Valentine’s Day can be stressful for singles who feel like they’re missing out and romantics wanting to plan the perfect celebration. Luckily, Chicago bars and restaurants are offering a huge variety of ways so you can enjoy the holiday, regardless of your relationship status or budget.
Options range from decadent tasting menus to Galentine’s Day parties to a hands-on cocktail class. With Feb. 14 falling on Saturday, many spots are offering specials all weekend long, so you can find something to fit your schedule or spread the love over multiple days. Just don’t wait too long to make a reservation or you could be in for some heartbreak.
All events take place on Feb. 14 unless otherwise stated.
The Loop and Near North Side
The Albert
The restaurant within the Hotel EMC2 offers a three-course dinner ($65 or $75 with a glass of prosecco) including braised garlic mussels, lobster ravioli with saffron cream and sticky butter rum cake. 5-9 p.m. Feb. 13-15. 228 E. Ontario St., 312-471-3883, thealbertchicago.com/specialevents
The Bamboo Room
The bar tucked within Three Dots and a Dash hosts a Galentine’s Day party ($100) including four cocktails and small bites. 4-10 p.m. Feb. 11. 435 N. Clark St., 312-610-4220, threedotschicago.com/events
Bandol
The French restaurant offers specials Feb. 13-14 including foie gras terrine, duck confit salad, Parisian gnocchi and coq au vin. 100 W. Monroe St., 312-877-5713, bandolrestaurant.com
Bistronomic
Imagine you’re celebrating in Paris with a special three-course menu ($99 or $120 with a glass of Champagne) that includes smoked Scottish salmon with salmon caviar, beef tenderloin with braised short ribs and cheesecake with bittersweet ganache chocolate bars. 840 N. Wabash Ave., 312-944-8400, bistronomic.net/valentines-daylamour-toujours
BLVD Steakhouse
A special three-course menu ($125) includes French onion soup, chestnut mushroom risotto and snickerdoodle cheesecake. 817 W. Lake St., 312-526-3116, blvdchicago.com
Brass Tack
The restaurant within the Waldorf Astoria Chicago offers a three-course ($135) or four-course ($165) dinner including a glass of Moët & Chandon, blackberry-braised beef short ribs, Colorado rack of lamb and chocolate mousse. 11 E. Walton St., 312-646-1402, brasstackchicago.com
Casa Chi
The spot within the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile offers a four-course menu ($140) featuring a welcome cocktail, sushi, skirt steak cooked on hot stones and yuzu cheesecake. 505 N. Michigan Ave., 312-944-4100, casachichicago.com
The Dearborn
The Loop restaurant offers specials throughout the weekend including a half dozen oysters ($24), artichoke hearts ($19), duck breast with duck fat fries ($40) and pavlova with blood orange sorbet ($13). 145 N. Dearborn St., 312-384-1242, thedearborntavern.com
Eataly
Visit stations serving Italian food from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 13 at a Valentine’s Day tasting for $45 or $60 with two glasses of wine. You can also craft a salumi and cheese board at a hands-on Valentine’s Day class from noon to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 14 for $100 per couple. 43 E. Ohio St., 312-521-8700, eataly.com
Grill on 21
Treat your sweetheart with specials including firecracker shrimp ($26), lobster thermidor ($75) and beignets with salted caramel gelato ($16). 208 S. LaSalle St., 312-634-0000 ext. 3, grillon21.com/happenings/valentines-dinner
Industry Ales Brewpub
Co-founder Dan Rook leads a hands-on cocktail class where you’ll learn how to make three drinks. The lesson is $50 or $90 per couple and includes light bites, a 10-ounce house beer, cocktail samplings and a prize for the person who makes the best drink. 7 p.m. 230 S. Wabash Ave., industryales.com
I|O Godfrey Roofscape Chicago
Gather your friends for a Galentine’s brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 15 featuring heart-shaped French toast, red velvet cinnamon rolls, tableside s’mores and cocktail flights. 127 W. Huron St., 312-374-1830, exploretock.com/iogodfrey
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
Valentine’s Day dinner from Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab. (Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab)
A Valentine’s Day dinner for two ($250) available Feb. 12-15 includes Florida stone crab claws, crab bisque, filet mignon, creamed spinach and Key lime pie. 60 E. Grand Ave., 312-379-5637, joes.net/chicago/events/valentines-day
La Bella Trattoria
Celebrate with specials offered Feb. 13-14 including pancetta-wrapped dates, truffle arancini, lobster ravioli and vodka rigatoni. 120 W. Monroe St., 312-312-2142, labellachicago.com/happenings
Labriola
Make your own heart-shaped pizzas during a hands-on class ($65) from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 12 that includes spritzes, wine, appetizers and tiramisu. 535 N. Michigan Ave., 312-955-3100, labriolacafe.com/heartshpaedpizzamaking
Lirica
The Sable Hotel restaurant offers a four-course menu ($95) featuring pear and prosciutto salad, beef Wellington and heart-shaped wild berry shortcake. 4-10 p.m. Feb. 13-14 and 4-9 p.m. Feb. 16. 900 E. Grand Ave., 872-710-5750, liricarestaurant.com
LondonHouse Chicago
A Valentine’s Day tea ($100 or $50 for kids) offered in the Bridges Lobby Bar Feb. 9-15 includes heart-shaped macarons, red velvet scones, raspberry crunch doughnuts and chocolate lava tarts. 85 E. Wacker Drive, 312-357-1200, londonhousechicago.com
Miru
Enjoy the views from The St. Regis Chicago while dining on a four-course meal ($155) featuring shrimp tempura maki, red snapper with miso bouillabaisse and wild mushroom sizzling rice. 4-10 p.m. 401 E. Wacker Drive, 312-725-7811, mirurestaurant.com
Olio e Più
The River North trattoria offers specials Feb. 13-15 including beef tartare with house-made giardiniera ($35), burrata stracciatella with basil pesto ($38) and beef filet with gorgonzola sauce ($49). 445 N. Dearborn St., 312-363-3335, olioepiu.com
Osteria Via Stato
A four-course menu ($80) from chef David DiGregorio includes marinated beet salad, shrimp risotto and tiramisu. 4:30-9:30 p.m. 620 N. State St., 312-642-8450, osteriaviastato.com
Pizzeria Portofino
A heart-shaped pizza from Pizzeria Portofino. (Lindsay Eberly x Eberly Film Lab)
Any pizza can be made heart-shaped Feb. 13-16, and Feb. 13-15, you can also surprise your date with a single rose ($8) or a dozen ($95). Celebrate Galentine’s Day from 6-8:30 p.m. Feb. 16 at a cocktail class including a three-course menu ($85). 317 N. Clark St., 312-900-9018, pizzeriaportofino.com/events
Raised, An Urban Rooftop Bar
A Love on the Rocks bash ($103) includes a welcome Champagne Jell-O shot, themed cocktails, draft beer and wine, a DJ spinning disco and a selfie booth. 7-10 p.m. 1 W. Wacker Drive, 312-795-3444, exploretock.com/raisedanurbanrooftopbar
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
Valentine’s Day afternoon tea at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago. (The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago)
A Valentine’s Day afternoon tea ($90) includes a flute of rosé prosecco, tea sandwiches, quiche, scones and seasonal pastries. 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 6-8 and 13-15. 160 E. Pearson St., 312-573-5160, exploretock.com/the-ritzcarlton-chicago
Sifr
A five-course Middle Eastern tasting menu ($95) includes roasted red pepper hummus, chicken sambousek and grilled lamb loin. 5-9:45 p.m. 660 N. Orleans St., 464-204-8711, opentable.com/r/sifr-chicago
Toro
Chef Richard Sandoval’s restaurant offers a four-course dinner ($165 plus $85 for wine pairings) that includes tuna tartare tostada, Chilean sea bass and a dark chocolate tart with rose petal ganache. 200 N. Columbus Drive, 312-565-6644, torochicago.com/valentinesday
Travelle
A Galentine’s Day Happy Meal offered all month includes Caesar salad, a side of truffle fries, a Diet Coke, a dirty martini and macarons for $46. 330 N. Wabash Ave., 312-923-7705, travellechicago.com
Tre Dita
A Buon San Valentino dinner ($175) features chef Evan Funke’s favorite dishes, including antipasti, pastas, signature entrees and dessert. The meal begins with a welcome toast and you’ll get a hazelnut chocolate to take home. 4-10:30 p.m. 401 E. Wacker Drive, 312-725-1724, treditarestaurant.com
UMMO
An improv poet will be writing personalized stanzas and all guests will be welcomed with a rose Valentine’s Day weekend. Dine on specials including fried burrata with strawberry and rose mostarda, rose-blushed lobster agnolotti with Champagne butter and parmesan-crusted lamb chops. 22 W. Hubbard St., 312-757-7823, ummochicago.com
North Side & Northwest Side
Alma
Celebrate all month long in one of the see-through heated globes ($50-$75) on the bar’s terrace, where you can sip mulled wine and make s’mores with ruby chocolate bars and Champagne marshmallows. The globe is equipped with a record player for romantic tunes, board games, plush blankets and a Polaroid camera. Alma also hosts My Funny Valentine afternoon tea throughout the month featuring chocolate croissants, chocolate-covered strawberries, heart-shaped Rice Krispies treats and a DIY dried floral bouquet station for $45 or $30 for kids ages 4-12. 3630 N. Clark St., 773-302-2326, opentable.com/r/alma-hotel-zachary-chicago-a-tribute-portfolio-hotel-chicago
Bar Roma
Chef Fred Ramos offers specials Feb. 13-15 including hearts of palm salad with shrimp ($18), beef tenderloin medallions with sauteed jumbo shrimp scampi ($44) and red velvet cake with dark chocolate ice cream ($12). 5101 N. Clark St., 773-942-7572, barromachicago.com
CheSa’s Bistro & Bar
CheSa’s Valentine’s Day specials include filet mignon with grilled prawns. (CheSa’s Bistro & Bar)
Live jazz music and roses set the mood for a three-course gluten-free dinner ($75) including wine, lobster bisque, filet mignon with grilled prawns and vanilla bean creme brulee. 5-9 p.m. Feb. 13-15. 3235 W. Addison St., 773-754-8523, chesasbistro.com
Dēliz Italian Steakhouse
A Galentine’s Day dinner ($65) offered Feb. 9-12 includes bubbles, an espresso martini, truffle fries, spicy rigatoni, a caviar bite and dessert. 1840 W. North Ave., 773-477-0000, delizitalian.com
Eli’s Cheesecake Cafe and Bakery
Decorate a slice of plain or chocolate chip cheesecake with candy and sauces ($2.95), or pick up a heart-shaped raspberry cheesecake for two ($12) or a box of chocolate-covered strawberry cheesecake bites ($50). 6701 W. Forest Preserve Drive, 773-205-3800, elicheesecake.com
La Licor Panamericana
A three-course dinner ($85 per couple) includes duck confit with pupusas, Patagonian lamb and a decadent chocolate dessert. 2521 N. California Ave., 872-243-1059, lalicor.com
Lark
A Taylor Swift Lover’s Brunch drag show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 14-15 includes a sweet starter, a choice of entree, a breakfast shot and 90 minutes of drinks for $76. The Lakeview spot offers a $70 three-course dinner for two with select cocktails Feb. 13-15. 3441 N. Halsted St., 773-799-8968, larkchicago.com/special-events
Le Sud
The Roscoe Village restaurant offers its $45 three-course Chicago Restaurant Week menu Feb. 13-15 along with sauteed jumbo sea scallops ($48). 2301 W. Roscoe St., 773-857-1985, lesudchicago.com
Little Goat Diner
Stephanie Izard’s restaurant hosts a family-friendly Valentine’s Day party featuring food and bubbly specials, crafts, temporary tattoos, a free sparkling cider toast and a keepsake photo. 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. 3325 N. Southport Ave., opentable.com/r/little-goat-southport-chicago
Lottie’s Pub
Casamigos offers samplings during a happy hour from 2-6 p.m. featuring $18 heart-shaped pizzas, $30 Lucky One Lemonade buckets, $7 Casamigos blanco, $8 Casamigos reposado and $9 Casamigos blanco jalapeño. 1925 W. Cortland St., 773-489-0738, lottiespub.com
Manchamanteles
A five-course menu ($90) inspired by “Like Water for Chocolate” offered Feb. 13-15 includes oxtail soup, slow-roasted capon covered in a rose-petal sauce and tres leches cake. 2009 N Western Ave., 773-799-8148, manchamantelesrestaurant.com
Park & Field
Bring your pooch for a party ($5) featuring a kissing booth photo station with props, giveaways, drink specials and a card-making station. 6 p.m. Feb. 13. 3509 W. Fullerton Ave., 773-360-7373, parkandfieldchicago.com/social-events
Sfera Sicilian Street Food
A special dinner for two ($70) available for pickup or delivery includes arancini, caponata with whipped feta, baked pasta and pistachio cake with dark chocolate ganache. 5759 N. Broadway, 773-739-9128, exploretock.com/sferachicago
Summer House Santa Monica
Specials offered Feb. 12-18 include hearts of palm salad with avocado and prawns, truffle lobster risotto and Valentine’s Day-themed cookies. 1954 N. Halsted St., 773-634-4100, summerhouserestaurants.com
West Side & Near West Side
Aba
Specials offered Feb. 12-15 include caviar with house labneh, slow-roasted beef tenderloin with wild black trumpet mushrooms, and rosé Champagne available by the glass or bottle. 302 N. Green St., 773-645-1400, abarestaurants.com
Beatrix
Shop for candles and friendship bracelets during a Galentine’s Day event from 6-7:30 p.m. Feb. 11 that includes a glass of prosecco, an espresso martini and snacks for $39. The restaurant offers specials Feb. 12-15 including grilled fillet medallions, spinach and artichoke dip and raspberry cheesecake. 834 W. Fulton Market, 312-733-0370, beatrixrestaurants.com
Cabra
Take in the views from The Hoxton Hotel rooftop while sharing a five-course Peruvian-inspired dinner ($95). A glass of bubbles is included. Come at 11 a.m. or 1:45 p.m. for a family-style Galentine’s Day drag brunch ($55) that includes a welcome toast, and you can add on bottomless mimosas for $30. 200 N. Green St., 312-761-1717, opentable.com/r/cabra-chicago
The Dandy Crown
The West Town bar’s heated patio becomes the Tunnel of Love through Feb. 28, serving themed cocktails like Agave You My Heart (tequila with mulled wine) and Pretty in Pink (vodka, pink curacao, pink lemonade and pink peppercorn). 694 N. Milwaukee Ave., 312-846-6420, thedandycrown.com
Dove’s Luncheonette
The Wicker Park diner offers a five-course dinner ($96) Feb. 13-14 including scallop ceviche, strip loin with charred leeks and chocolate flan. 1545 N. Damen Ave., 773-645-4060, doveschicago.com/upcoming-events
Duck Duck Goat
Share dim sum, classic dishes and new offerings from Stephanie Izard’s Chinese American-inspired menu ($95). 857 W. Fulton Market, 312-902-3825, opentable.com/r/duck-duck-goat-chicago
Girl & The Goat
A special prix fixe menu ($110) features a mix of Stephanie Izard’s classic dishes as well as new bites. 809 W. Randolph St., 312-492-6262, opentable.com/r/girl-and-the-goat-chicago
La Serre
The Mediterranean restaurant offers a four-course tasting menu ($129) including tuna crudo, zucchini fritters, truffle gnocchi and a dark chocolate tart. Add grilled green beans or whipped potatoes for $15 and beverage pairings for $49. 307 N. Green St., dinelaserre.com/event/valentinesday
Lyra
Take a trip to Greece with a four-course tasting menu ($129) including charred octopus, souvlaki, Wagyu beef souvlaki and orange syrup cake. Add wine pairings for $49 or sides including charred cauliflower for $15. 5-11 p.m. 905 W. Fulton Market, 312-660-7722, lyrarestaurant.com/event/valentines-day
South Side & Near South Side
The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
The South Loop steakhouse offers a three-course dinner ($95) with options including lobster bisque, an 8-ounce filet mignon and Key lime pie. Add on half a dozen oysters for $24 or lobster creamed corn for $22. 1401 S. Michigan Ave., 312-786-1401, chicagofirehouse.com
The Duck Inn
Groove to ‘90s R&B during a three-course dinner ($114) featuring red shrimp ceviche, lavender honey-glazed duck breast and chocolate creme caramel. 2701 S. Eleanor St., 312-724-8811, theduckinnchicago.com
Mesler Kitchen, Bar & Lounge
Make a personalized bouquet of roses and snack on chocolate truffles during a class that includes two glasses of Veuve Clicquot Rosé ($75) or nonalcoholic rosé ($50). 12:30-2 p.m. 1401 E. 53rd St., 773-289-1005, meslerchicago.com/events/rose-and-roses
Strugglebeard Bakery
Bakery founder Quinton McNair will teach you how to bake and decorate mini bundt cakes during a party ($100) from 5-8 p.m. including karaoke, charcuterie boards and two cocktails. You can also pick up a Valentine’s Day gift box ($60) including a card, a candle, chocolate-covered pretzel rods and a red velvet cookie. 5221 S. Harper Court, 773-675-5994, strugglebeardbakery.com
Wild Blossom Meadery & Winery
Make your own wine and compete in a grape-stomping contest as part of a dinner and wine tasting ($159-$175 plus $85-$215 for the wine supplies). 6-10 p.m. 9030 S. Hermitage Ave., 773-840-4642, wildblossommeadery.com
Suburban and multiple locations
Aboyer
A three-course dinner ($95) includes potato truffle soup with aged parmesan croutons, Dover sole and lobster in scallop mousse and chocolate souffle with raspberry creme anglaise. 4-8:45 p.m. 64 Green Bay Road, Winnetka, 847-441-3100, opentable.com/r/aboyer-winnetka
Antico Posto
Specials offered Feb. 9-18 include spicy lobster and crab risotto, potato leek soup and Luxardo cherry gelato. 118 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, 630-586-9200, antico-posto.com/events
Di Pescara
A three-course dinner ($50) includes lobster bisque, braised short ribs with mashed potatoes and red velvet tiramisu. 2124 Northbrook Court, Northbrook, 847-498-4321, di-pescara.com
The Hampton Social
A Galentine’s Day experience offered Feb. 9-13 includes two hours of bottomless rosé, unlimited oysters, parmesan truffle fries and Wagyu smashburger tacos for $49. Multiple locations, thehamptonsocial.com
Hey Nonny
Live acoustic guitar music sets the mood for a three-course ($75) dinner Feb. 13-14 including seared sea scallops, duck confit à l’orange and chocolate-covered strawberry cheesecake. 10 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights, 224-202-0750, heynonny.com
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
Valentine’s Day specials at Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille. (Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille)
Share a candlelit meal at a table decorated with rose petals Feb. 13-14 that includes Caesar salad, filet mignon with lobster tails, whipped potatoes and chocolate-dipped strawberries for $219 per couple. The restaurant also offers a three-course menu to dine in or pick up ($79). Multiple locations, perryssteakhouse.com/specials/valentines-day
Saranello’s
The restaurant offers dinner specials Feb. 14, including a 14-ounce prime ribeye, crab risotto and Oreo velvet cheesecake, plus a $45 brunch Feb. 15 including shrimp cocktail and lobster mac and cheese. 601 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, 847-777-6878, saranellos.com/events/valentines-day-specials
Sushi-san
The sashimi bouquet from Sushi-san. (Lindsay Eberly x Eberly Film Lab)
Skip the flowers and head to River North or Lincoln Park for akami tuna roses ($24) or a sashimi bouquet ($36) offered in addition to the regular menu. 63 W. Grand Ave., 312-828-0575 and 1950 N. Halsted St., 773-389-7101 sushisanrestaurant.com
Wildfire
The restaurant highlights its favorites in a special meal for two ($142 per couple), including shrimp cocktail, chopped salad, petit filet mignon and red velvet cake. Feb. 12-15. Multiple locations, wildfirerestaurant.com/chicago
Samantha Nelson is a freelance writer.
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