Some of the tables were made from wood removed from the building during construction.

On the main level, wide-plank floors gleam with a rich patina.Īged wood and handmade orange and purple hued bricks blend handsomely with wrought iron and rustic accents. Hage and Kovak built the wooden steps by hand. Old wooden beams from the Opelika Manufacturing Co., the Old Mill, were repurposed for stairs on each level. The chef worked with contractor Aaron Kovak to create five levels with the top floor opening to a balcony. When the rent escalated, the chef began searching for a new site and closed in 2014.Īs soon as Hage walked into the 1800s building on South 8th Street, originally owned by William Samford, he knew it was the perfect location. He originally opened the restaurant in the former Auburn City Limits building and then moved to downtown Auburn in 2008. The downtown Opelika location is the third home for Chef Graham Hage’s Zazu restaurant. The venue is open Thursday-Sunday, so while throwing axes on February 14 is not an option, the weekends before and after are options.After 14 months of construction, an old vacant building in downtown Opelika was transformed into Zazu Gastropub, a stunning, five-level restaurant striking in character with sandy old bricks, wide-plank flooring, flickering gas lanterns and repurposed wooden beams from the Old Mill in Opelika. has nine axe throwing lanes with a $30 facility fee per person and a mandatory waiver to sign before starting. 'It's a great date activity for any time of the year but especially Valentine's Day, to create this bond in a deep way through scent, is kind of an amazing experience.'īlade and Barrel Axe Co., which is in Midtown of Auburn, is another date idea. Availability is limited in order to provide an intimate experience, reservations can be booked at 'It's just a fun experience overall being able to create something that is solely yours that isn't something that can be found out there anywhere else,' shop owner Tifani Hedrick said. A couple can pour a personalized candle on Saturday, Feb. Located right outside of downtown Auburn, the shop is offering a personalized candle-making Valentine's event, complete with a private scent stylist, long stem roses and chocolate covered strawberries. Other couples may prefer a shared experience as opposed to a meal for their Valentine’s Day date.įirst, is the Auburn Candle Company. Mikata offers a large menu, including sushi, hibachi, noodles and many other items to choose from. On the more casual side of dinners, there is Mikata Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar. The menu features a chocolate flight for two at $12 among many other exclusive items. Serving from 10 a.m to 2 p.m on Sunday, this 'New American' restaurant offers fine dining in a relaxed environment.īoth Lucy’s and Zazu have dinner menus as well.įor a more traditional Valentine's experience, a sit-down dinner is always an option.Īriccia Cucina Italiana, located inside The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center, features a 'Love at First Bite' Valentine’s special menu from February 11-14. on Saturdays and Sundays, Lucy’s aims to provide a 'Good Vibes Only' experience to its guests.Īnother brunch option to celebrate at is Zazu Gastropub in downtown Opelika. Lucy’s, which is located in the Ogletree Village Tree shopping center on Moores Mill Road is a popular brunch spot among the Auburn community. This makes brunch, a meal that is typically only served on weekends, another option to celebrate with. With Valentine’s Day falling on a Monday this year, celebrating on Sunday, Feb. It's an even better experience in good company.”įor dining recommendations, the Auburn/Opelika area’s vast selection of restaurant options can accommodate couples looking to dine at any price point and for any meal. “The view is absolutely beautiful and well worth the scary climb up the tower.

“I’ve been there several times and it’s always so fun,” said Hadley Neal, junior in communication disorders.

Zazu gastropub menu