Empire State Building Heart

Valentine’s Day in NYC

Looking for things to do with your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day?  Or, are you looking for something to do, but riding solo for the night?  We Locals have got you covered with all sorts of awesome little things to make the best of your day-made-for-lovers (or, lack thereof, if that’s what floats your boat).

Flight at the Rockaway Brewing Company.  Located within 10 minutes of The Local, the Rockaway Brewing Company is a tiny brewery (they literally are in two small rooms in the corner of an industrial building) that offers some of the most tasteful beer in the nearby area.  They offer “flights,” where you get the opportunity to try some of their most popular brews and learn a little about their brewing process.  They’ll be open on V-Day from 3-8pm, so be sure to stop in and check them out before you head out for the night! 46-01 5th Street, LIC, NY 11101. Flights are $6 per person. Must be 21 years of age to drink in the United States.

Brooklyn Brewery Tours.  It’s the furthest thing you’ll get from a real tour, but it’s totally worth it to spend a bit of time trying one of New York’s famed beers, the Brooklyn Brew.  For $20, you get five tokens to try any combination of beers/ales/whatever you may see fit to have in a 5-beer combination.  If you don’t want to drink five beers, beer tokens are available individually for $5 apiece.  Or, if you want to just enjoy the ambience and learn a little more, stop by.  There’s no cover, and, honestly, it’s a really cool place to just visit and learn more about what goes into making those rich beers they do. (Be warned though; the line is always long on weekends.  You might want to line up around 5 if you want any chance of getting in without waiting 2-3 hours…or at all.)  79 North 11th Street (between Berry Street and Wythe Avenue), Brooklyn, NY 11249.  Must be 21 years of age to drink. Doors open for tours at 6pm, doors close at 11pm. Website

DJ ?uestlove and Bowl Train Present: Bowlmance.  After the tour at the Brooklyn Brewery, head around the corner to Brooklyn Bowl, where world-renown DJ ?uestlove (of the Roots) spins the best of music from the ‘50s to today’s top hits all night!  This special V-Day edition of his “Bowl Train” party will feature all sorts of music to get you in the best kind of mood for a fun night of dancing, drinking and fun!  There’s an actual bowling alley, and food to die for.  (Try the fried chicken.  Thank us later.  Also, the kitchen typically closes in the 1-2am range, so eat earlier.)  Party starts at 11!  61 Wythe Avenue (at North 12th Street), Brooklyn, NY 11249. $10 entry. 21+ only. Party ends at 4am. Ticket Available Here

Unlovable: A Smiths and Morissey Valentine’s Day.  If listening to borderline heartbreaking classics is your V-Day thing, this is the place to go.  Tribute band The Sons and Heirs, Dave Hill, Rob Sheffield and DJ Ceremony pull together to bring the house down on V-Day with Morissey’s greatest hits.  Bring Kleenex, you’ll thank us later.  The Bell House, 149 7th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues), Brooklyn, NY 11215. $15 at the door/day of show, $12 advance tickets available online at www.thebellhouseny.com. 21+ only. Doors open at 7:30pm, show starts at 8pm.

Amanda Seales Presents: It’s Complicated.  If you need a laugh instead of a cry this Valentine’s Day, comedian/TV host Amanda Seales has you covered!  After several successful runs this summer of her show, “It’s Complicated:  Hilarical Answers to Serious Questions About Love,” she returns with a V-Day dish on how ridiculously weird relationships can truly be.  Each ticket includes a complimentary round of champagne! The Stand, 239 Third Avenue (between 19th and 20th Street), New York, NY 10003. $30.  16+, 21+ to drink.  Doors open at 7:30pm, show starts at 8pm.  Tickets Available Here