Romantic Dining in Edwardsville

Edwardsville makes Valentine’s Day planning easy, with date-night spots that work for everything from a classic dinner to something more laid-back:

• 1818 Chophouse– A solid choice for a steak dinner when you want to keep things classic
• Doc’s Smokehouse – Sweet Midwest barbecue with big flavors
• Cleveland Heath – Great for sharing plates and taking your time over dinner
• Mio Osteria – An Italian eatery for a relaxed date night with fine-dining fare
• Bella Milano – Italian comfort food that’s easy to love
• Sugo’s Spaghetteria – Casual pasta and pizza in a fun setting
• Peel Wood Fired Pizza – Wood-fired pies and an easygoing atmosphere that's perfect for date night

Valentine’s Day Restaurants in Collinsville

Get dressed up and plan an elevated experience in Collinsville with these top V-Day spots in Collinsville:

• Porter’s Steakhouse – Best for a special-occasion Valentine’s dinner, with a fine-dining feel and a menu built for celebrating
• Old Herald Brewery & Distillery – A good pick if drinks, conversation, and a laid-back vibe matter more than a long sit-down meal
• Sloan’s Pub House – Ideal for a_toggle off the formal stuff and grab a burger and a beer kind of Valentine’s night
• Mungo’s Italian Eatery – Best for couples who want a quieter dinner and classic Italian dishes
• Ravanelli’s Italian Steakhouse – A good option if you want a little bit of everything, from comfort food favorites to steak and wine
• Agavero Grill & Cantina– Great for a fun, lively Valentine’s date with margaritas, bold flavors, and flexible menu options

Route 66 Classics & Riverfront Valentine’s Dates In Granite City, Litchfield and Calhoun County

From milkshakes and neon signs along Route 66 to river views and old-fashioned family-style meals, these Valentine’s Day spots turn dinner into part of the experience:

• Teri’s Route 66 Diner – Best for a playful, nostalgic Valentine’s date, with classic diner fare, all-day breakfast, and milkshakes that feel straight out of Route 66
• The Ariston Café – Ideal for history lovers, serving American, Italian, and Greek dishes inside the longest-operating restaurant on Route 66
• Jubelt’s Restaurant & Bakery– A great stop for breakfast, lunch, or dessert dates, known for fresh-baked bread, classic diner meals, and old-school bakery charm
• Grafton Winery & Brewhaus – Perfect for wine lovers, with river views, house-made wines and beers, and live music on select weekends
• The Terrace at Aerie’s Resort – Best for a Valentine’s dinner with a view, offering an expansive deck, cocktails, and sweeping views of the Mississippi River
• Pere Marquette Lodge – A relaxed option after a hike or winter walk, famous for family-style fried chicken in a rustic lodge setting
• The Loading Dock – Great for a casual daytime date, with outdoor seating, river views, live music, and a lively atmosphere
• Wittmond Restaurant –Cross into Calhoun County on the Brussels Ferry and have an old fashioned, family-style meal

Date Night Ideas in Alton

Alton’s mix of historic spots and a walkable downtown makes it easy to turn dinner into a full Valentine’s Day night out:

• Tony’s – A strong choice for a classic Valentine’s dinner, with specialty pastas, Pepperloin steaks, and an extensive wine list.
• Santino’s Steakhouse - Best for a quieter, more traditional Valentine’s dinner, with old-world charm and authentic Italian dishes.
• Castelli’s Restaurant at 255 – Best for couples who love tradition, with its famous fried chicken and old-school dining room.
• Old Bakery Beer Co. – The restaurant and brewery occupies the historic 1800's Colonial Bakery building which is ideal for a casual downtown date, especially if you want to grab a beer before or after dinner. Also- a great place for vegetarian options!
• Bossanova Restaurant & Lounge – A fun pick if you want dinner and entertainment in one place, with globally inspired dishes, creative cocktails, live music, and indoor and outdoor seating.
• Bluff City Grill – Great for an easygoing Valentine’s date, with a wide-ranging menu, a covered patio, and a lounge bar.

Cozy Valentine’s Dates in Godfrey

Godfrey is a great place to take your sweetheart when you want a quieter Valentine’s Day, with warm dining rooms, thoughtful menus, and spots where it’s easy to linger before or after your meal:

• Bakers & Hale – Best for couples who like dinner with a little energy, featuring farm-to-table dishes made with local ingredients, an on-site garden, indoor and outdoor bars, and live music most weekends.
• Delmar Public House – A fun choice if you want to try something different, with a rotating weekly menu of American and international dishes served inside a former schoolhouse.
• LuciAnna’s Bistrot & Patisserie – Ideal for a daytime Valentine’s date or a low-key start to the evening, offering coffee, pastries, and bistro-style dishes inside a renovated historic home.

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean a full dinner reservation. Sometimes it’s coffee and pastries, sharing ice cream, or ending the night with something sweet.

Coffee & Pastries

Perfect for a morning Valentine’s date or a mid-day break.

• American Kolache (Edwardsville)
• Sacred Grounds (Edwardsville)
• Goshen Coffee Company (Edwardsville)
• Neighbor’s Bakeshop (Edwardsville)
• Verona Coffee (Collinsville)
• Maeva’s Coffee (Alton)
• Post Commons (Alton)
• Meme’s Coffee Shop (Granite City)

Bakeries & Sweet Treats

For pastries, cookies, donuts, and all things baked.

• Kruta Bakery (Collinsville)
• Duke Bakery (Alton)
• Neighbor’s Bakeshop (Edwardsville)
• Chocolate Covered Creations (Granite City)
• Blackbird Bakery (Staunton)
• Mister Donut (Godfrey – last remaining U.S. location)

Ice Cream & Something Fun

Because Valentine’s Day should make you feel like a kid at heart.

• Uptown Scoops (Collinsville)
• The Boardgamery (Granite City)
• Daylight Donuts (Granite City)

Cocktails & Nightcaps

When dessert turns into one more stop.

• FLOCK Food Truck Park – Signature cocktails in a social setting
• The Speakeasy – A hidden-entrance bar with a Prohibition-era feel

Try something new this Valentine's Day! Southwest Illinois has opportunities for all to have an unforgettable, quirky, and magical time with friends, family, and everyone you love.

Outdoor Adventures & Scenic Spots

Great for couples who want fresh air or something a little different.

• Eagle Watching along the Great River Road – Peak season runs through February
• Aerie’s Alpine Coaster – Fly down the bluffs in Grafton
• Pere Marquette State Park (Grafton) – Winter hikes and scenic overlooks
• Beaver Dam State Park (Plainview) – Quiet trails and lake views
• McCully Heritage Project (Kampsville) – Historic landscape and open space
• H&B Bremer Wildlife Sanctuary (Hillsboro) – Peaceful nature walks
• Lake Lou Yaeger (Litchfield) – Trails and water views
• MCT Trails – Perfect for a romantic walk or bike ride
• Harpole’s Heartland Lodge (Nebo) – ATV and UTV riding for adventurous couples

Arcade Dates & Games

For something lighthearted and competitive.

• Atomic Pinball
• The Pump House
• Edison’s Entertainment Complex

Ice Skating & Animal Encounters

A mix of winter fun and memorable experiences.

• The Loading Dock Ice Rink
• Kamaroo Farms (appointment required)
• Treehouse Wildlife Center
• Willoughby Heritage Farm

Bowling & Creative Dates

Classic date ideas that are easy to plan and fun year-round.

• Bowl Haven Lanes
• Airport Plaza Bowl
• Tri-County Bowl
• Litchfield Bowling Inc.
• Camelot Bowl

Art & Hands-On Experiences

• The MAC
• Grafton Art Gallery
• Mooneyham Art LLC

For a complete list of February events, visit our Events Page!

Here are some great Valentine-centric events to enjoy.

• Feb. 7: Self Love Party – Carlinville
• Feb. 13: Valentine's Candle Making Fun at Alpha Candles - Hillsboro
• Feb. 14: Talon-tine Day at Edwardsville Children's Museum – Edwardsville
• Feb. 14: Until Death Do Us Part Dinner at American Oddities Museum – Alton
• Feb. 14: Valentine’s 5 Course Dinner at Cleveland Heath – Edwardsville
• Feb. 15: Stained Glass Retreat at Pere Marquette – Grafton
• Feb. 15: Soap Making Class at Pere Marquette – Grafton
• Feb. 20: Sips & Strings at Rustic Roots Event Space – Alton
• Feb. 20: Goshen Winter Market – Edwardsville