Looking for an upscale, yet affordable place to dine with your date this Valentine’s Day? Look no further than these popular restaurants in Tuscaloosa. Some will feature special Valentine’s Day menus, and others will just have dinner specials, but all will be a romantic time for you and your date.

FIVE:

FIVE is one of Tuscaloosa’s newer restaurants and has an eclectic and swanky atmosphere, boasting 50 chandeliers and an antique bar salvaged from an 1880s saloon. FIVE is located downtown and serves five entrees, five appetizers, five red wines, five white wines and five signature drinks every night. Featured items include their panéed chicken, grilled pork chop and fried shrimp. FIVE does not take reservations.

Carmelo Café:

Carmelo Café serves Southern-style food with a gourmet twist. The restaurant is known for their shrimp and grits, walnut-fried chicken and fresh fish entrees.

“We have a cozy environment with romantic lighting and very decent prices,” said server Rachel Hunter. “Carmelo is the overall perfect place to eat a meal on Valentine’s Day.”

Surin of Thailand:

Surin of Thailand, conveniently located on The Strip, features midnight sushi, appetizer specials and a happy hour from 5-6:30 p.m. Their menu features sushi and all types of Thai food.

“We will have some special, festive decorations for the sushi this Valentine’s Day,” said general manager Met Mengumpum. “Our prices are great, and I would recommend the Super Crunch [Roll] from the sushi menu.”

Cypress Inn: 

Cypress Inn offers waterfront dining and quality Southern cuisine. The restaurant will provide half-price appetizer and drink specials on Valentine’s Day from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the sandbar and outdoor deck.

“With our riverfront views and great deals, Cypress Inn definitely has one of the best atmospheres in town to come for a date,” said private diner and coordinator Abi Fuller.

Evangeline’s:

Evangeline’s is Southern dining with a romantic vibe, low lighting and pleasant decorations.

“We are upscale, with white tablecloths, and we try to have a quality of food that goes along with that,” said server Michael Justice. “The menu is filled with delicious, affordable meals, but my two favorite things are the crab cakes and the filet.”

Kozy’s:

Kozy’s Restaurant offers a more intimate dining experience with an appealing venue and fine cuisine. Kozy’s will feature a special four-course dinner, allowing Valentine’s Day diners four options per course. Menu items include roasted goat cheese with vanilla honey drizzle, a shaved fennel salad with a citrus vinaigrette, a steak filet rolled in black pepper with bistro pomme frites and a red velvet cheesecake.

“This restaurant is a pretty romantic spot with dim candlelight and a fireplace in the corner,” said general manager Bradley Trammel. Reservations are recommended.