The -ist List: Romantic Restaurants

Houstonist loved Valentine's Day as a child - poking all the chocolates in the Whitman's Sampler box Mama Houstonist "hid" on the refrigerator - gotta get the good ones! Now that we are all grown up, things are more serious and any Houstonian in love or like needs to impress that special someone with a fancy or just romantic dinner (flowers, gifts, sparkles, cards - at least a stinking card). If you haven't made the reservation already, we're here to help, with a list of places you may want to give a whirl. Don't get excited over the order of things, it's really random, so if your favorite doesn't look like number one on our list - it's not intentional.

-Nino's: Located at 2817 West Dallas, phone 713.522.5120

-Vincent's: Located at 2701 West Dallas, phone 713.528.4313, visit both here

-Bistro Moderne: Located at 2525 W. Loop So., phone 713.297.4383 x 2 (for reservations)

- T'afia: Located at 3703 Travis (behind the Continental Club!), phone 713.524.6922

- Garson: Located at 2926 Hillcroft, phone 713.781.0400

- Julia's Bistro: Located at 3722 Main Street, phone 713.807.0090

- Bistro Toulouse: Located at 5750 Wooday Dr., phone 713.977.8900

- Cova Wine & Tapas Bar: Located at 5600 Kirby, phone 713.838.0700

- Crapitto's Cucinaa Italiana: Located at 2400 Mid Lane, phone 713.961.1161

- Guvnor's: Located at 2100 Waugh Drive, phone 713.942.1022

- Laurier Cafe & Wine: Located at 3139 Richmond Ave., phone 713.807.1632

- Soul On the Bayeaux: Located at 3717 Dowling St., phone 713.528.0732 (byob!!)

- Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen: Located at 12637 Westheimer, phone 281.679.8300

- Bubba's Texas Burger Shack: Located at 5230 Westpark Dr., phone 713.661.1622

Here's a pretty good list of places you can have a nice romantic dinner (we've seen it happen, live at Bubb'as, so don't laugh too hard - and the burgers are excellent, beef or buffalo). Good luck Houstonian's, have a fantastic Valentine's Day whatever you choose to do, even if it's burgers and bowling.

If none of these tickle your fancy and you would like a recommendation, drop us an e-mail.