season will take the stage at 7 p.m.
Sip at Steel & Wire Cocktail Bar - 124 Millbury St., Worcester
In honor of Galentine's, Steel & Wire is out with a brand-new menu, featuring drinks like the "Late Night Talkin," a chocolate covered strawberry espresso martini and the "P.Y.T.," a take on the French 75, complete with strawberry notes and sparkling rosé. And for those extending their dry January, the bar also offers a delicious apple cider mule and alcohol-free beer.
Give back at Meze Estiatorio's Galentine's Day takeover - 166 Shrewsbury St., Worcester.
"Forget the diamonds, grab your girlfriends," and head to Meze Estiatorio's for a Galentine's Day extravaganza, while raising money for Abby's House, a nonprofit organization that aims to provide local homeless, battered or low-income women shelter and support services. On Valentine's Day, the restaurant is hosting a traditional evening of love and delicious food.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Where to celebrating Valentine's Day in Worcester, Mass.
