Okay, okay…we’ll admit brisket probably isn’t the first dish that comes to mind when you think “romance”. We’re here to silence the naysayers and broaden your perspective of a classic Valentine’s Day dinner. When it really comes down to it, a great dinner with your S/O is all about the setting and the quality of food and drinks you order. Everything from a box of Whoppers to a piece of Wagyu can fit the bill for a romantic February dinner. If you’re on the fence about opting for BBQ this holiday, we’re here to close the case for you and your date. 

Modern Southern BBQ Changes the Game for Diners

Hole-in-the-wall smokehouses are no longer the rule to BBQ joints, rather the exception. Don’t get us wrong, we still love the down-home classics that started it all. Valley Smoke takes everything you love about traditional BBQ and adds our own contemporary approach. 

In-house smoked meat? Check. Irresistible side dishes that are totally outside your diet? Absolutely. A less-than-desirable restaurant setting in the middle of nowhere? No way Jose. That’s one of the ways we do things differently. 

We can’t think of a more romantic setting in Jacksonville than waterfront dining on the Intracoastal. Indulge in beautifully plated portions of your favorite BBQ classics and outstanding comforting side dishes with a modern gourmet twist. 

Get Cozy with Your S/O and Order Your Meal to Share

Valentine’s dinner is all about spending quality time with the one you love (or really, really like…we don’t know your relationship status!) No dining experience brings two people closer than sharing multiple courses of delicious food. 

Venture outside of your comfort zone and sample foods of all kinds. A few of our favorite dishes to share include: 

  • Oak Smoked Burrata with Arugula, Tomato Peach Compote, Olive Oil, Basil and Grilled Baguette
  • Roast Beet Salad with Pecan, Pears, Georgia Blue Cheese/, Baby Spinach and Local Honey Sherry Vinaigrette
  • ‘Que for 2 that comes with a 3 Meat Combo and 3 Sides

BBQ Pairs Beautifully with Your Favorite Drinks

We have no clue what your favorite drink is. But you know what? We *know* it goes well with  BBQ. It’s hard to think of a drink that doesn’t work with perfectly cooked meat. Whether you fancy red wine, rye whiskey or root beer, you’ll be hard-fought to find a beverage that doesn’t bode well with BBQ. 

Of course, we do have our favorite food and drink pairings. If you and your partner plan to have a boozy Valentine’s day, we’ve got you covered at Valley Smoke

  • Backwoods Bourbon Punch: Old Forester 1897 Bourbon, Grapefruit Juice, Sweet Vermouth, Aperol, Orange Slice, Luxardo Cherry
  • Valley Girl: Grey Goose Vodka, St. Germain, Thatcher’s Blood Orange, Lemon, Simple Syrup, Chandon Sweet Star Sparkling Wine
  • Old Fashioned: 1792 Small Batch Bourbon, Luxardo Cherries, Bittermilk Old Fashioned Mix, Fresh Orange

Come try all of your BBQ favorites and more at Valley Smoke this Valentine’s Day. Whether you crave a perfectly cooked steak or a slab of ribs, you can’t go wrong with BBQ for your romantic dinner. Book your reservation today to snag your favorite table with a waterfront view. We can’t wait to help you celebrate!