OK, folks.  You don't have to tell me.  I already know.  Valentine's Day snuck up on you.  You KNEW it was coming but, between football season ending, work, the kids, bills, the Grammys, etc, you kept putting it off.  Now, February 14th is staring you in the face and you haven't made any plans at all for the big day.  I understand.  It happens.  Smh.

No worries though.  I got you.  My last name isn't LOVE for nothing.  I'm about to put you guys on to some of my Top 9 romantic tuck away spots that, even on Valentine's Day Eve, you should be able to get into with either last minute or no reservations.  Each spot has delicious food (except for #8) and the prices are pretty darn reasonable.  I PROMISE you, you will not be disappointed.  

1. Capers (1635 Old Hwy 41 Kennesaw, GA 30152) - This is my early candidate for /ATL Bite Life's Best Restaurant of 2012.  Don't let their website fool you, they have some of the BEST food I've ever tasted!!!  Their Hawaiian Ribeye is BETTER than Houstons.  Their crab claws rival anything you've had a Pappadeaux.  And, their Toasted Strawberry Pound Cake is unlike ANYTHING you've ever tasted!!!  If you're on the Northside of town, THIS is where you need to be tomorrow night.

2. Marlows Tavern (Various Locations in Metro Atlanta) - I'm not shocked that many of my folks don't know about this place.  I rode past the ones on Northlake Pkwy and West Peachtree for years without ever considering stopping.  But, once I did, I was definitely digging it.  I'd definitely recommend their Sunday brunch over their normal menu BUT they do have a few things that I think you'll enjoy - the steaks and burgers in particular.  And, their ambiance isn't bad at all. 

3. Cinco (4 Locations in Metro Atlanta) - I found out about this spot late last year during my taco craving phase.  I walked in expecting a scaled up version of Moes.  But, what I got was much closer to fine dining than Taco Bell.  The ambiance was sexy, there was a decent wine selection, and the prices were very reasonable.  While it's a little too cold for the rooftop balcony (at the Akers Mill location), their regular dining room can set the mood for any couple.  For Valentine's Day, they have a Surf & Turf for Two special (Two, 4oz filet mignon steaks and Maine lobster enchiladas over cilantro bacon potato cake served with Aztec Chocolate Mousse cake for $32.95).  Get on over to Open Table to make your reservations NOW!!!

4. Double Zero Napoletana (5825 Roswell Rd. Atlanta, GA 30328) - If you've been reading this blog for any amount of time, you know that ATL Bite Life has been singing the praises of Double Zero for quite a while.  The food is great and the ambiance is very romantic.  It's not some side of the road pizza joint.  It's authentic Italian cuisine with a couple of pizzas thrown in.  You'll love it!!!  They're offering a special 3-course Prix Fixe menu for Valentine's Day for $59/person.  Make your reservations for Double Zero now on Open Table.

5. Mosaic (3097 Maple Dr. Atlanta, GA 30305) - Long before there was an ATL Bite Life, me and Tiffany Dime were already working on doing a Saturday or Sunday brunch event of the industry crowd.  That's how we came across Mosaic.  It's tucked away in Buckhead on a side street not too far from Piedmont or Pharr Rd (depending on which way you're coming from).  It's small, quaint, the service is fast, and the food is really good. You can make reservations at Mosaic on Open Table.  And, if I'm not mistaken, there just might be a Scoutmob deal for Mosaic.  #WIN

6. Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint (200 Peachtree St. Atlanta, GA 30303) - Right downtown in the middle of the city, you'll find this INCREDIBLE soul food restaurant with top notch service and live music on a nightly basis.  I actually took Travis Porter to this restaurant for The ATL Bite Life Show (episode coming soon). The food [and drinks - try the Moonshine with pineapple (the cocktail, not the shot)] are much better than similar restaurants like Gladys Knight and Justins, and the ambiance is more conducive to an evening out with your significant other.  Oh, and if you're lucky enough to catch Gritz & Jelly Butter (maybe the best live band in Atlanta) performing, it's an experience that you'll never forget.  This place can get full fast so go ahead and make your reservations ASAP.  Ask for Stephanie.  She's hands down the best hostess in the city!!!

7. Cajun Crabhouse (3220 Butner Rd. Atlanta, GA 30331) - If you're on the Southside, you need to pull up a table at this seafood sanctuary right off of Camp Creek Pkwy.  Expect to hear a lot about this place moving forward because it's the site for our Crab Legs Eating Competition at the end of March.  And, speaking of crab legs, they've got some of the best!!!  The atmosphere is cozy and the stiff drinks will keep you warm no matter what the weather is here in ATL.  The Key Lime Pie martini is a must try!!!

8. Waffle House (Way too many locations in Metro Atlanta) - In one of the more disturbing bits of Bite Life news that I've heard in a while, Awful Waffle House is allowing patrons to make reservations at select locationsLol.  Personally, I HATE Waffle House.  But, if you met your boo at one of AG's nightclubs and then proceeded to Waffle House for a little four play, this could be a bit of an anniversary as well.

9. Whole Foods Market (8 locations around Metro Atlanta) - If all else fails, COOKING is your last option.  But, I got a cheat code for those of you that are a little challenged in the kitchen.  Head over to everyone's favorite organic grocery store and buy 2 pounds of big gulf shrimp and a couple of pounds of crab legs.  Have the guy behind the seafood counter STEAM them for you (preferably with some Old Bay seasoning).  Grab a couple of baking potatoes that you can pop in the microwave for 10-15 minutes on High to get them nice and soft.  Pick up some spinach greens, a tomato, and some shredded cheese for a fresh salad (topped with your choice of dressing).  Finally, top it off by going over to the bakery and grabbing one of their delicious cupcakes OR their strawberry cake (usually $19 but on sale this week for $15).  You can't lose with this!!!

Thank me later.

Happy Eating!!!