The roses and chocolate have been bought. The outfit has been chosen. But, the school cafeteria isn’t going to cut it and you’re left figuring out where to take your date for dinner. From P.F. Chang’s to Shake Shack, this article is made to help you plan the ideal Valentine’s Day dinner while staying close to Florida Atlantic’s Boca campus.

Romantic Evening In:

FAU student Samantha Gentile recommended taking the intimate route.

“If you’re on a tight budget, there’s nothing wrong with a romantic evening at home or a picnic on the beach,” said the communication major. “You then are not bombarded by those Valentine’s Day crowds and have some alone time with the one you love.”

Some places that deliver to campus include Kiki’s Asian Bistro or China One if you’re in the mood for Chinese food or Spadini’s Pizzeria in Mizner Park and Mario’s Osteria for Italian.

Mario’s Osteria:

1400 Glades Road

Boca Raton, Fla. 33431

(561) 239-7000

Spadini’s Mizner Pizzeria: 

134 N.E. 2nd Street

Boca Raton, Fla. 33432

(561) 826-7123

Kiki’s Asian Bistro: 

71 S. Federal Highway

Boca Raton, Fla. 33432

(561) 338-7888

China One:

Palmetto Park Square

1285 W. Palmetto Park Road

Boca Raton, Fla. 33486

(561) 417-7488

The Modern All-American Dinner at Shake Shack: < One mile from campus

So you want to take your date somewhere the fries are flowing and the shakes are divine, but you don’t have enough money to really splurge? Look no further than Shake Shack. Located in University Commons, this is the home of delicious burgers such as the SmokeShack for $6.69, fries, shakes and much more. For a Valentine’s dinner in a contemporary, casual atmosphere, Shake Shack is the place to go.

Shake Shack:

University Commons

1400 Glades Road

Boca Raton, Fla. 33431

(561) 923-0847

The Savory Date at P.F. Chang’s:

Less than one mile from campus

If you want to kick up the style and go for more flavorful, exotic dishes, you should hit up P.F. Chang’s in University Commons. In the same area as Shake Shack, P.F. Chang’s offers savory dishes such as Mongolian beef (tender steak wok-cooked and tossed in garlic) for $15.95 and salt & pepper prawns (crispy large shrimp in aromatic spices) for $19.25. If you want a more delectable experience and do not mind spending a little more, P.F. Chang’s is an excellent option.

*Reservation recommended

P.F. Chang’s:

1400 Glades Road

Boca Raton, Fla. 33431

(561) 393-3722

The Flashback Date at Flashback Diner:

1.8 miles from campus

If you want to take a trip back in time and add a little ‘50s flair to your Valentine’s date, look no further than the Flashback Diner. With classic American diner food set in a fancy atmosphere and a large shake that can feed three people, this is the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner spot. Also, it conveniently is open 24 hours, making it a great spot after catching a movie. Take your sweetheart on a trip through time with delicious filling American cuisine staples such as the Nel Carter (a southern fried chicken platter dish) for $13.95 and a model dessert shake to fill the both of you up on the day of love-without cleaning out your bank.

Flashback Diner:

1450 N. Federal Highway

Boca Raton, Fla. 33432

(561) 750-2120

The Classic Date at The Cheesecake Factory:

1.9 miles from campus

If you would prefer to take a more classic approach toward Valentine’s Day dinner, a great option would be The Cheesecake Factory. Located on Glades Road near the Town Center Mall, it offers a semi-upscale dining style with a grand palate of dishes to try such as the Chicken Bellagio (which consists of crispy coated chicken breast over basil pasta and parmesan cream sauce) for $14.95 as well as an array of cheesecakes and desserts to satisfy any sweet tooth. If you would like to dine in a somewhat fancy atmosphere with delicious foods and incredible cheesecake, The Cheesecake Factory is for you.

*Reservation Recommended

The Cheesecake Factory:

5530 Glades Road

Boca Raton, Fla. 33431

(561) 393-0344

The Grand Romantic Date at Grand Lux Cafe:

Two miles from campus

“I think the Grand Lux Cafe is a great place to go,” says graphic design major Jose Deveaux. “It has a great atmosphere and the food is really good, on top of being nice and simple as well as not being too expensive.”

This mall location allows for you and your date to have a great meal together and then go out and do some shopping together. It offers its patrons a little taste of everything, including burgers, steaks, seafood and more. With popular dishes such as the Pasta Carbonara only costing around $14.95, it might spare you a few dollars to go buy your date something that sparkles.

*Reservation Recommended

Grand Lux Cafe:

Town Center at Boca Raton

6000 Glades Road #1016

Boca Raton, Fla. 33431

(561) 392-2141

The Beachside Date at The Whale’s Rib:

5 miles from campus

If you want to take in all that Boca Raton has to offer and hit up a classic beachside restaurant to create the perfect romantic atmosphere, a great choice would be The Whale’s Rib located in Deerfield Beach. This casual seafood restaurant is home to a Florida vibe with delicious seafood and their famous whale fries (freshly cooked and cut potato chips). This restaurant is also easy on the budget, with plates maxing out to $21. If you want that laid back Florida feel with the romantic beach background, this is the place to go.

While there are many restaurant options around campus and Boca Raton to choose from, this is a compilation of some of the most popular and conveniently close restaurants in town. This Valentine’s Day, take your date out to a nice place around town and enjoy it Boca Raton style.

The Whale’s Rib:

2031 N.E. 2nd Street

Deerfield Beach, Fla. 33441

(954) 421-8880