Embrace the long Valentine’s/President’s Day weekend
The most difficult time to get a table in the whole city: Sunday, February 14. Why not go out on Friday, plan a romantic brunch for Saturday, or even better, make it a federal holiday love-fest on Monday (a.k.a. President’s Day). If you really want to get in theme, Mount Vernon is celebrating George Washington’s 284th birthday on Monday (free cake!), and you could take a romantic stroll around the grounds before popping into the Mount Vernon Inn for a meal or local wine.
Snag a last-minute reservation (and cheat if you have to)
Think what you will about apps that charge for restaurant reservations that are otherwise free—if there’s ever a time to spend $15 for a seat, it’s in a pinch on Valentine’s Day. Pay-for-reservation services like Table8 and Resy can get you in the door at otherwise-booked places for a fee, which varies. That being said, slipping a bill to the e-hostess isn’t required. Opentable shows what’s available from their partner restaurants on February 14, including early spots at a few of our 100 Best Restaurants like Bibiana, DBGB, and the Riggsby. Remember: there’s no shame in the early bird special, especially if you extend the date at a bar or movie after.
Order fancy takeout
If you can’t cook, fancy takeout will always impress (some pre-ordering required). Red Apron Butcher whips up a dinner-for-two with a 24-ounce porterhouse with apps and sides ($74). Seafood fans can order from BlackSalt, which offers a three-course menu with options like lobster bisque and herb-roasted salmon ($100). Society Fair in Alexandria pulls out the stops with coq au vin and bubbly for two ($110). Need a real last-minute save? Try delivery services Caviar or Postmates, which draw from a number of desirable eateries such as Doi Moi or 2 Amys.
Check out a pop-up
Doing something a little offbeat can help with crowd control, and you’ll earn points for creativity. Here are six awesome options to check out, including a shopping/dining extravaganza at Maketto, and a bubbly-and-cheese class at Union Market.
Combine dinner-and-a-movie
Fancy theaters with luxury seating, cocktails, and bountiful menus are on the upswing, and they don’t tend to book up like restaurants. Check out our review of three: Agelika Film Center (Fairfax), iPic Theaters (North Betheda), and ArcLight Cinemas (Bethesda). A great DC bet: the Atlantic Plumbing Cinema, equipped with a full bar and bounty of casual nearby restaurants that take walk-ins, such as the Royal or Declaration.