It’s Valentine’s Day Los Angeles! Did you wait until the last minute to plan something special? Don’t fret. We got you covered, and have some quick and easy ideas to pull off a last minute date night. Here are some fun and romantic ideas — whether you got a wad of cash to burn or not.
Valentine’s Day Los Angeles: For the Trendy Vegan In Your Life
Your date won’t be expecting much from the restaurant’s exterior, but once inside it’s another story.
Inside the romantic vegan sushi joint Shoijin in downtown LA
Located in a non-descript Asian mall in Downtown LA (and a 2nd location in Culver City), Shojin will get you some major hipster points with your date. We personally love the DTLA spot, given it’s hidden and cozy location. At $50 per person for a special Valentine’s Day dinner, it’s one of the cheaper options this night for what you get (3-4 course meal) in a uber-cool setting. Finding the place is part of the adventure. Your date will have some doubts as you navigate the generic mall and take the escalator to the top level. I eat at Shojin several times a year, and yet I still have a hard time finding it. The entrance is located behind a dark brown curtain and it’s like finding Oz. Go to the Downtown LA branch for full effect.
Shojin: 333 S Alameda St. Suite 310, CA 90013; Phone 213-617-0305
Valentine’s Date Night With Some Culture Points
The Mark Taper Forum – a romantic night of theater
Did you ever consider a play? The past several years, I’ve realized one of the best Valentine’s Day dates is going to see a play. If you plan ahead, you can always score some cheap seats on Gold Star. And best of all, they don’t jack up the prices like for dinner. And you still get the props for coming up with something different. Double whammy win! Center Theatre Group (Ahmanson, Kirk Douglas Theater, Mark Taper Forum) also offers Hot Tix for just $25. Call the theater directly and ask specifically for the “Hot Tix” deal. And you have one cheap date! But who needs to know? I’ve gotten seats in the orchestra section – though you never know where they’ll put you. Other great theaters to check out in Los Angeles include the Geffen Playhouse, Pasadena Playhouse, Sierra Madre Playhouse, or the super cheap and fun Upright Citizens Brigade for improv.
Insider tip** for Center Theatre Group: Call and ask for “Hot Tix” (based on availability for $25 tickets): Phone 213-628-2772.
Movie Night With a Meal
Wine, snacks and snuggle up for an indie flick at the AMC Dine-In
You’ll get bonus points from your date by stepping it up from the mega movieplex. Located in West Hollywood, the AMC Dine-In Sunset Theater shows mainstream hits and many lesser-known independent flicks. It’s one of our favorite cheap-o recommendations with reserved plush seating. Plus, you also won’t have to worry about screaming children or iPhone obsessed teenie boppers. This place is strictly 21 years and above – complete with a bar that allows you to take any food or drink purchases into the theater. Tickets cost $14.50 each, but on Tuesday it’s a steal at just $6 each for AMC Stubbs members (free to join). Another movie theater we recommend is the Alamo Drafthouse in downtown Los Angeles. This cool chain has moved into the Bloc shopping plaza near the Whole Foods in downtown. It also has reserved seating, a full bar and food menu and servers who come to your seat.
Break out the Vino
For a low key Valentine’s Day, sip at the counter of Silver Lake Wine.
If your date likes to partake in some libations, there is the Silver Lake Wine. This is one of the more casual spots on the list and a really fun place to just kick back and enjoy a glass. The store offers a wide variety of bottles to take home if you want to continue the party there.
Silverlake Wine: 2395 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039
New Downtown location: 1948 E 7th St., Los Angeles, CA 90021
Unique Ideas for Valentine’s Day in Los Angeles neighborhood.
Enjoy our ideas on ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in LA on any budget? And looking for other unique things to do in LA? Check out our full coverage on Los Angeles — like the inside look at the Willy Wonka of Booze in downtown LA or the one-of-a-kind walking tour through LA’s secret underground tunnels, once home to prohibition-era speakeasies.
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