Valentine’s Day at Crawford Brothers
June 2025
The Setup
Valentine’s Day dinner should taste like the amount of thought you put into it. At Crawford Brothers in the Fenton district of Cary, that means dry-aged prime beef — the kind where marbling isn’t a luxury detail, it’s the baseline. We age our steaks 21, 28, or 35 days depending on the cut. A NY strip or porterhouse at that point isn’t just tender. It’s specific. The flavor is concentrated. The texture is what you remember. Minutes from Northwest Raleigh, Apex, and Morrisville — this is where the Triangle comes for Valentine’s dinner.
Beyond the protein, there’s the wine program. Sommeliers Mat Brochard and Anita Tingle have built a list with 300+ bottles and 25+ by-the-glass selections. If you know what you want, it’s there. If you don’t, they can pinpoint it in two questions. For something tighter and faster, Beverage Director Jordan Joseph’s cocktail program includes the CB Old Fashioned—balanced, spirit-forward, made to accompany a good meal without overpowering it.
The Gangster Room
We have a 6-seat private table called the Gangster Room. It sits behind glass overlooking the dry-aging room—your steaks aging while you eat. It’s intimate without feeling separate. The room is yours. The sommelier and bartender come to you. You control the pacing, the volume, everything. That matters on Valentine’s Day.
If you need more space—larger friend groups, milestone trips—the Private Dining Room accommodates up to 24. Same wine program. Same kitchen. Different atmosphere. Both require early booking.
How to Book
Valentine’s Day seating fills. Book through Tock at exploretock.com/crawford-brothers-cary or call (919) 629-4029. We’re open daily 5pm–10pm. The earlier you reserve, the better the time slot.
Dress is smart casual. Collared shirts land well. Jackets aren’t required, but many guests wear them. The room is refined but not stuffy—dress like you care about the dinner, because you do.
Show up 10 minutes early. We keep tables on time. Your reservation is reserved—if you’re late, we’ll hold it as long as we can, but Friday night moves fast.
The Meal
Start with an oyster or a raw preparation. Something bright. Move through our seafood—the halibut or the scallops cook fast and finish clean. Then the steak. Whatever cut you choose, order it rare to medium-rare. The dry-aging process locks in enough fat that it won’t dry out, and the temperature lets the marbling render properly as you eat. Ask your server about the sides. The creamed corn. The truffle mac and cheese. The compound butters that finish the plate.
Save room for dessert. Our pastry program changes, but it’s worth the space. Pair it with something from the wine list—Mat and Anita can suggest a closing pour that mirrors the meal you just had without repeating it.
Valentine’s Day at Crawford Brothers: FAQ
Does Crawford Brothers do a Valentine’s Day dinner? Yes. We’re open daily 5pm–10pm, including Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s dining features our dry-aged prime steaks, a curated wine list with 300+ bottles and 25+ by-the-glass options, and cocktails from our Beverage Director’s program. Early booking through Tock is recommended.
Can I book the Gangster Room for Valentine’s Day? The Gangster Room—our 6-seat private table overlooking the dry-aging room—is available for Valentine’s reservations. For larger groups, the Private Dining Room accommodates up to 24 guests. Book through Tock or call us directly at (919) 629-4029.
What should I wear to Crawford Brothers? Smart casual or business casual. Collared shirts are encouraged. Jackets aren’t required but many guests wear them. The atmosphere is refined but approachable.
Do I need a reservation for Valentine’s Day? Yes. Reservations are essential on Valentine’s Day. Book early through Tock at exploretock.com/crawford-brothers-cary or call (919) 629-4029. Walk-ins may not be accommodated.
More from Crawford Brothers
Planning a special evening? Discover our wine pairing guide to complement your Valentine’s dinner, or explore the intimate Gangster Room for a truly private experience. Crawford Brothers is part of the Crawford Hospitality restaurant family.
