Whether you’re single or in a relationship, Valentine’s Day is a time to treat yourself.
There are many places in Buffalo to celebrate all of the best parts of Valentine’s Day. The city has plenty of scrumptious sweet shops, quality florists and fantastic restaurants that can help you make this Valentine’s Day your best one yet.
You don’t have to wait for someone else to surprise you with candy, flowers or dinner this year — take yourself out on a date and take advantage of all the city has to offer this Valentine’s Day.
Indulge In Some Sweets
Valentine’s Day is a day of indulgence — and Buffalo’s many bakeries and confectioneries make it easy to satisfy your sweet tooth. Here are some of our favorites.
Butter Block Shop – Widely considered the best pastry shop in the region, Butter Block will transport you to Paris — otherwise known as the City of Love. Butter Block’s croissants, cookies and pastries are made using imported French butter, and you can taste the difference in their flaky, rich baked goods. We highly recommend their almond croissant, pain au chocolat and homemade “pop-tarts” filled with fresh jams, custards and other sweet fillings. Butter Block is not open on Valentine’s Day, but you can pick up a box of their goodies the day before and they’ll still be fresh for Valentine’s Day. They’re also offering some delicious specials for the holiday, including their “Breakfast In Bed” special, featuring a main breakfast dish to share, a choice of pastry and juice, their homemade “Oreo” cookies, ground coffee from local cafe Remedy House and a floral accent.
Blue Table Chocolates – After you’ve picked up some pastries, walk a few steps down the street to Blue Table Chocolates for some of the tastiest truffles and chocolate in Buffalo. The chocolate shop, located in a quaint little building in front of Five Points Bakery on Buffalo’s West Side, offers a huge variety of unique candy flavors, from cherry sesame and coconut Earl Grey to orange blossom cheesecake and strawberry lychee shortcake. All of their truffles are made by hand with the highest quality ingredients, and it shows in the taste and presentation of their gorgeous concoctions. And if you’re feeling a bit lonely this Valentine’s Day, pick up a box of their “Anti-Valentine’s Day Hearts,” featuring a mix of candies spiked with rum and coffee liqueur.
King Condrell’s Ice Cream & Candy – For the dessert lover, there’s no better place to visit than King Condrell’s Ice Cream & Candy in Kenmore. The vintage ice cream and candy shop will have you feeling like a kid again with all of their choices, from ice cream to candies to chocolate novelties. No matter what the temperature outside, King Condrell’s huge ice cream sundaes topped with fresh nuts and homemade syrups hit the spot — so we won’t judge you if you skip dinner and go straight to dessert. Their handcrafted sponge candy, chocolate covered oreos and chocolate covered strawberries make the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift for yourself or a loved one. You can also order personalized chocolate hearts in milk, dark or orange chocolate for the special person in your life.
Pick Up A Pretty Bouquet
Getting flowers always brightens up your day. This Valentine’s Day, support a local florist and pick up some beautiful stems for yourself or a loved one.
Wildroot Floral – Wildroot Floral isn’t your typical florist — it’s a premium floral boutique specializing in unique blends of cut flowers, floral arrangements and flowering plants. They also offer adorable pots and vases that make the perfect gift to display their stunning flowers. Take a visit to Wildroot’s Niagara Street showroom to take in all of the greenery and beauty on display. They offer a variety of affordable, contemporary arrangements specifically for Valentine’s Day, featuring plenty of pink, red and purple blooms. But we recommend letting their designers put together a bouquet for you in their signature style: a lush design in a low vase filled with seasonal, thoughtfully placed flowers and greenery.
North Park Florist – North Park Florist is a great place for those looking for a more traditional florist experience. The North Buffalo flower shop has been around for over 30 years, offering some of the loveliest floral arrangements in Buffalo. This holiday, they’re offering a large variety of Valentine’s bouquets filled with hand-picked roses, carnations, Crespedia and foliage. Like Wildroot, they offer delivery, so you can skip the online flower companies and support your local florist while surprising someone you care about with flowers this year.
Plan A Fancy Dinner Date
A lavish dinner is a key part of Valentine’s Day. But you don’t have to have a romantic partner to enjoy a fancy meal and glass of champagne. Grab a friend or loved one or treat yourself to a delectable meal at one of these restaurants this Valentine’s Day.
Buffalo Chophouse – This five-star restaurant is legendary in Buffalo for its prime steaks and mouthwatering fresh seafood. While it’s one of the most expensive restaurants in the city, the fine dining and classy atmosphere is well worth the cost. Favorite dishes include the filet mignon, bone-in ribeye, lobster tails and lamb chops. Don’t forget to add a side of lobster mac and cheese, truffle fries and sautéed button mushrooms. Make sure to dress for the occasion–business/smart casual dress is expected, so it’s a good excuse to put on a nice outfit and get dolled up for the holiday.
Patina 250 – Located in The Westin in downtown Buffalo, Patina 250 serves up gourmet global cuisine in a contemporary urban atmosphere. They’re offering a prix fixe menu for Valentine’s Day for $68 per person, featuring elegant dishes like beetroot risotto, crab spaghetti and slow roasted lamb shoulder. Pair your dinner with one of their elevated cocktails made with high-end spirits and house-made syrups and liqueurs. Finish the night with their rich blackout chocolate cake or red velvet cheesecake.
Coco Bar and Bistro – Looking for something a little less formal and more affordable? Coco Bar and Bistro is the way to go. Located in downtown Buffalo, this cozy French-inspired bistro is ideal for a romantic date or fun night with friends. At Coco you can go as casual or as lavish as you desire, from your dress to the food. Split a lamb burger, pizza and a caesar salad, or indulge like the French with escargot, fresh mussels and pan-seared trout. You’ll still enjoy the romantic, cute atmosphere without breaking the bank this Valentine’s Day.
How will you be spending Valentine’s Day in Buffalo? Let us know in the comments below.