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Eat your heart out, Valentine: A Guide to Restaurants

It’s common knowledge that the best way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, which means selecting a great place to eat is vital for romantic success. Here’s a quick list of local eateries for every level of love, from forever alone to together forever.

Level One: Committed Relationship
You and your significant other are in it for the long haul (or at least you’re not afraid to fart in front of each other anymore). If you’re looking for something a little more intimate and lavish this Valentine’s Day, try one of these local restaurants.
• Sugar Wood-Fired Bistro — While you dine at Sugar, you have a view of the wood-fired oven and open kitchen. The menu features gourmet pizza, sandwiches and more.
• Two25! — Located inside the Mark Twain Hotel, this is a more upscale, pricey place to eat. If you want a classic romantic dinner with style, Two25 is the one for you.
• Jonah’s Seafood House — Jonah’s prints its menu twice daily to show customers the variety of fresh fish offered.

Level Two: Testing the Waters
So you like each other, but you haven’t told Aunt Mildred back home about your significant other yet. That’s OK. Take it slow. We understand. In the meantime, hit up one of these Peoria eateries for Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart without breaking the bank.
• Rhythm Kitchen — This casual favorite has music on the weekends, so there’s a little distraction if the date gets awkward.
• The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern — Blue Duck serves up barbecue favorites alongside tacos and a selection of beers. It has a casual atmosphere with friendly staff.
• Sushigawa — If you have a couple of quiet sushi-lovers, try Sushigawa. They have a great selection of fresh fish.

Level Three: Group Date
Are you hesitant to take the plunge with that special someone? Grab another similarly inclined couple and go for a more casual group date. Who knows what might happen after? If you need tips, pointers and/or diagrams, please refer to page B3.
• One World — A great place for a casual group gathering. It’s loud, but reasonably priced with a nice atmosphere.
• Le Peep — Who doesn’t like breakfast?
• Kenny’s Westside Pub — This local pub is more than just a dive bar. Come lunchtime, it’s packed. There is great food with a laid back atmosphere.

Level Four: Perpetually Single
Afraid of commitment? Obsessed with swiping right? Listening to Taylor Swift alone in your apartment right now? Then these are the restaurants for you! Check out these hot spots if you happen to be spending Valentine’s Day alone — by choice or otherwise.
• Kelleher’s Irish Pub and Eatery — Kelleher’s is hosting its second annual Anti-Valentines Party on Feb. 13. Wear black. The pub has great food and a cozy atmosphere, with live music on specified dates.
• Thanh Linh Vietnamese Restaurant — Whether you’re alone or not for V-day, swing by Thanh Linh for plenty of food at a great place. You can sit in or get takeout if sitting alone isn’t for you.
• Panaderia Ortiz Bakery — Whether you’re craving something savory or sweet, this bakery has what you need. They have a large selection of baked goods as well as tacos and burritos.
• McDonald’s — You can find one anywhere, open at any time. If you’re feeling that lonely, and in need of a Midnight Happy Meal, go for it.

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