Where to get some liquid courage this Valentine’s Day – Fairfield County

Let’s face it, Valentine’s Day can be a nerve-racking holiday.  If you’re single, you either long for meeting the love of your life, or you’re filled with hatred that such a ridiculous holiday even exists.  Who the heck is Hallmark to tell you what to do anyway?  If you’re just dating someone, it’s super awkward. What gift says “I like you” in a sweet, awwww inducing kind of way, and not in a creepy “I want to meet your mom and have your babies kind of way”?  And if you’re in a serious relationship, you might feel bored and uninspired, desperate for some romance to spice it up.

Yep, Valentine’s Day can be tough…unless you loosen up and have a few drinks. Single and want to hit on a hot girl?  Have a couple drinks. Single and want to forget this day even exists?  Have a couple drinks.  Dating and want to tell your date you love them for the first time?  Have a few drinks.  In a serious relationship and want to tell your partner you like handcuffs and furry costumes in the bedroom?  Errr…well…have a lot of drinks.  Either way, we gotcha covered with a sampling of some of our fave places to get your drink on in Fairfield County this Valentine’s Day.*

Wine

The Fez, Stamford: nothing says romance like the sexy chic-ness of this Moroccan powerhouse in the heart of Stamford.  With not only a great variety of wine, The Fez also boasts reasonable prices, too.  But, perhaps the best feature of The Fez is the owner Eric Monte’s extensive knowledge of exotic wines…and his secret stash that he keeps. Let the wine pour out, bottle by bottle, and let all those deep down thoughts pour out, too.

Cocktails

LUXE Modern Wine & Cocktails, Westport: yes, there’s plenty of great wine here, but people are as equally as excited about the cocktails that Jeff Marron (Saugatuck Grain & Grape), Adam Patrick (Walrus & Carpenter), and co. are mixing up. So, saddle up to the bar, get comfy, and let the love spill out.  Just clean up when you’re done; Jeff doesn’t like a messy bar.  And, if you get a bit nervous, nibble on their veggie/cheese plates, or even their charcuterie platter.  Power through it, man.  

Beer

Cask Republic, Stamford: Look, you’re not going to impress your date or anyone if you tell them you love them while you’re at a townie bar drinking PBRs or Buds.  You need a place that’s slick, warm, homey, and most of all, comfortable.  So, ask for a table right by the fire, pick from the 53 brews on tap, interlock arms, then drink your brews all romantically and stuff.  A beer buzz is often times a bloated buzz, so best know your date’s bloat-o-meter limit.

Sake

Mecha Noodle Bar, Westport: This Japanese fermented rice brew gets you a different kind of buzzed.  It’s like a fairy-filled, light-headed chillness that settles over you.  At Mecha, they have four great sakes to fawn over including a sparkling sake and even their organic house sake.  You might want to think about some hot sake if that’s your thang, though.  After warming up with the sake, warm up to your date or that side of awesome you spot.  Note:  your date might not enjoy you slurping the hell out of their ramen or pho, be aware.

*OmNomCT does not support nor condone driving while intoxicated. Getting arrested, in an accident, or killed would make Valentine’s Day way shittier than anything we’ve described here…so don’t be stupid.