Choosing From a Cornucopia of Romantic Destinations for Valentine’s Food and Drink
By Jonathan Turner
Writing this alone at home during the bone-chilling dead of winter, it’s easy to dream of a warm, elegant, lushly romantic destination to share first-class food, attentive service, and intoxicating adult beverages with a loved one.
Fortunately, we are blessed in the Quad Cities with a dizzying cornucopia of fine dining and imbibing options in which a Valentine’s staycation can feel both far away and blissfully affordable (at least compared to many other domestic and foreign locales).
Here is my suggested list of 17 local restaurants and bars that are worth considering for a satisfying, classy night on the town, any time of year:
Jonathan Turner
Take Cover Tiki Club – Transformed with care and detail from a former Jimmy John’s, this intimate paradise is unlike any other QC bar. With a deep, creative menu of tasty craft cocktails, and a super cool, inviting interior that literally takes you on a relaxing vacation, it’s the perfect date spot – several green-leather booths, subtle and romantic lighting, and a jungle-themed visual vibe. 1401 5th Ave., Moline, www.takecovertiki.com.
Facebook Page: Fifth Avenue Syndicate Bistro & Bar
Fifth Avenue Syndicate Bistro & Bar – The definition of plush comfort, this gorgeous place is on the ground floor of the Axis Hotel, Heart of America’s beautifully renovated Fifth Avenue building from 1927. Fittingly, the Fifth Avenue Syndicate deliciously honors the cocktail culture of the 1920s – featuring classic nostalgic mixology and inventive cuisine (a favorite appetizer is the goat cheese terrine). 1630 5th Ave., Moline, https://fifthavenuesyndicate.com.
Facebook Page: Johnny's Italian Steakhouse
Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse – Another Heart of America mainstay, this has long been one of my favorite restaurants, with consistently excellent customer service, and a jaw-dropping, bountiful menu. It’s always a tortured challenge to pick a dish from all the salads, pastas, steaks, chicken, seafood and other specialties, but two worth checking out are Johnny’s Veal Sinatra (breaded veal with shrimp, crab meat, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, roasted garlic and light cream sauce) and the Heart of Italy Combination (Chicken Parmigiano, Fettuccine Minelli and Parmesan Crusted Top Sirloin). 1300 River Drive, Moline, https://johnnysitaliansteakhouse.com.
Facebook Page: Bass Street Chop House
Bass Street Chop House – Steak is my usual special occasion dish, and you can’t get much better than this perfectly situated gem in downtown Moline. Bass Street is alongside the Mississippi River, next to the Vibrant Arena, and connected to the Wyndham Moline, they serve only Prime USDA steaks, succulent Berkshire pork chops, and ocean-fresh seafood that harmonizes with exquisite bourbons and wines, all expertly crafted, curated, and served seven days a week. That’s music to all my senses. 1425 River Drive, Moline, https://bassstreetchophouse.com.
Tripadvisor: Duck City Bistro
Duck City Bistro —As downtown Davenport has transformed itself over the years, there’s been one consistent, outstanding culinary mainstay. Duck City Bistro provides elegance and outstanding food and drink, as it has since 1991. Jeremy Moskowitz, the chef/co-owner, was named chef of the year in 2020 by the Iowa Restaurant Association and one of my favorite dishes is a twist on filet mignon – the Filet Melissa, a charbroiled steak topped with a braised vidalia onion, with a delicate cream Brie cheese sauce, served with candied corkscrew bacon and steamed asparagus. 115 E. 3rd St., Davenport, https://duckcitybistro.com.
Jonathan Turner
Last Picture House Lounge – The QC’s cool factor zoomed significantly in fall 2023, when acclaimed filmmakers (and Bettendorf natives) Scott Beck and Bryan Woods opened their two-screen indie movie house, and spread cinema culture throughout the two-story building (which includes a rooftop bar and separate screen). Be sure to check out the beautiful social lounge at Last Picture House, which features creative (often film-themed) crafted cocktails, snacks, trivia nights, and parties in the casual, inviting space, lined with floor-to-ceiling windows alongside the historic Motor Row District. 325 E. 2nd St., Davenport, www.lastpicturehouse.com.
Facebook Page: The Half Nelson
The Half Nelson – Next door, the cleverly named “Half Nelson” restaurant takes itself seriously in both its architectural and culinary impact, lovingly influenced with sensitive artistry by the early 20th century culture of its home in downtown Davenport’s Bucktown area. Arts and Crafts movement millwork and finishes meet Art Deco lines and details. Half Nelson occupies half of a building that originally was warehouse for the N.O. Nelson Manufacturing Company. A killer dish is “2 Birds, 1 Stone (fruit),” with crispy duck breast/duck confit stuffed chicken wing/caramelized cauliflower and apricot duck jus. 321 E. 2nd St., Davenport, https://thehalfnelson.getbento.com.
Facebook Page: Monarch Kitchen + Bar
Monarch Kitchen + Bar – This wonderful restaurant, off the bustling, ever-growing 53rd Street corridor, also takes its friendly hospitality and astonishing food seriously. My wife loves it mostly for its spacious outdoor patio (save for summer), and primarily gluten-free menu. One of my favorite dishes (as a meat lover) is the Peppered Steakhouse Burger, with bacon-jam, house-made pickles, aioli, Vermont white cheddar on a toasted Challah bun. 4750 E. 53rd St., Davenport, www.restaurantmonarch.com.
Facebook Page: Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano
Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano – My go-to comfort food (casual or fine dining) is usually Italian, and at the top here is this perennial QC sophisticated stalwart, which also has many other U.S. locations. The free pre-meal Italian breads (especially focaccia) are always a treat with olive oil and Parmesan cheese, and the huge, varied menu boasts many favorites, including Farfalle Alfredo (grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, crispy pancetta, peas, caramelized onions, three-cheese alfredo sauce) and Chicken Marsala (sautéed chicken breast, mushrooms, caramelized onions, marsala wine sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach). 5195 Utica Ridge Rd., Davenport, https://biaggis.com.
Facebook Page: Crane & Pelican Café
Crane & Pelican Café – Owned since 2009 by Mandy Harvey, what makes Crane & Pelican special is not just because of the delicious food in the heart of this quaint, chic riverfront town, but the former 19th-century mansion’s history. The café is in an old riverboat pilot’s home (who also was LeClaire’s postmaster), and the property maintains its original pine floors, chandeliers, fireplaces, and stunning trim. Try Jeana’s Cajun Pasta, with rigatoni noodles tossed in Cajun cream sauce, topped with freshly grated parmesan and green onions, served with baguette bread. 127 2nd Street South, LeClaire, www.craneandpelican.com.
Facebook Page: The River Room
The River Room – When you’re in the mood to splurge, and make a special occasion 10 times more special, celebrate on the top of the world here. One of the best views in the QC is looking westward over the Mighty Mississippi (try and get here at sunset), it’s an unforgettable lounge experience at The River Room. Atop the ninth floor of Hyatt Place | Hyatt House Quad Cities, this exquisite full-service bar offers local brews, craft cocktails, small bites, delectable flatbreads, and breathtaking views of the river. A standout is garlic crostini with ribeye steak slices, blue cheese crumbles & caramelized onions, with a drizzle of red wine reduction. 111 Bend Blvd., East Moline, www.theriverroombar.com.
Facebook Page: Ruthie's Steak & Seafood
Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood – Another soaring, extraordinary experience awaits at the top floor of Rhythm City Casino’s Resort. Midwest steaks and fresh seafood are prepared to impress as you sit in plush, cozy chairs and enjoy lavish views from any spot in the house at Ruthie's Steak & Seafood. Fresh flowers on each table add to the amazing high-rise view, which is most spectacular at sunset. Ruthie's signature entree selections boast filet marmalade, Maryland ribeye, Australian lobster tails, Chilean sea bass, and prime rib, with starters including pheasant civet, shrimp cocktail, or jumbo lump crab cake. 7077 Elmore Ave., Davenport, www.rhythmcitycasino.com/ruthies.html.
Facebook Page: Beef & Bourbon Chophouse
Beef & Bourbon Chophouse – The latest upscale steakhouse in the QC (opened in fall 2023), as its name makes clear, Beef & Bourbon gives equal weight and expertise to its impressive, mouth-watering selection of meats and alcohol. Featuring comfy leather booths, its menu features cuts of meat (ranging in cost from $37 to $85 a plate) appropriately cooked with bourbon onion butter. Its list of 2-oz. pours of bourbon is staggering; for an appetizer, try the Beef Medallion Bruschetta (with onion jam, goat cheese, balsamic, pesto). 1015 Utica Ridge Place, Bettendorf. https://beefandbourbonchophouse.com
Facebook Page: The Phoenix
The Phoenix – Like downtown Davenport (which has often risen from the ashes) the longtime Phoenix restaurant continues to rise, with an extensive, scrumptious menu with a tremendous variety of appetizers, soups, salads, steaks, chicken, seafood, pasta, pizza, and sandwiches. It includes an extraordinary martini selection, a comprehensive wine list, and open kitchen, where you can see the culinary experts at work. The upper-floor mezzanine is good spot to view the kitchen, and there’s live piano music every Saturday night. 111 W. 2nd St., Davenport, www.thephoenixofdavenport.com.
Facebook Page: Bix Bistro
Bix Bistro – As a musician and history buff, the Bix Bistro has always been a magnet (way back, I even played piano there by the bar for a time). Billed as “Davenport’s Dining Room,” the elegant bar and restaurant in the stylish 1915 Hotel Blackhawk pays tribute to the spirit of jazz – not only through its namesake, the legendary Davenport native Bix Beiderbecke – in its cool ambiance, creativity and what it calls rhythm in the kitchen. It offers great food prepared with local and fresh ingredients, accompanied by a side of outstanding, harmonious service. 200 E. 3rd St., Davenport, www.hotelblackhawk.com/dining.
Facebook Page: Verde
Verde – The QC is a culinary draw increasingly for its inspiring, enormous buffet of international destinations (from Chinese to Thai to Indian and Mexican). Chief among these pleasures is the contemporary Mexican cuisine of Verde. Its relentless pursuit of excellence includes handmade tortillas and traditional Hispanic recipes that pay tribute to the owner’s family. The Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) theme you will find throughout this restaurant is a deeply meaningful way to honor this heritage and celebrate family members from the past. My favorite has to be Filet Verde – New York Strip, with asparagus, grilled clote corn and spinach parmesan sauce. 1507 State St., Bettendorf. https://verdebettendorf.com.
Facebook Page: Old Oaks Winery
Old Oaks Winery – Though more of a warm-weather destination, Old Oaks is a must-see and experience, including its beautiful buildings. The owners triumphantly have created a heavenly piece of Napa here in the Midwest. Their awesome selection of wines, produced and bottled in the world-famous Napa Valley, consist of carefully selected, hand-crafted lots. Old Oaks sits upon rolling hills and surrounding vineyards make every visit special. Their complex and elegant wines are served by the glass and bottle, and you can also pick from a food menu of charcuterie, flatbreads, boards (Greek, salmon and crab), sandwiches and small bites. 10814 1st St. West, Milan, https://oldoakswinery.com.
Jonathan Turner is a veteran journalist and piano player, who has made the QC home since 1995 and loves writing about arts and culture. He is the author of the books “A Brief History of Bucktown: Davenport's Infamous District Transformed,” and “100 Things To Do in the Quad Cities Before You Die”.