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By Sasha Reyes
Special to OneSpartanburg, Inc.
“The way to someone’s heart is through their stomach.”
Showing someone love can take many forms, from gifts to flowers. But, with Valentine’s Day near, there’s one time-honored way to show someone you care: a romantic dinner.
There are several great options across Spartanburg that will get your Valentine’s celebration off on the right foot.
Visit a classic and rustic staple, The Peddler Steak House, where generations of Spartanburgers have enjoyed charcoal-grilled meats, from Filet Mignon to bone-in pork chops to Ahi tuna. The Peddler has a diverse menu sure to appetize anyone’s diet and a cozy, welcoming vibe that will enhance any date-night.
Bringing coastal cuisine to Downtown Spartanburg is Isla’s on the Square. Enjoy a selection of nine types of oysters, sip on your choice of 16 craft cocktails, and savor a crowd favorite like the blackened cod puttanesca.
If you’re looking for a high-end dining experience with a contemporary menu, The Kennedy is a great choice, serving up modern takes on classic, Southern flavors. From the internationally-inspired steak frites to the crawfish and dumplings, you can’t go wrong at The Kennedy.
At the site of historic Drayton Mills, Dray: Bar and Grill is a fan-favorite with delicious options available for lunch, brunch, and dinner.
Emerge yourself into the Level 10 experience high atop Spartanburg’s AC Hotel. The restaurant, part of the well-known Rick Erwin Dining Group, offers high-quality ingredients and delectable wine pairings, as Level 10 was awarded the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2024.
There’s no better option for dinner with a view in Spartanburg.
For a European-themed dinner, visit the vintage dining room of Gerhard’s Cafe. With Austrian and German flair, their menu includes harder-to-find dishes like wiener schnitzel with fried potatoes, roasted lamb, wild boar chops, and many other European classics.
If it fits your tastes, Gerhard’s is repudiated for their beer menu, making it a true German experience.
Experience the homegrown menu offered by Heirloom and Chef J.R. Bandy, who prides himself on curating flavors with a “fresh twist on classic, mill-town staples.”
Start your meal with the delightful skillet honey cornbread before diving into a chicken and cauliflower velouté, a Walnut Grove Farms ribeye with a coffee-seasoning rub, paired with roasted red potatoes and Southern green beans.
Heirloom is located at the Hilton Garden Inn site on Spartanburg’s west side, not far from The Westgate Mall.
Take your loved one to Italy right on Main St. Sophia’s is sure to bring out the gusto to your palette. Acquaint yourself with their authentic flavors with popular favorites like lasagna, chicken marsala, and veal piccata. Put a cherry on top of your experience with dessert, whether you go with tiramisu, a cannoli, or the fluffy mascarpone cake.
Looking for wow factor with an award-winning menu? City Range serves up expertly-prepared entrees with a delicious mix of sides ad customizable options. City Range also offers a family meal carry-out menu that is sure to satisfy as a relaxed at-home home dinner.
For an unforgettable laid back wine tasting experience, visit Carriage House Wines. With an average of 5 stars on Google, you’ll find wines for all palettes and plenty of help if you’re planning to gift a bottle. Choose from world-renowned wines at various price points.
Take your Valentine’s Day up a notch with some live music at local performance venues like Blues Boulevard Jazz, featuring a classic underground location and some truly unique performances.
The Spartanburg Philharmonic will be in full tune on Valentine’s Weekend, with 2 events:
If art galleries or local showrooms are more your speed, don’t worry, Spartanburg has options for that, too.
Enjoy a visit to The Johnson Collection Gallery or the Spartanburg Art Museum. Or Simply take a walk around our Downtown Spartanburg where you can view several Murals and Sculptures displayed through the City. For more ARTistic sightings, check out https://www.visitspartanburg.com/get-a-good-look-spartanburgs-art-galleries/