Sweet treats, rooftop views and more: Valentine's Day spots for Ohio State students

From coffee shops to bakeries, here are some affordable options for Ohio State students to celebrate Valentine's Day around campus.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

With Valentine's Day approaching, several coffee shops, bakeries and restaurants around the Ohio State University campus are offering affordable, festive specials that cater to students. Options include The Guild House's Galentine's Day menu, Valentine's Day brunch and happy hour deals, Bada Bean Bada Booze's Valentine's-themed coffee drinks, the Lincoln Social Rooftop's early opening and happy hour, and Pistacia Vera's selection of seasonal desserts and specialty drinks.

Why it matters

As Valentine's Day approaches, these local businesses are providing Ohio State students with a range of accessible options to celebrate the holiday, whether it's with friends, partners or solo. The variety of offerings, from coffee and sweets to rooftop views, caters to different budgets and preferences, making the holiday more inclusive for the student community.

The details

The Guild House is offering Galentine's Day specials on Thursday and Friday, along with a fully booked Valentine's Day brunch. Bada Bean Bada Booze has Valentine's-themed coffee drinks available at all four of its Columbus locations, including a 15% student discount. Lincoln Social Rooftop is opening early on Friday and offering weekday happy hour, providing a social, group-friendly alternative to a traditional dinner. Pistacia Vera in German Village has a Valentine's Day menu featuring seasonal desserts and specialty drinks, many priced under $10.

  • The Guild House's Galentine's Day specials are available on Thursday and Friday, February 13-14, 2026.
  • The Guild House's Valentine's Day brunch is on Sunday, February 16, 2026.
  • Bada Bean Bada Booze's Valentine's-themed coffee drinks are available from Thursday, February 13 through Monday, February 17, 2026.
  • Lincoln Social Rooftop is opening early at 4 p.m. on Friday, February 14, 2026.
  • Pistacia Vera's Valentine's Day menu is available through Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The players

The Guild House

A restaurant located just south of the Ohio State University campus in the Short North area, offering Galentine's Day specials and Valentine's Day brunch.

Bada Bean Bada Booze

A local coffee shop chain with four locations in Columbus, including one near the Ohio State campus, offering Valentine's-themed coffee drinks.

Lincoln Social Rooftop

A bar in the Short North area that provides a social, group-friendly alternative to traditional Valentine's Day dining with cocktails, shareable plates, and skyline views.

Pistacia Vera

A bakery located in the German Village neighborhood, offering a selection of seasonal desserts and specialty drinks for Valentine's Day.

Rachael Erb

The general manager of The Guild House.

Caroline Calhoun

The guest experience manager of Bada Bean Bada Booze.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We are seeing people wanting to spend more time together. There are a lot of friends celebrating, leaning toward appreciation for relationships in general, not just romantic ones.”

— Rachael Erb, General Manager, The Guild House (thelantern.com)

“The idea was created by two of our baristas, Nate and Riley. When they told me, I thought it was a super fun concept.”

— Caroline Calhoun, Guest Experience Manager, Bada Bean Bada Booze (thelantern.com)

“I remember loving coffee shops as a student, they're a great space to study and meet up with friends. Ohio State is such a central part of Columbus and its identity — we encourage all students to come to our space.”

— Caroline Calhoun, Guest Experience Manager, Bada Bean Bada Booze (thelantern.com)

The takeaway

These local businesses are providing Ohio State students with a range of affordable and accessible options to celebrate Valentine's Day, whether it's with friends, partners or solo. From coffee and sweets to rooftop views, the variety of offerings caters to different budgets and preferences, making the holiday more inclusive for the student community.