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Ah, Valentine’s Day. I like you when I have a boyfriend, but not so much when I don’t. This year I don’t. So in honor of that, I’m just going to rattle off a few under-the-radar joints where you won’t need reservations, but where you CAN indulge yourself with delicious food that you’ll probably regret later and also some cocktails (which, depending on your self control and behavior, you may or may not regret later).

Goby’s Grill & Pub

A relatively non-descript little pub nestled between the overly ’80s facade of Rita Ambourn Hair Salon and Plum’s Bar, Goby’s is a little slice of blue collar heaven. Elements of the watering hole and restaurant seem to still have the glaze of the pre-smoking ban days, and the deep-fried smell of the joint is something you may need to shower off yourself (though, if you’re single, why bother). Still, Goby’s holds an air of working class charm that cannot be denied — and they’ve actually got a great menu of delightfully greasy bar fare that includes big, juicy burgers (that come fully loaded if you so choose) and perfectly golden, crisp onion rings and much more. The cozy dive pours some seriously stiff drinks as well, so your chances of successfully hitting on someone in a grubby sweatshirt are relatively high.

Goby’s, 472 S. Snelling Avenue, St. Paul, (651)690-5731

DeGidio’s Restaurant & Bar

While there may very well be some jerks trying to get romantic tonight at this West 7th Italian joint, the bar will surely be all yours. Try to block out the “Lady and the Tramp” references that come to mind when you think of a lovey-dovey spaghetti dinner, and concentrate on what matters most: eating something bad for you and drinking the pain away. The menu here offers a variety of pastas, but the real deal is the Old Fashioned Hot Dago. A spicy, half-pound of Italian sausage is slathered with DeGidio’s homemade spaghetti sauce on Vienna bread, then baked with an unhealthy amount of mozzarella over it. Who can argue with that? Wash it down with a reasonably priced bottle of red and pretty soon you’ll start feeling better about your life.

DeGidio’s, 425 W. 7th Street, St. Paul, (651) 291-7105

Groveland Tap

This popular neighborhood haunt will probably be crowded on V-Day, but then again, it’s crowded every day of the week. You’ll do well to belly up to the bar to grab a spot, or maybe head to the backroom/gameroom where seat-yourself hightop tables abound. In ye olde 2006, the Blue Plate Restaurant group (Highland Grill, Longfellow Grill, etc) took over what was then called B.B. Dixon’s. With some spiffy upgrades to the decor and menu, the Groveland Tap was born. Enjoy a brewski, some cheese curds and/or one of the best Jucy Lucy’s in St. Paul while you angrily throw darts at the imaginary faces of your ex-lovers.

Groveland Tap, 1834 St. Clair Ave, St. Paul, (651) 699-5058

Matt Thomas (right) and Joe Mauer (left) are probably talking about Saint Paul in this picture

As much fun as we have doing things together as a family, St. Paul offers us a chance to have some fun when just hanging out with friends , without having to leave the area. For me, I rarely even need to leave Grand Avenue.  It’s a street that I consider the perfect locale for a “Split up Session”.  My guy friends and I can find a game on TV at one of the great bars and restaurants.  Or sometimes we just enjoy a beverage on one of the pub patios while our wives check out the what they call “too cute” shops all along Grand.

Matt Thomas and Family

Since St. Paul is my neighborhood, here’s by “Best of” list for spots around town:

Best burger joint-  The Nook

Best place to go have a beer and strike up a conversation at the bar-  Groveland Tap

Best get dressed up and have dinner place-  The Lexington

Best breakfast served til 2:30pm-  The Grandview Grill

Best street to go take the kids for a walk- Along Mississippi River Boulevard

Best place to go sledding-  on the huge hill across from the Town and Country Country Clubhouse

Best summer programs-  St. Paul Parks and Recreation Urban Tennis

Best arena-  Xcel Energy Center (I’ve been to over a hundred different arenas in the country and this is one of the best)

Best way to enjoy the river-  Paddleboat ride from Harriet Island

Best Mom/Dad overnight trip away from the kids-  Saint Paul Hotel with a do not disturb sign

-Matt Thomas is the primary host of Twins baseball coverage on AM1500 KSTP. Listen to him on AM1500 as you drive to the stadium. Look for him broadcasting live from the plaza when you head into the ‘dome.