Love is already in the air. Valentine’s Day Owalas and Stanley Cups are flying off the shelves; and heart-shaped foods are taking over grocery aisles everywhere. Dinner dates are being planned, gifts are being purchased, and pink and red seem to be everywhere right now, but why stop there? Deck your dorm room out in hearts with decor from TJ Maxx or Target, and stock your mini-fridges with Trader Joe’s Valentine’s Day products for the romantic holiday. And while it is only January, it’s crucial to start giving at least some thought as to where you’ll be eating on Valentine’s Day, especially considering how fast reservations can get snatched up. In the past couple of weeks, fast food chains like White Castle and Applebee’s have announced lovely specials to indulge in with your significant other, your Galentines, or simply solo. Here’s a list of the best chains for Valentine’s Day dinner.
McDonald’s
Hear me out. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, McDonald’s is bringing back the fan-favorite Strawberry & Crème Pie, which features flaky crust filled with strawberry and vanilla-flavored crème. This sweet treat is the perfect way to cap off a rock-paper-scissors drive-thru date, or take advantage of the McValue menu and feast.
Chick-Fil-A
Have a V-day (or Galentine’s Day) date night in and order in a heart-shaped tray of your favorite CFA nuggets, Chik’n Minis sandwiches, or even brownies and chocolate chip cookies.
Applebee’s
The restaurant chain already has started serving a love affair in every glass. Applebee’s is featuring three discounted V-day drinks from January 6 to February 17: The Tipsy Cupid — Tito’s vodka and Tropicana lemonade cocktail, topped with big red gummy lips — a $10 Passion on the Beach, and $4 Bahama Mama mocktail. TBH, it’s also a perfect time to take advantage of its 2 for $25 deal — one appetizer, two entrées.
IHOP
Want a breakfast date over a dinner date? Head to IHOP for their heart-filled pancake of the month. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, IHOP’s Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Pancakes feature classic chocolate chip pancakes that are topped with cheesecake mousse, strawberries, chocolate chips, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, and whipped cream.
White Castle
You can now make reservations at White Castle for the chain’s annual Valentine’s Day dinner — an ongoing tradition since 1991, where the slider spot becomes a temporary “Love Castle.” The Love Castles is an elevated White Castle with lighting, table service, and Valentine’s Day-themed decor.
On Wednesday, February 14, make your way to the Love Castle between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. Over 300 White Castle locations will be participating in this celebration, and you can make your one-night-only reservation through OpenTable.
Outback Steakhouse
From February 9 to 14, indulge in a four-course meal for two at Outback Steakhouse. Each meal comes with grilled shrimp on the barbie, two signature salads, a choice of two entrées, and a cheesecake to share.
Other fast food chains to keep on your radar for Valentine’s Day.
Auntie Anne’s. In past years, Pretzel Perk loyalty members were offered a BOGO Chocolate Frost deal if they placed orders in-store or on the mobile app. (Fingers crossed for this year!)
Baskin Robbins. Every year Baskin Robbins offers a lovey-dovey flavor. Last year, the ice cream shop offered its Love Potion #31 ice cream flavor and the Crazy for You Cake — a heart-shaped cake with fudge, chocolate drips, Oreo cookies, and buttercream roses.
California Pizza Kitchen. Two words: heart-shaped pizza. I’m sold. Last year, California Pizza Kitchen offered these pizzas from February 9 to the 14. Couples also had the option of two three-course meal packages, which featured an appetizer, two entrées (your choice of pizza, salad, or pasta), and two desserts.
Cracker Barrel. Last year, Cracker Barrel offered a free dessert to diners, including a free Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake or a Biscuit Beignet when purchasing two entrées.
Dunkin’. Every year, Dunkin’ gets everyone in the Valentine’s Day spirit with heart-shaped frosted and sprinkled donuts. Last year, the coffee and donut chain offered the Brownie Batter Signature Latte exclusively to reward members.
Krispy Kreme. Hearts go all around at Krispy Kreme too! Last year the donut shop featured heart-shaped donuts with Hershey’s milk chocolate and chocolate Kisses with strawberry and caramel syrup in its Valentine’s Day Dozen box of chocolates.
Olive Garden. Don’t just come here for the breadsticks but for the $6 take-home entrées deal. Customers can purchase any entrée online or in-restaurant and take home a classic for only $6. This deal varies by location.
Waffle House. Nothing says “I love you” like being served heart-shaped hashbrowns. Though it hasn’t been announced yet, like White Castle, Waffle House goes all out for Valentine’s Day. While each location is different, the dinner usually features dimmed lighting, white tablecloths, and candles. A Valentine’s Day menu is crafted where couples can order a meal for two of salad, steak, heart-shaped hashbrowns, and more.