Remember last year when you told yourself it would be your last Valentine’s Day single? And somehow the year flew by and here we are again. February 14 is coming up, and if you’re single, it can feel a little strange.

Suddenly, you’re noticing couples everywhere. The guy at Publix carefully picking out flowers. Heart-shaped “everything” popping up on every screen. Gentle reminders that Valentine’s Day is, in fact, very real.

So here’s your reminder that there’s another holiday worth celebrating, and honestly, it might be the better one: Galentine’s. And if no one has texted the group chat yet, consider this your sign. Nothing beats quality girl time with your favorite people, single or not.

Now, Galentine’s plans can feel overwhelming. Parties are fun, but scrambling to order heart-shaped decor and dealing with cleanup the next morning is not. What you really want is a great girls’ night out without the hosting stress.

Enter the progressive dinner.

If you’ve seen it on TikTok, you already know the appeal. A progressive dinner means each course happens at a different restaurant. Think bar hopping, but elevated. Better bites, better drinks, and the energy of the night building as you move from place to place.

The key is simple. Make your reservations ahead of time. February 13 or 15 are great options if you want to avoid the Valentine’s Day rush, but you can do this any time of year. Space each stop about an hour apart and choose places within walking distance. Fewer Ubers and no parking stress.

While this format works anywhere, here’s our take on the perfect Galentine’s progressive dinner in Hyde Park Village.

You’ll want to start early since you’ve got places to be. Kick things off at Bouzy around 5 PM. Earlier is better here, especially since they offer happy hour from 3–7 pm Monday through Friday. Ease into the night with something light. A glass of champagne paired with their truffle popcorn is a strong opening move.

Next, mosey across the village to Ro for what we consider non-negotiable: the popcorn shrimp. Just trust us. If seafood isn’t your thing, the spicy karaage chicken is a crowd favorite too. This is your appetizer stop, so feel free to add edamame or a few light sushi bites for the table. Just don’t fill up too quickly. You’ve got your main course coming up.

True to the name, it’s time to progress to the next stop. Head to Timpano for the Parm to Table experience. If you’ve never had it, you’re in for a treat. If you have, you already know it’s hard to forget. Fresh bucatini is prepared tableside in a Parmesan wheel with pesto, making it dinner and a show in one. Pair it with an Aperol spritz and settle in for a moment that feels straight out of Italy.

At this point, you might be starting to feel full. We get it. But make sure you save room for dessert, because you and the girls are heading to Meat Market. Two non-negotiables here: a crisp espresso martini (we’ll take ours with mezcal) and warm chocolate chip cookies with vanilla ice cream on the side. This is the part of the night where the drinks have been flowing and the laughs get louder. Grab a spot outside for prime people-watching.

You may think the night ends here, but you’ve got one final stop. One of our favorite speakeasies in Tampa, Jekyll. Hidden inside the bagel shop Sesame, you’ll find the entrance to an intimate cocktail bar serving creative, unexpected drinks and the perfect vibe to end the night.

Valentine’s Day will come and go, but a great Galentine’s night lives on. The kind you’re still laughing about weeks later, long after the last cocktail. End the night remembering why you went out in the first place: to appreciate your friends, celebrate the people who show up for you, and make memories that matter.