North Dakota’s Valentine’s Day Rule: No Steak, No Date!

Valentine’s Day is just a couple of days away, and if you're anything like most people, you're probably scrambling for ideas. Should you go with flowers or jewelry? Will they expect chocolates? And, most importantly, where should you go for dinner? While I can’t help you pick out the perfect gift (good luck with that!), I can at least help steer you in the right direction when it comes to food.

According to The Matching Company, food is the centerpiece of every great Valentine’s Day celebration. They analyzed Google Trends data to find the most popular Valentine’s Day cuisines across the country. The results? Well, let’s just say that love might be universal, but dinner plans are definitely regional!

For instance, if you're in Montana, it looks like Italian food is the way to your sweetheart’s heart. There’s just something romantic about a plate of pasta and a side of garlic bread—although maybe go easy on the garlic if you’re hoping for a kiss later.

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Over in South Dakota, steakhouse searches dominate. Apparently, a big, juicy steak is the ultimate love language. Nothing says “I adore you” like a medium-rare ribeye, right?

Meanwhile, Minnesota is keeping things casual. Their top Valentine’s Day pick? Burger joints! Maybe it’s a sign that love doesn’t have to be fancy—sometimes, a double cheeseburger and fries are all you need for a perfect date.

And then there’s North Dakota, where tradition reigns supreme. Much like their South Dakota neighbors, North Dakotans are all about the steakhouse experience. After all, why mess with perfection?

So, if you’re still scratching your head over Valentine’s Day plans, start with the meal! Whether it’s steak, pasta, or a surprise burger date, picking the right spot is a great way to get your romantic evening off to a sizzling start.