Valentine's Day falls on a Friday this year, which means if you thought the crowds were bad before, things just got a whole lot worse. You could always avoid it all by celebrating your true and unique love on a day more specific and unique to your love—or just stay in. But if trudging out into the February snow is a necessary evil, here's where to call ahead (like, right now): 

Il Buco (47 Bond St #1; 212-533-1932) 
Wholesome, unpretentious (but still creative and definitely fresh) Italian-mostly food served at charming tables. This is NoHo, so know you're not getting a lot of elbow room. 

Zenkichi (77 N 6th St., Brooklyn; 718-388-8985)
Small plates to share, dim lighting and private booths, very private. even the wait staff is called via a button. Textbook romance. 

Ramona (113 Franklin St., Brooklyn; 347-227-8164) 
High ceilings, candles and that subtle, rustic charm the French call "Le Brooklyn." This is a cocktail joint, for the intentionally short date. We're not judging. 

Rye (247 S. 1st St., Brooklyn; 718-218-8047) 
Showcasing that favorite of restaurants to preserve their sanity and serve a limited menu—the Valentine's Day prix fixe—this cozy Williamsburg spot's menu includes lobster bisque and black truffle lasagna. 

Louro (142 W 10th St.; 212-206-0606) 
Pretty space with clever food, stiff cocktails and enough room to actually have a conversation in Greenwich. Their prix-fixe menu is all about tragic love stories. See, so wink wink! 

Betony (41 W. 57th St.; 212-465-2400) 
Roll up, big spender! It doesn't get more, "Baby, I'm smooth" than this space (complete with indoor foliage and lots of gilding) and the creative, but eminently consumable, food and drinks. 

And were you single? Avoid watching couples make-out all night as if it's a competition by hiding in the dark, the dark of the matinee of a theater (Nitehawk's popcorn can't be beat), or grab a bowling ball and imagine it's your ex's head (Brooklyn Bowl?). Or, beautify with Beauty Bar's $10 drink and a manicure (available on Fridays from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.). When all that fails, drink some whiskey and saddle up at Sing Sing and karaoke up some "Love is a Battlefield." 

Photo: Flickr user epw