Valentine’s Day can be fun, but what happens when it falls at the end of an exhausting week, and you didn’t end up with the elaborate date night you hoped for? For many of us, this freezing Valentine’s Day wasn’t the ideal night for a date, but why worry? There’s still plenty of love in the air, and we don’t need a special occasion to focus on the ones who make us feel warm and cozy - even when it’s below zero outside! No matter whether your date is your spouse or significant other, your best friend, your kids, or your favorite coworker, we have some clever and convenient local date night ideas that will prove you can have a great night out, no holiday required!

 Dinner and a Gallery? How Romantic!
Is anything quite as romantic as the aroma of a beautiful meal being prepared just for you? Add in a bit of local art on display, and you’ve got a memorable date night at Elsmere BBQ. At our Portland location, we’ll help set the mood with the ambiance of our wood grill’s roaring fire, then serve you a delicious meal prepared to suit you and your date’s specific tastes. Our huge menu includes options for meat lovers, vegetarians, vegans, gluten free, pescetarian…. etc.! With something for every taste, you’re sure to find something you’ll love. Before, during, or after your meal, take in the art on display throughout the restaurant by a featured local artist. Whether it’s just the start of your evening, or the last stop on your date night agenda, you’ll be glad you decided to visit Elsmere BBQ.

 A Cozy Night In? Leave the Cooking to Us! 
If a low key date night at home sounds appealing, then we’d love to help out with dinner. After all, it’s cold outside, so staying in, watching a movie on the couch, and enjoying a meal that was prepared just for you can be just as fun as a night on the town. Choose your favorites from our huge menu, then order delivery with 2DineIn, or takeout from either of our Portland area locations. Enjoying our wood grilled meats, flavorful appetizers, and savory sides at home means you can skip the dishes, giving you even more time to make the most of your cozy evening. 

 Give Them a “Just Because” Gift!
Spontaneous date nights and sweet surprise gifts go very well together, especially this time of year. February in Maine can be cold and dreary, so a spur-of-the-moment date paired with a thoughtful gift is sure to lift your date’s spirits. When it comes to choosing a gift, consider giving them something that says “I want to spend even more time together!” Give them an Elsmere BBQ gift card. It’s a promise of more quality time spent together, another night without cooking and cleaning, something to look forward to, and a simple way to say that every moment you spend with them is a special occasion. Now that’s romantic! 

 Complete Your Date Night With These Other Local Favorites
If you’re including Elsmere BBQ on your date night agenda, why not sweeten the deal with a visit to these other local spots? 

  • Grab a coffee at Rwanda Bean! You’ll be supporting the coffee farmers of Rwanda as well as the local economy, and what could be sweeter than that? There’s one in our South Portland neighborhood, as well as right across the street from our Portland location!

  • Raise your glass to affordable wines at RSVP Discount Beverage in Deering Center. No matter what you’d like to drink on your date night, RSVP will probably have it. Visit their spacious beverage store and find the best deals on wines, beers, and more! 

Remember - you don’t need a holiday or special occasion to plan a memorable date night. Some of the best dates are “just because”. Here at Elsmere BBQ, you never need a reason to pay us a visit! Whether it’s a date night, a family get-together, or just another night when nobody wants to cook, you can count on us. It may be cold outside, but it’s nice and warm in here. 

We can’t wait to see you (and feed you!) soon!