STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — White Castle is taking reservations for its annual Valentine’s Day dining experience, marking the 35th year of a tradition that transforms the fast-food chain’s restaurants into table-side dining destinations.
Reservations opened for the Feb. 14, 2026, event at more than 300 participating White Castle locations nationwide, Staten Island included. On and around the special day, for better or worse, customers can book tables through OpenTable for time slots between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Flashback to 2006 in an image by Advance photographer Hilton Flores: An unidentified couple spotted at White Castle in Grant City, sharing sliders and dreams.
The Columbus, Ohio-based hamburger chain converts its restaurants into what it calls “Love Castles” for the evening, offering hostess seating, table-side service and Valentine’s Day decorations. The sit-down dining format differs from the chain’s typical fast-food service model.
The tradition began in 1991 and has drawn tens of thousands of diners each year. Many customers return to the same locations annually, according to the company.
Ring on the finger? Try onion rings instead on Valentine’s Day.(Courtesy of White Castle)
“Valentine’s Day at White Castle has always been about bringing people together in a fun, welcoming and memorable way,” said Jamie Richardson, chief marketing officer at White Castle. “For 35 years, our team members have made this night special by creating an experience that feels thoughtful, joyful and unmistakably White Castle.”
Dress in red or your Sunday best for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner with your sweetie—at White Castle. Nothing says love like sliders under soft fluorescent lighting.(Courtesy of White Castle)
The event attracts attention on social media platforms. White Castle, which opened in 1921, operates 334 restaurants and sells its products in grocery store freezer sections.
Here’s the lone White Castle on Staten Island, at the corner of Lincoln Ave. and Hylan in Grant City.
Staten Island currently has one White Castle location on Hylan Blvd. in Grant City. The borough’s former Mariners Harbor operation at 2238 Forest Ave. closed in December 2023. It is now a JJ Fish & Chicken fish fry and chicken spot.