A guide to Valentine’s Day in Bethlehem

Valentine’s Day is approaching, and the pressure is on. You may be freaking out over what to do, but with these tips, you’ll be sure to woo that special someone.

If you’re brave enough to face the busy restaurants:

Valentine’s Day for restaurants is notoriously busy, and you need to book a reservation in advance. The Lehigh Valley has an assortment of restaurants to choose from, ranging from the classics to ethnic.

If you have a hankering for Italian, Sal’s Brick Oven Pizza, Mama Nina Foccacheria, and Melt Grill are all good local choices. Sal’s Brick Oven Pizza is walking distance from campus, and Mama Nina Foccacheria is only a short drive away to the North Side of Bethlehem. Melt Grill is located at The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley so it is a bit farther away. Sal’s Brick Oven Pizza and Mama Nina Foccacheria are ranged at around $15 to $20 a meal, while Melt Grill is a bit pricier, coming in at over $20 a person.

If you’re indecisive, like to try multiple things, or are into sharing food, the Spanish cuisine at Tapas on Main is for you. You and your date can each order your own dish or order various smaller dishes to share. The restaurant is located on the North Side, but be wary that the cost can easily add up if you go the tapas route when ordering.

For American-style food, Apollo Grill and The Wooden Match are both great options on the North Side. Apollo Grill offers a nice mix of different types of food, with some Italian and Asian influences sprinkled through the menus. The Wooden Match caters more to a bar food style, and they also offer cigars that you can smoke while you eat.

If you’re looking for Mediterranean, look no further than Yianni’s Taverna and Olive Branch. Olive Branch is a cheaper option of the two, and also located in walking distance from campus. Yianni’s Taverna is farther up the mountain and entrees are priced at over $20 each.

For those who want sushi, Kome Japanese Cuisine and The Other Fish are places of interest. The Other Fish is located on the North Side, while Kome Japanese Cuisine is at The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley. Kome Japanese Cuisine is the more costly option of the two, but they also feature non-sushi options such as hibachi.

The Lehigh Valley also has a wide array of ethnic food options. Nawab, Jenny’s Kuali, Thai Thai II and Touch Thai are some of the various choices. Nawab, which is located right off campus, features Indian cuisine at an affordable price. Jenny’s Kuali is also located very close to campus, and they serve reasonably priced Malaysian food. Thai Thai II and Touch Thai are both located in close proximity to each other on the North Side.

If you have a sweet tooth:

No meal is complete without dessert, and there are a variety of places to satisfy your sweet tooth. If you are a chocolate lover, Chocolate Lab on the North Side is for you. They offer a variety of chocolate desserts, ranging from fudge to various chocolate-covered items. If you are vegan, Vegan Treats is the place to go. The store is located on the North Side, and offer almost anything and everything sweet you could possibly think of, but it’s all vegan. For you ice cream lovers, The Cup, located in Campus Square, is always a great option. In addition to the convenient on-campus location, there is another location on the North Side.

If you’re artistic:

If you are looking to do something more interactive and hands on, you and your date can take a class at the Banana Factory. This nearby art hub offer various art classes, such as glass making and photography classes. However, keep in mind that the classes tend to be on the expensive side.

If you want to keep it low-key: If you’re looking for a more intimate and private day, you and your special somebody can simply stay in. You can order food or impress your Valentine by cooking their favorite food for them, and maybe have an indoor picnic. You can even binge watch Netflix together in your pajamas. Sometimes the best days are the ones spent at home with somebody you care about.