Written By Christopher Mercer, Sports Editor.

Now that Valentine’s Day is here, there are many different places to go to celebrate the day of love. Although many national chains will be well-frequented, this list will include local Valdosta restaurants that can greatly impress your Valentine this year. With that in mind, here are the five of the best local restaurants to visit for Valentine’s Day.   

First, here is a few Honorable Mentions  

• Lion of Judah Ethiopia   

• Giulos Greek & Italian   

• Ole Time Buffet  

• Austin Cattle   

• Miller Cafe   

Number #5: King of R&B   

Located near the North Campus on the Inner Perimeter Road, this restaurant, which opened in 2023, features diverse menu items, including shrimp, chicken wings and more. King of R&B’s most popular items are its pasta bowls, which have a choice of steak, chicken, salmon, jerk salmon, lamb chops, or shrimp, along with additional options like lobster. The cheapest meal starts at $8 dollars and goes up to as many as $45, as they also have self-dine-in options that feature paintings of several great R&B legends.   

Number #4: El Paso   

Located in the heart of Downtown Valdosta, this restaurant offers some of the best tacos in the area. Tacos include steak, fish, chicken, veggie options, fajitas and burritos. One of the most redeeming qualities is the outdoor eating areas, weekly karaoke, and the very fair pricing for their drinks.   

Number #3: Jacks Steakhouse   

The furthest restaurant from campus is 25 minutes away, but the drive is well worth it. It serves the best steak money can buy. Although it is the most expensive restaurant we have covered, if you want to impress, this restaurant is for you, with plenty of seating inside and out. It has other great options, such as Ahi, tuna and crab cakes.   

Number #2: 306 North  

This is the most unconventional place for a Valentine’s Day date; however, its diverse menu options help it stand out. This restaurant features a full breakfast menu if you want to come in for a breakfast/ brunch outing or come back at 5 p.m. for the dinner menu. This restaurant does have it all on its menu and is worth trying out. Like El Passo 306 North, it is in the heart of Downtown.   

Number #1: Big Nicks   

If there is one thing about Valdosta, it is that there are plenty of baroque places to go and enjoy. However, none sticks out quite like Big Nicks. It is the closest restaurant to campus and features some of the best barbecue towns. However, what prepares this to be number one is its new dining area, decor and live bands on the weekends. With that in mind, it is a very affordable price everyone can appreciate.    

Photo courtesy of Unsplash.