Where to Eat with a Crowd on Valentine's Day

by Meghan McCarron Feb 11, 2014, 10:47am CST

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Banger's.

| Photo: Spencer Selvidge/EATX

by Meghan McCarron Feb 11, 2014, 10:47am CST

Black Friday means Austin's finer dining establishments are booked solid with two-tops. Those not celebrating coupleyhood might find dining solo annoying, unless they patronize one of Austin's least romantic restaurants. Sure, there's always drinking alone, but plenty of restaurants are actually way more fun with a crowd. What better way to throw off the nuclear normative bullshit of Valentine's Day than to enjoy a meal with eight of your closest friends?

Behold Austin's finest casual communal dining experiences, from Szechuan to fried chicken. The map missing one of your favorite restaurants for a crowd? Hit the comments or the tipline and make your case.

First Chinese BBQ

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10901 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753

(512) 835-8889

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Szechuan House

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Check out the best new Szechuan in the city by ordering everything with the word "hot" or "red" on the menu.

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11005 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 79858

(512) 832-8989

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Cover 3

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[Photo: Mark G./Yelp]

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2700 W Anderson Ln, Austin, TX 78757

(512) 374-1121

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Contigo Austin

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Contigo will be hosting their annual non-Valentine's Valentine's day party this year, with a buffet, dancing and possible "surprises." Tickets are $55 and available here.

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2027 Anchor Ln., Austin, TX 78723

(512) 614-2260

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Jack Allen's Kitchen

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Order everything off the Chicken Fried Anything menu and enjoy at least three margaritas each.

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7720 W Highway 71, Austin, TX 78735

(512) 852-8558

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Whip In Convenience Store & Pub

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Order their massive bowls of curry and tasty samosas and sample freely from their beer list, including their own in-house label. There's lots of seating inside and out.

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1950 S Interstate 35, Austin, TX 78704

(512) 442-5337

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Aster's Ethiopian

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[Photo: Kevin N./Yelp]

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2804 N Interstate 35, Austin, TX 78705

(512) 469-5966

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Lucy's Fried Chicken

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Enjoy a bucket of fried chicken and a boatload of grilled oysters in this casual and welcoming restaurant from chef James Holmes. They have a location on Burnet Road, too.