These bar seats are a hot commodity any Saturday night. This is the proving ground for the best drink shaking talents in town. The dapper gents and lady spend all week prepping all the ingredients for the complex layers of alcoholic flavor built into each glass. Even if you're not a drinker, the soda fountain selection is dynamite. On this special evening, the restaurant is also opening the back tiki bar, the Torpedo Room for a few extra seats. These seats are first come, first serve. There is no shame in lining up outside before they open. [Photo by Katie Cannon]

We know about the burger. We love the burger. We would walk across hot coals to hold the plate upon which the burger once sat. So, that alone is a reason to jockey for one of these coveted bar seats, but then again, there are also the cocktails. Some of the most talented, gracious booze makers in the business man this bar. The low lighting and sexy slow jams make this an ideal Wednesday night spot for cocktails with your lover, but if you can grab one of these seats on February 14, you will officially win all of Valentine's Day. (And if they happen to be taken, there are several seats at the Borough bar upstairs that also has a few seats and the full and gorgeous menu served at the restaurant.)

It's hard not to feel steeped in love and romance when seated beneath a chain of old bras and before a bullet hole ridden cop car door. Throw in the best lobster roll to be found in the Midwest and a gin and tonic for just a few bucks more and you have the makings for an ideal evening. The 1029 is the best of all worlds, dive bar, elevated food, and affordable prices. [Photo courtesy 1029 Bar Facebook Page]

When you think, "Mall of America," the word association that pops into mind is pretty much never "romance." However, the sleek, spacious bar inside Radisson Blu's restaurant has curves that are impossible to deny. Drop the car at the valet, saunter through the stunning entry way and glide upthe escalator to the bar. Order some of the locally sourced food and sip on a wide selection of craft beers, wine or a cool, dry martini. If the night goes well, it might not be overly optimistic to book a staycation room upstairs. [Photo courtesy Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group]

Forget longing looks and whispering sweet nothings over a candle light dinner, the 331 Club in Northeast is the place to be this Valentine’s Day (or really any day you are looking for a date). Why? Dance party baby! That’s right, the 331 Club is spinning the best dance tunes all night long with their “Hey, That’s My Jam” Valentine’s Day Dance Party. When you work up a sweat with all that twerking and shuffling, go ahead an order one of 331’s pizzas or house-made sandwiches and remember your true love: bar food. --by Theresa Swaney [Photo courtesy 331 Club Facebook Page]

Here is a Valentine's Day destination that won't empty your pockets completely. The menu is brief, the bar untouched by the hands of time (note the ancient cash register) and the room is given the comfortable wear of being loved by generations of folks who work hard for the dollars they earn. Dim lights, a neat whiskey and a plate adorned with a little dago is all you need when the company is the main focus of the meal. Dagos are little Italian sausage patties topped with a gooey layer of cheese, sauteed bell pepper and charred ribbons of onion. It's best paired with a bag of Old Dutch potato chips, ripped along the back seam and laid open for sharing. [Photo by Katie Cannon]