Valentine's Day is just around the corner. For some, it's the most romantic night of the year, and for others, well, not everyone is into it. Even if you’ve never pointed out that Valentine’s Day and Venereal Disease have the same initials, sometimes you just don’t need the gushy prince and princess romanticism typified by Disney movies.
Don’t have a date, don’t want a date, or just don’t want to be around sloppy couples all night? No reason to stay home and let the rose and chocolate people have all the fun. Here are the top 5 places to hang out, get food and/or drink, and have a good time while avoiding the over-the-top romance, schmoozing, pet names and PDA:
5. Bullpen Sports Saloon
One thing you can say about the Bullpen is that it’s not the place women hope men will take them for Valentine’s Day. But it’s a lot of fun. A good place for a group of “F-U Valentine’s Day!” friends to get together, order some pulled pork nachos and play some skee-ball, darts, hammerschlagen or any of the other games offered.
4. Station 4
Bar food, strong drinks and absolutely nothing lovey-dovey. Station 4 is celebrating Valentine’s Day with the “queen of metal” Doro Pesch and Sister Sin, ensuring that you’ll have a loud and raucous evening of debauchery.
3. The Nook
No frills and nothing pink, unless that’s how you want your burger done. The Nook is a great place for a tasty meal and a beer or cocktail without any pretense. Head downstairs after dinner for a few rounds of bowling and leave full, warm and happy.
2. Foxy Falafel
The falafel, gyros and sandwiches are some of the best eats in Saint Paul. Go early and enjoy happy hour specials with your food, or have dinner without any reservations required. You can even take your meal to go after doing some shopping at Succotash and stopping by Sharrett’s liquor store a few doors down for home supplies.
1. Hmongtown Marketplace
One of the coolest places in Saint Paul, and it’s pretty unlikely you’ll bump into any yuppie couples making out behind the lobster tanks. Feast on papaya salad, BBQ with sticky rice, bamboo soup, curry, pho and more from the unique collection of vendors. Feel free to walk around and check out the rest of the marketplace while you're eating; its a much more eventful meal than you'll find at any fancy French or Italian restaurant.
Vendors close up shop at 8PM. Just down the street you can find a few drinks and pub food at Schroeder’s, also likely to be devoid of anything resembling a Hallmark card.
Happy Valentine's Day.
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