Patch Picks: Valentine's Dinner Options in Oak Creek

Still haven't made those Valentine's Day dinner reservations?

This week's "Patch Picks" features restaurants where you can take that special someone out for a nice Valentine's Day dinner.

Forget downtown Milwaukee or the Third Ward - you can get all dressed up and head out to one of these local restaurants: 

Trattoria Di Carlo: , the restaurant at 8649 S. Howell Ave. serves up hefty portions of Italian cuisine, specializing in seafood, steaks and pizza. If you are planning a Valentine's Day dinner here, make sure you place a reservation, as spots are filling up fast.

Lotus: The Chinese and Japanese restaurant at 9011 S. Howell Ave. features sizzling hibachi tables guaranteed to give you a "show you won't forget," according to its website. 

The authentic Mexican restaurant at 9454 S. Howell Ave. is a good option for V-Day dinner on the cheap - many of its dishes are under $10. 

: The Rafters Steakhouse has been a fixture in Oak Creek for more than 50 years. This spacious steakhouse, 7228 S. 27th St., offers an extensive menu that includes choice steaks grilled on a visible charcoal pit, lobster, crab legs, pasta, spumoni and Carafe wines. 

: Good option if you are looking for a no-nonsense, down-home, burgers-and-barbecue kind of Valentine's Day dinner. All dinners include two homemade side dishes. The restaurant has a casual interior, from the warm wood ceilings and paneled walls to the occasional peanut shell found on the floor.