Those in the Western and Southwest U.S. are equally appeased with romantic rooftop escapes that take Valentine's Day to a higher level. Here's a look at seven additional places where Cupid rules on February 14.
Santa Fe
8) Bar Alto
When the Drury Plaza Hotel debuted in May 2015, it became the first new hotel in nearly two decades to open in the historic, 400-year-old Downtown Santa Fe area. Aside from sharing his culinary masterwork in the hotel's Eloisa restaurant, Santa Fe native Chef John Rivera Sedlar also manages Bar Alto on the hotel's rooftop.
A new stop on the recently launched the highly popular Santa Fe Margarita Trail, the sleek and elegant Bar Alto wows couples with its panorama views that sweep across mountain ranges to the east and west and the beautiful town - including the nearby famed Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis and the famous Loretto Chapel.
Bar Alto's signature contribution to the Santa Fe Margarita Trail is the Sangre de Cristo Sunset, appropriately named for the vistas witnessed from the deck. This tasty, colorful concoction features Azunia Reposado Tequila, lime, pepper, apple, shrub, Pimms, blood orange juice and Habanero Bitters.
Among Bar Alto's other signature handcrafted cocktails are the Nolita (Vida mezcal, ancho reyes, grind espresso liquor and orange bitters) and the Rosmarinus (Wheeler's gin, cynar and lemon rosemary). Both pair well with light fare menu items that include charcuterie and Mediterranean plates, and Kennebec potato crisps. Or celebrate this heart-felt day with dinner at Eloise followed by a nightcap at Bar Alto.
Denver
9) FIRE Terrace
Guests and Denver locals alike can embrace Valentine's Day by fire pits with a blanket and warm winter cocktails at FIRE Terrace, one of Denver's few rooftop bars. Located in the heart of the thriving museum district at The ART Hotel, the coveted fourth-floor escape unfolds to views of the Mile High City's twinkling lights while overlooking the bustling life of Broadway Street below.
Pairs can savor selections from FIRE's elevated cocktail program that seduces with such signature handcrafted specialties as the Smoked Manhattan (Buffalo Trace bourbon, carpano antica and orange bitters) or the Jackson Pollack (rosemary-infused Hendricks, lemon, and muddled strawberry and basil topped with a balsamic reduction).
Or, dine on New American Cuisine while gazing at the cityscape and mountains through walls of glass inside FIRE Restaurant, where intriguing chandeliers and kinetic sculptures set the mood. Afterward, pairs can peruse a 50-plus piece in-house art collection inside The Art Hotel's Portico Gallery.
San Diego
10) Float
Overlooking San Diego's high-energy Gaslamp Quarter, Hard Rock Hotel San Diego'sFloat rooftop lounge is a city favorite for sharing a little romance under the stars. The bar evolves from chic oasis in the afternoon into a vibrant evening nightspot distinguished for its sparkling lights and spectacular views.
Ultra-romantic couches near fire pits invite couples to engage with serious snuggling. An elevated experience indulges with private cabanas, late-night Champagne cocktails and sweet treats for the ultimate Valentine's nightcap.
Hard Rock's Searching For Love package presents a host of romantic offerings that range from Champagne and heart-shaped cake pops to a specially curated scavenger hunt taking Valentine's pairs on a journey throughout the memorabilia-packed property.
Afterwards, couples can profess their love via a personal message illuminated against the side of the hotel. Whether it's "Will You Be Mine," "You Rock My World" or even "Will You Marry Me," it's a unique experience for romantic diehards.
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11) Altitude Sky Lounge
Perched high atop the San Diego Gaslamp Marriott, Altitude Sky Lounge is so close to the San Diego Padres' Petco Park that revelers actually hear the crack of the bat and fans cheering during MLB season. In the off-season, however, the tone simmers down a bit for more intimate encounters like celebrating Valentine's Day. But you can also expect the action to heat up later in the evening - especially on weekends.
Far from "foo-foo," the culinary menu rolls out with flatbreads, sandwiches and appetizers like Sloppy Joe Sliders with fresh ground chuck and smoky tomato sauce. The Martini, Cocktail and Cigar menus are bigger draws, however, with the Mango Passion Cosmo proving a perfect fit for a February 14 trysts.
La Jolla
12) Ocean Terrace at George's at the Cove
One of the most enviable aspects of Southern California is its year-round pleasant weather. Outdoor dining and rooftop lounges are ample. For an al fresco experience that's romantic from sunset into the evening, the Ocean Terrace at George's at the Cove is considered among the top rooftop dining options you'll likely find in the entire state of California.
The scenery is nothing short of "million dollar" caliber, with stunning coastal vistas, gorgeous sunsets and beautiful homes fringing the Pacific in this highfalutin village.
Valentine's Day is naturally a biggie, with all three levels of George's embracing the occasion via fare affairs. Couples can indulge in special prix-fixe menus featuring an outstanding variety of appetizers, entrees and desserts that showcase the season's freshest ingredients.
At the Ocean Terrace, the three-course foodie fest includes such appetizer choices as crispy calamari or grilled local octopus. Entree options include achiote rubbed yellowtail, sesame crusted tombo or Asian marinated skirt steak, while desserts range from vanilla crème brulee to mocha layer cake.
San Francisco
13) EPIC Steak
Combining breathtaking views with innovative cuisine, expertly crafted cocktails and inspirational wines, EPIC Steak is considered among the Bay Area's most popular haunts for dining outdoors.
On a lush outdoor patio with dramatic views of the waterfront and the Bay Bridge, couples can enjoy Chef Ulrich's exciting - yet fundamentally sound - preparations of steaks, meats, game, poultry and seafood.
Located at the top of EPIC, its intimate Quiver Bar engages with those same stellar views, and signature specialty cocktails such as "Roger and Joan" and "The Alexandria." This more casual spot also serves the full EPIC menu, as well as a wide selection of premium whiskeys.
Portland
14) Departure Restaurant
Known as the City of Roses, Portland sweeps couples off their feet with more than these iconic flowers. After visiting the International Rose Test Garden or Peninsula Park Rose Garden, it's easy to keep the al fresco energy going while sipping and supping.
Sitting atop the Nines Hotel in the heart of downtown Portland, Departure Restaurant romances couples with modern Asian cuisine in a sleek, cosmopolitan setting. Two outdoor patios unfold to stunning views of the cityscape, Willamette River, Mt. Hood and Mount St. Helens.
Traditional Asian preparations meet Northwest ingredients in signature dishes such as grilled kushiyaki selections, Kobe meatballs and maguro karai honey sushi rolls. Couples can also toast their love with picks from Portland's largest sake list, exotic cocktails and a global wine list.
Headed by Chef Gregory Gourdet, a recent contestant on Bravo's Top Chef, Departure will present a Valentine's Day tasting menu that includes four courses and dessert exemplifying the restaurant's approach to traditional Asian preparations that incorporate Northwest ingredients.
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