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Be Mine: A Fresh Take on Valentine’s Day in Atlantic City





I don’t know when it became cool to hate on Valentine’s Day, but I’m a lifelong fan of February 14. From handing out cards to my classmates in our handmade mailboxes, to getting a yearly heart-shaped box of Russell Stover from my parents, to eventually planning a date night with my spouse, it’s always been a bright spot in an otherwise dreary winter.  I’ll never understand why people take offense to marking the calendar to celebrate love in all its forms. I’ll give the naysayers the benefit of the doubt here and assume part of the holiday’s bad rap can be attributed to the pressure one feels to come up with the perfect date/gift/sentiment. Allow us to take the pressure off. You won’t find any cookie cutter Valentine’s plans here. We have a unique Atlantic City Valentine’s date night planned for you, and we’ll even let you take all the credit. 



Bloodys and Bennies for Brunch



Start your special date with your sweetheart with brunch at Cardinal. They have several variations on the standard mimosa: orange, pineapple vanilla, hibiscus strawberry, orange elderflower, and grapefruit. You can also DIY a Bloody Mary from their cart of vodka and garnish selections. They also have a zero proof menu, if you’re in the mood for a festive drink without the alcohol. The food here is just as fun and inventive. Cardinal is known for their duck wings, succulent with crispy skin and a black pepper hoisin glaze. Our favorite brunch entree is the southern Benedict, fried chicken and poached eggs over biscuits with sausage gravy. It comes with your choice of a side. Opt for the dressed greens and pretend it cancels out the rest of your hearty plate. 



Afternoon at the Spa


After brunch, you’ll venture over to Exhale Spa at Ocean Casino Resort to enjoy the amenities like the salt grotto, heated pools, sauna, and steam room. Be sure to sample the specialty tea collection while you wait in the lounge for your massage therapist. Exhale offers most massage services with a couples option, if you’d prefer to enjoy your spa experience together. Otherwise, you can relax and refresh together in the co-ed areas before and after your massage. 


Before you depart Ocean, make a quick stop at Bottled to peruse the wine offerings and grab a bottle to take to dinner tonight. 


Tour the Tallest Lighthouse in New Jersey 



One of the most romantic spots in Atlantic City is the next item on your itinerary. Climb all 228 steps of the Absecon Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in New Jersey and the third tallest in the United States. Hold your date close as you look out over the city. This Valentine’s Day, they’ll be hosting a group vow renewal at 6pm. For a $40 minimum donation, couples can ascend the lighthouse steps, have a toast, and enjoy live music and dancing. Not looking to renew your vows? You can still tour the lighthouse from 11am-4pm with a $10 donation, per person. 



Take a Culinary Adventure at Setaara



Get cozy away from the cold at a very intimate, one-of-a-kind dinner experience at Setaara, the only French Afghan restaurant in Atlantic City or anywhere else. You won’t find the standard and overpriced and overdone Valentine’s menu items here. There’s not a filet mignon or chocolate lava cake in sight.  From the moment you walk through the beautiful handmade door, you are transported to a faraway place, adorned with Afghan art and fixtures. Take a seat in the heated outdoor courtyard or a traditional private alcove with floor seating to immerse yourself in the ambience. On Fridays and Saturdays, the tasting menu is the only offering. It consists of 4 courses, including your choice of appetizer and entree, as well as the soup du jour and dessert of the day. The Afghan tea is a nice complement to the menu, available green or black with fresh mint, ginger, or cardamom. The restaurant is BYOB, so be sure to bring the wine you purchased at Bottled earlier. We recommend ordering a different appetizer and entree for each person in your party, so you can sample even more of the menu. The pate maison appetizer was savory and decadent, and the bolani was similar to a potato samosa, crispy outside with warm filling inside. After the soup course, we suggest the charbroiled Setaara kabob of lamb and quabili palau (slow cooked chicken baked with spice infused Afghan rice and topped with raisins and carrots). Setaara is extra special not only for the opportunity to try new and interesting cuisine, but also for its outstanding service. The servers are very attentive and go out of their way to curate an unforgettable evening for you. 



Unwind One More Time at the Cigar Lounge


After dinner, escape to Tennessee Avenue Tobacco for a cigar and a nightcap. Curl up in a leather arm chair with coffee or a cocktail from the neighboring bean-to-bar chocolate restaurant, Bar32. The knowledgeable tobacconists will make cigar recommendations for you and give you quite an education on the craft. This lounge is a dream come true for newbies and seasoned tobacco enthusiasts. A welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the city. You and your date can share a unique experience and wrap up your Valentine’s night on the town in style. Don’t forget to ask about membership options and special events at the lounge. Keep an eye out for their mobile cigar lounge at events and festivals around the city, too. There is always a special occasion to look forward to at Tennessee Avenue Tobacco.


End Your Stay with Takeaway


Before you depart your Atlantic City Valentine’s Day getaway, follow the Escape Plans tradition by making your way to The Seed: A Living Beer Project and/or Little Water Distillery to take some cans or bottles to go. Grab some takeout subs and loaded fries from Tony Boloney’s to heat up when you get home, and extend those warm, fuzzy Atlantic City feelings a little while longer. 


There are lots of really cool Valentine’s inspired events happening in Atlantic City. You can easily work any of these into the itinerary above:


5 course Galentine’s Pajama Party Brunch at Angeloni’s Club Madrid with 4 specialty cocktails created exclusively for the party. Raffle and lots of fun surprises! 

2/2/25 at 12pm

$85 includes brunch, tax, and gratuity


Galentine’s Brunch at Cardinal 

2/8/25 from 11am-3pm

Special a la carte Galentine’s menu in addition to the full brunch menu 


Valentine’s 4 course pre fixe menu at Cardinal

2/14/25 from 5-10pm

$85 per person


Valentine’s Emo Night at Anchor Rock Club with DJ David Earl

2/14/25 at 8pm

21+ and no cover


A Very Club Madrid Valentine’s Day 80s Dance at Angeloni’s Club Madrid

2/14/25 at 9pm


Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Atlantic City without the stress of planning every last detail. Show your special someone how loved they are by taking them on a trip to remember and using our ultimate guide to hidden gems and unique activities. This isn’t your tired, repetitive, old Valentine’s date. Our romantic agenda breaks from tradition and showcases what makes Atlantic City a special Valentine’s Day destination. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok and visit our online shop for hand screen-printed Atlantic City t-shirts, hoodies, and more!



 
 
 

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