Since February is such a love-filled month (as in we’d love for it to be spring so we can get outdoors more), it’s a good time to plan a fun and romantic date night — or extended weekend — with your partner or pals. While local places have lots of Valentine’s Day specials, we’ve rounded up some of the unique date spots and ideas in our area, in addition to a few other venues if you want to think outside the box this year. Read on for ten unique date ideas for Valentine’s Day in the Hoboken + Jersey City area.
Aerow Archery | 98 Forrest Street, Jersey City
Aerow is perfect for archers of all levels and a great option for a fun Valentine’s Day date night. The spot delivers a unique and healthy way to move your body and features 24 lanes of tournament-style targets — ranging from 11 to 22 meters. If your Valentine is the adventurous type, this is the spot to go.
Bowling at Hudson Lanes | 1 Garfield Avenue. Jersey City
A long-standing bowling alley in Jersey City, Hudson Lanes is a staple. Three group packages are available, with the basic package starting with five people per lane for two hours of bowling and shoe rental. Higher-priced deals include food and soda. For more information, check out the website or call 201-432-5900.
Read More: Restaurants With the Coolest Interiors in Hoboken + Jersey City
Café Archetypus | 266 Old River Road, Edgewater
This one-of-a-kind eatery in Edgewater is set up with several private dining “caves” carved into the wall, perfect for an intimate night out. Featuring casual dinner fares like quesadillas, French bread pizzas, and salad bowls, the major draw here is dessert, with a whole page of ice cream, cheesecake, and Ghirardelli brownie sundaes to choose from. With sundaes like the Coyopa — banana and vanilla ice cream with fudge, caramel, and crushed potato chips — get two or more varieties and share. HG pro tip: this restaurant is a BYOB so you be sure to bring your honey’s favorite beverage.
Comedy Show at Dorrian’s Red Hand | 555 Washington Boulevard
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Dorrian’s is a local staple for those in search of a good weekend laugh — and this Valentine’s Day is no different. The Laugh Tour Comedy Club is bringing humor to Hearts Day with a Valentine’s Day / Galentine’s Day Comedy show on February 14th at 7:30PM. Guests can expect the comedic talents of Michele Balan, Ahri Findling, Stacy Prussman, Ted Barton NY, and more. The show is $25 to enter with a 2 item minimum. You can find tickets here.
dineDK Private Dining
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This boutique private dining company uses seasonal, on-trend menus and Michelin-star chefs to create food for anything from a large dining event at a venue to a charming dinner party for two right in your own home. Picks off the seasonal winter sample menu include Tuna Carpaccio, American Waygu Short Rib, Crispy Rosemary Polenta, and Maple Soufflé — check out the website here for more info on how to book your next date-night dinner.
Ivy Mane Studio | 1012 Grand Street, Hoboken
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While this studio primarily sells handcrafted goods for the home, Ivy Mane Studio also hosts creative workshops for those interested in unlocking their creative sides. Experiences like Create Your Own ‘Drip Plant Pot’ and ‘Booty Planter’ — yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like — are always on the schedule at this local studio. Gift cards are also available and can be used towards a workshop or handcrafted goods.
Hudson Table | 1403 Clinton Street, Hoboken
Going out to eat is one thing, but preparing the entire meal together is an entirely different experience. Taking a cooking class at Hudson Table in uptown Hoboken is an interactive and fun date night. Upcoming events include a Classic Brunch Class on 2/13, a Southwestern Vegetarian Class on 2/19, and a Steak Feast Class on 2/28.
Maddy Rose at Liberty House Restaurant | 76 Audrey Zapp Drive Floor 1, Jersey City
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This elegant venue along the Hudson always guarantees a good meal and fine dining. Maddy Rose Restaurant at Liberty House will also have a three-course Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu for $90+ per guest. Some of the menu choices include tuna tartare, steak tartare, and of course, flourless chocolate cake. Also, for a post-Valentine’s Day fun, there will be a “Boozy Brunch” event on February 18th. It will feature a four-course brunch menu, with each course paired with a specialty cocktail. Purchase tickets here.
Painting Classes at ArteVino | 720 Monroe Street Suite C408, Hoboken
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This Hoboken paint + sip studio is constantly offering unique painting options at its Monroe Center studio. Painters can bring their own beverages and snacks, making it a customizable experience and you’ll get to bring home your artwork so you’ll have a memento of a great night. On 2/11, there will be a Love Tree painting class for a pre-Valentine’s Day celebration — click here to register.
See More: Valentine’s Day Date Ideas in Montclair That Aren’t Dinner
Tipsy Tie Dye | 155 First Street
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For the creative couple, Tipsy Tie Dye provides all of the essentials you’ll need to create your own tie-dyed goods. With a wide variety of dyeable merch including sweatshirts + pants, cropped hoodies, Turkish towels, scrunchies, onesies, dog outfits + more, this local spot is the perfect gift-able experience for that special someone on February 14th.
Rooftop at Exchange Place | 1 Exchange Place, Jersey City
Featuring a retractable glass roof and an awesome view of the skyline, Rooftop XP is located right in the heart of the Exchange Place area of Jersey City along the waterfront. Check out the tempting cocktails and menu selections like charcuterie, burgers, and tacos — as well as brunch selections, and enjoy occasional live music for beautiful dining with ambiance.
