Best Spots for a Romantic Dinner in Joplin, Missouri

For a city that only claims a population of 45,000 people, Joplin, Missouri has an unusually large number of restaurants along the main routes in town. Joplin serves as the medical, industrial, and commercial hub for the surrounding rural areas, and it seems that, because of all the daily visitors who come to town, almost every restaurant that has managed to open along Joplin's Range Line Road or Main Street has managed to have great success. The list includes a large number of identifiable franchise restaurants that one might find in larger cities, but when I think of a quiet dinner with my Valentine sweetheart, I am always partial to a few of the locally-owned businesses that feature fine dining in a relaxing atmosphere. If I am the planner of the dinner date, I always look for restaurants where I know I won't have to worry about the quality of the meal or the quality of the service. Valentine's date nights should be about the couple enjoying each other's company, away from the kids, work, and all of the other daily distractions that often seem to occupy the normal day.

1. Wilders' Fine Food. This restaurant/bar located on Joplin's Main Street is one of the city's oldest and most celebrated establishments. The building, maintained with its old-town architecture, is kept dimly lit where table candle lights can create that romantic atmosphere. The menu features aged beef that is as tender and juicy as a steak can be cooked. Add a twice-baked potato as a side dish, and a pastry for dessert, and one will discover that the Valentine meal at Wilders is never a disappointment. The beverage list is extensive, and no doubt contains many favorite flavors for Valentine diners selecting an accompanying drink with their dinner. Wilders' is located at 1216 Main, Joplin, MO.

2. Arde's Villa. Another classic restaurant among those that are locally-owned, is Arde's Villa, a fine dining establishment advertising world class cuisine served in elegant surroundings. With a menu featuring a variety of specialty dishes, including beef, chicken, and lamb, the Valentine diners are sure to be completely satisfied with their meal for that special occasion. Couples can engage in quiet conversation over candlelit tables, and the live dinner music completes the creation of that romantic atmosphere that is so important for the Valentine night out. Long-time residents of the community will be familiar with the location of the restaurant, as it occupies the site of the old Redings Mill Swimming Pool, a wildly popular summer spot back in the 1950's and 1960's. The owners, however, have transformed this one-time recreation spot into one of Joplin's most attractive restaurant businesses. Arde's Villa is located at 101 Mark Twain Drive, Joplin, MO.

3. Bella Peppers. If Italian food is your preference, then Bella Peppers should be your choice. Located along Joplin's famous Range Line Road, this family-owned restaurant features pasta that can be topped with a variety of sauces, home-style vegetable side dishes, and a dessert tray filled with rich pastry, and is a great choice for that special Valentine dinner date. Diners will want to be sure to taste the house dressing that comes with the dinner salad. This sweet raspberry vinegar topping is like no other in town, and easily whets one's appetite for the portions of the meal that follow. Low lights, quiet music, and excellent service help to guarantee a pleasant dining experience. Bella Peppers is located at 2525 S. Range Line Road, Joplin, MO.

As these are some of the more popular Valentine date locations in the city, calling ahead to reserve a table before the first of February is highly recommended. Nothing can squelch the magic of a Valentine date like having to wait for 45 minutes in a restaurant lobby. Of all nights, this is probably one where diners are taking their time, and not too concerned about how many might be waiting for a table.