Valentine's Day 2019 Dining Ideas Near Lakewood

LAKEWOOD, NJ — If you're trying to find somewhere to take your Valentine to dinner for Valentine's Day 2019, take a look at some restaurants with reservations still available.

White Castle in Toms River is booked up (yes, this is a real thing: The restaurant says "a romantic environment makes for an evening of delicious dining, complete with tableside service and an exclusive menu. It's the same exceptional crave-tastic cuisine, but with an oh-so-steamy twist that'll give you all the heart-eyed emojis.")

If White Castle wasn't your idea of romantic to start with, but you weren't sure what might be the right fit for you, your love and your wallet, here are some options. According to Open Table, there are still reservations available at these, as of Jan. 31.

And if you were disappointed that you missed out on White Castle's special service, mark your calendar for mid-January next year, when reservations typically open.

Here are some restaurants in the Lakewood area, and you can book online via Open Table:

• Social 37, 2 Route 37 West, Toms River
• Artisan's Restaurant & Brewery, 1171 Hooper Ave., Toms River
• Bahama Breeze, Ocean County Mall, Hooper Avenue, Toms River
• Aqua Blu Kitchen & Cocktails, Route 37 East at the base of the Mathis Bridge, Toms River
• Baladina Mediterranean Restaurant, 931 Fischer Blvd, Toms River
• Tuscan Bistro Bar, 1250 Hooper Ave., Toms River
• TGI FRIDAYS, 1279 Hooper Ave., Toms River
• Nino's Coal Fired Pizza, 66 Brick Boulevard, Brick
• Urban Coalhouse, 515 Route 70, Brick
• Spanish Olive, 399 Mantoloking Road, Brick
• TGI FRIDAYS, Route 70, Brick
• Estreia, 978 River Ave., Lakewood
• Prime Ninety Five, 95 East Kennedy Blvd., Lakewood

With reporting by Katie Kausch, Patch staff

A couple enjoys a White Castle Valentine's Day meal. Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images