This year is moving at warp speed and, believe it or not, it’s time to get those Valentine’s Day date nights in the diary. We were so impressed by the number of restaurants, hotels and businesses planning special packages, meals and activities, that we thought we’d compile everything we’ve read. Warning: It will be an overwhelming amount of info. Chicago is bringing it this year, so read on and plan your parent-night-out.
Hotels
The Blackstone — Witness a place where past meets present and classic architecture melds with modern luxury while staying at The Blackstone, an iconic hotel rooted in Chicago’s legendary past. Book the Spa Retreat package and pamper your loved one with an in-room massage from K'Alma Spa.
Canopy by Hilton — Opened in the former headquarters of the Chicago and North Western Railways, Canopy by Hilton offers a getaway with a bit of history. The hotel incorporates elements from the original building and pays tribute to the property's iconic location. For a cocktail or bite to eat before a night on the town or a romantic dinner for two, guests can enjoy a meal at Depot 226, the hotel’s new restaurant and lounge.
The Drake Oak Brook — Experience the historic icon on ten tranquil acres of land that offers a rich blend of grand hotel experiences and a legendary style of service. Spend a romantic evening under the stars at The Drake Oak Brook by booking a heated igloo that offers a blend of delectable cuisine and crafted cocktails or reserve the Champagne Sunday Brunch.
Fairmont Chicago — Completely transforming the Fairmont Chicago’s arrival experience, Fairmont Lodge celebrates the winter season with cozy décor, indoor fire pits, festive programming, overnight packages and more. Relax and cozy up with their newly introduced indoor fire pits and choose between three different food and beverage packages. The fire pits are available to book, Wed.-Sun., 4 p.m.-11 p.m., and accommodate up to 8 people.
Kimpton Gray — Indulge in a spacious one-bedroom suite with a separate living room or splurge on a one-of-a-kind Presidential Suite while staying at The Gray. Book the Suite Yourself package and treat yourself to a home-away-from-home experience thanks to spacious accommodations that include a bath you'll never want to leave. Be sure to reserve dinner under the stars at Boleo, the rooftop restaurant and lounge perched high above the city.
Nobu — Book the Be Well with Nobu and experience ultimate relaxation at one of Chicago's most luxurious hotels, Nobu. The package includes luxury accommodations that include a soaking tub and exclusive Nobu bed, welcome amenities upon arrival, and a private sound bath for two at The Lab. This immersive guided meditation allows you and your partner to find peace and gratitude within a one-hour session.
Renaissance Chicago — Experience the breathtaking views of rooms and suites overlooking the Chicago River and skyline when you book the Valentine's Getaway package at Renaissance Chicago. Stay Feb. 11-14 or Feb. 18-24 and opt into the package to receive breakfast for two and late checkout for a leisurely morning or time to enjoy the indoor heated pool.
Ritz-Carlton — Amp up the romance with the Spa & Dine package at The Ritz-Carlton. You'll receive 20% savings in the hotel's restaurant or bar and any service at the spa. They have a new treatment for couples called Winter Couples Getaway which includes an 80-minute couples massage.
Royal Sonesta — At Royal Sonesta, you'll enjoy scenic views of the Chicago River and the spectacular cityscape while sipping champagne from the comfort of your recently renovated room. Stroll among architectural icons, explore the countless pleasures of Millennium Park and spend the evening reconnecting and reminiscing.
The Rose Hotel — The Rose Hotel brought back the crowd-favorite A Room Full of Roses package. Retreat with your sweetie to the ultimate over-the-top Valentine's Day experience which includes a King Studio Suite filled to the brim with over 400 long-stemmed roses, a bottle of sparkling wine or cider, a welcome amenity, complimentary breakfast in bed for 2 and a late checkout. Package begins at $499.
Sable at Navy Pier — This high-end oasis combines lush accommodations with elegance and comfort, with each room boasting floor-to-ceiling windows with unparalleled lake and skyline views, serenity beds and spacious living room areas. Sable at Navy Pier guests can also enjoy special add-ons such as Camp Viejo Cava sparkling wine, complimentary Sable chocolate truffles, late checkout and more.
Sofitel Chicago — Sofitel Chicago's Magnifique Romance Package guarantees couples a relaxing visit, offering luxurious comfort in elegantly-styled accommodation, a bottle of champagne on ice, a romantic welcome amenity, and a complimentary full American breakfast for two. They are also planning a romantic wine dinner with wine pairings, Feb. 11.
Swissotel Chicago — Overlooking the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, Swissotel is the ideal hotel for a romantic getaway. Book the Romance Package to sip champagne and enjoy hand-dipped Swiss chocolate strawberries. Wake up refreshed, enjoy breakfast for two at The Palm Chicago and be in no rush to leave with complimentary 2 p.m. late check out. Rates start at $199 with option to add in-room spa services from Windy City Massage.
Experiences
Be Nude Candle Co. — Take a candle-making class at Be Nude Candle Co. in Addison. You and your date will build your own creations by customizing candles with a variety of colors, scents and vessels. Class is $50 and includes all materials needed.
City Cruises Chicago — Celebrate love aboard City Cruises Chicago, Feb. 12-14, with a dinner or lunch cruise. Sweethearts can expect a delightful plated or buffet-style meal along with a sweets arrangement, onboard entertainment and a cash bar, all while sailing along Chicago’s River or lakefront.
Facets — Facet's focus on the love between friends inspired their Galentine's Day film series, Feb. 11-13. They will host showings of 4 movies that highlight the bonds between women: Set if Off, Mulholland Drive, Frances Ha and Romy & Michelle's High School Reunion.
Marriott Theatre — Plan a theater date to see West Side Story, a modern retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet set on the Upper East Side of Manhatten in the 1950s, Feb. 9-Mar. 22.
Museum of Illusions — MOI's Illusion of Love will infuse adventure and intrigue into your date night. The museum offers a wide variety of fascinating visual, sensory and immersive exhibits ranging from tried-and-true classics to the never-before-seen. For one day, Feb. 14, they will offer a special 2-for-1 ticket deal.
Puttshack Oakbrook Center — Celebrate love with a fun experience and good vibes at Puttshack Oakbrook Center. Puttshack is the world’s first and only upscale, tech-infused mini-golf experience that is perfectly complemented with an array of global food and beverage offerings.
The Princess Diana Exhibition: Accredited Access — The Princess Diana Exhibition: Accredited Access is the first-ever walk-through documentary, telling the untold story of how a princess changed the world. World-famous Royal Photographers, Anwar Hussein and his two sons Zak and Samir, share collections of their original images and the intimate, never-before-told stories behind them.
Replay Lincoln Park — Replay Lincoln Park's Harry Potter pop-up features spectacular homages to fan-favorite moments from the series, such as Chamber of Secrets, The Whomping Willow, Diagon Alley, the iconic 9 3/4 platform and more. In celebration of Valentine's Day, they're throwing a Harry Potter Valentine's Bash with live music, Feb. 12.
Dining
Andros Taverna — Chef Doug Psaltis’ Andros Taverna in Logan Square will offer incredible a la carte Valentine’s Day specials designed to be shared between two people, Feb. 12-14.
Bar Mar and Bazaar — Celebrate Valentine's with a specialty "Bella" cocktail made with pineapple, Aperol, sudachi and cava. Available in Bar Mar and Bazaar, Feb. 11-14. Additionally, all guests on Valentine's Day will receive a sweet takeaway of house-made chocolate truffles.
BLVD Steakhouse — Blvd's romantic dining room is the perfect backdrop for date night. The three-course Valentine's Day menu is $80/person and includes course options like Onion Soup Fondue with caramelized onion, veal stock, gruyere cheese and crostini, Lobster Bisque with sweet sherry cream and puff pastry or an 8oz Filet Mignon.
Carnivale — Known for its spectacular celebrations, colorful dining room and delicious Latin-inspired menu, Carnivale is sure to turn any date night into a festive and unforgettable experience for couples. Special menu offerings will be available, Feb. 11-Feb. 14, with lively Samba dancers making appearances each evening from 6 p.m.-9 pm.
Columbus Tap — Show your tastebuds some love and enjoy a romantic dinner for two at Columbus Tap. The savory 4-course dinner includes Oysters, Steamed Mussels, White Wine, Garlic, Caramelized Fennel and Baguette, served in Le Creuset Pots, Steak Frits au Poivre and Heart-shaped Lovers’ Red Velvet Cake.
The Dearborn — Diners will enjoy The Dearborn's Rock N Roll Tasting Menu with a Lobster and hearts of palm salad, braised veal cheeks with popcorn sweetbreads, succotash of green lentils, black forest mushrooms and Alaska chocolate fudge cake.
El Che — In addition to its meat-forward menu, El Che is serving up three specials including a half-dozen Oysters, Lobster Spaghetti ‘Fra Diavolo,’ and Surf & Turf with an 8oz filet mignon and grilled lobster tail. If you prefer to spend the night in, don’t miss out on the Valentine’s Day Kit with a pair of raw 8oz filet mignon steaks and a handful of signature sides.
Farmhouse Evanston — Evanston's cozy Farmhouse Evanston has two signature specials this Valentine's Day. The Seared Scallops feature an olive tapenade, blood orange, bulger wheat and baby grains and the Mushroom Paprike Crusted Pork Tenderloin features sweet potato, tomato relish, mustard demi and wilted greens.
Funkenhausen — For all the couples looking for a quiet weekend full of romance, head to Funkenhausen in West Town for a dinner worth falling in love. With a hand-crafted specialty menu created by Chef Mark for the holiday weekend, guests can enjoy his personal creations, Feb. 11 & 12.
Gemini — The culinary team at Gemini is offering a three-course pre-fixe menu priced at $85/person or diners can order a la carte. On the menu, you'll find Kushi Oysters, Wagyu Beef Tataki, Lamb Shank, Alaskan Halibut, and more.
Grapes & Grains — Grapes & Grains has romance covered, Feb. 11 & 12, with an intimate 3-course dinner for two. The meal starts with a Champagne toast followed by a glass of house white or red wine while sharing a hand-crafted Charcuterie plate. Enjoy a beautifully cut ribeye before you end the meal with chocolate-covered strawberries.
Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook — Piazza at the Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook is offering a 3-course prix fixe dinner served in their intimate dining room overlooking a private lake and wooded grounds, $50/person.
Jaleo — At Chef José Andrés's original and most personal restaurant, Jaleo, February marks Truffle Festival, Feb. 7-21. Experience the special truffle menu items for two weeks surrounding Valentine's Day and avoid crowds on the 14th.
Kennedy Rooftop — Kennedy Rooftop's Winter Wonderland setup includes private igloos overlooking the city and a curling rink. The Valentine’s Day weekend experience, Feb. 11, 12 & 14, includes a complimentary glass of champagne, sharing menu and dessert. Minimum $60/person is required to reserve an igloo.
Lardon — Lardon is the home of Chicago’s best in-house charcuterie and salumeria and the restaurant crafted a signature Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Cheese Board for two at $85. Boards are available for pick up Feb. 11, 12 & 14.
Lírica — For a romantic evening on Navy Pier, look to Lírica for an intimate dining experience overlooking beautiful Lake Michigan. The restaurant offers a variety of delicious Latin and Iberian-inspired dishes including Shaved Serrano Ham, Spanish Fried Chicken, seasonal seafood offerings and more.
Nonnina — Truffles, Roasted Wild Mushrooms and Squid Ink Mafalda Pasta are menu standouts as part of Nonnina’s Valentine’s Day menu. They also feature incredible mains like Pan-Roasted U-10-Day Boat Scallops with charred escarole, fennel, cannellini beans and smoked tomato, and Veal Ossobuco with saffron risotto and kale gremolata.
Oaken Bistro & Bar — Oaken Bistro + Bar, located within The Forester Hotel in Lake Forest, is celebrating with a special dinner and dancing package in partnership with the Lake Forest Dance Academy. The evening will include a chef-crafted, three-course prix fixe meal and a romantic dance lesson, Feb. 11, 12 & 14.
Offshore — Offshore, the largest rooftop deck in the world, is the perfect Valentine’s oasis with gorgeous lake and city views. Lovebirds looking for a unique brunch experience or a place for cocktail hour are invited to experience all this venue has to offer, from specialty cocktails to shareable plates, topped with views for days.
Old Pueblo Cantina — Celebrate this Valentine’s Day with Old Pueblo Cantina. Diners can indulge in Heart-Shaped Cheese Crisps and a Lover's Taco Kit available in-restaurant or to-go.
PB&J — Forget about the romantic dinners and head to PB&J’s for a Bachelor Monday Watch Party to watch the new Bachelor Clayton fall in love (hopefully) with a half-priced special of select wine bottles that pair perfectly with a Valentine's Day pizza specialty aptly named Honey, I'm in Love. With Bachelor games, flower-shaped pizza and prizes throughout the episode, celebrate love with friends while cheering on all your favorites.
Petterinos — Chef Ozzy Amelotti at Petterino’s has crafted an incredible menu for Valentine’s Day. Chef Ozzy’s Torta di Granchioclaw starts off the meal with lump crab cake filled with watercress and fig marmalade. Petterino’s also offers new chef-inspired dishes like Chef Ozzy’s Costata Alla Griglia, which is a beef t-bone with dulce gorgonzola crust, roasted fingerling, portobello mushroom and served with balsamic demi-glaze.
Pigtail — Pigtail's intimate speak-easy-style setting is perfect for a date night. They offer a curated experience with five courses, four cocktails and three wines.
Pomeroy — Want to travel to Paris without leaving Chicago? Head to Pomeroy for a three-course prix fixe menu featuring appetizers, main course and a dessert for $85/person.
The Press Room — Indulge in a pre-fixe menu priced at $75/person or enjoy dishes from The Press Room's Chef Noah Zamler a la carte. On the menu, guests can expect items such as a Heart Shaped Beet Ravioli, Seafood Tower, Lamb Merguez, Dry Aged Duck Breast, Hibiscus Panna Cotta, and more.
Proxi — Proxi is offering a 3-course family-style menu for $85/person. Chef Andrew Zimmerman’s menu features dishes like Crispy Onion Bhaji Chaat with tamarind, mint and sweet yogurt, Grilled Lamb Satay or his Vegetable and Paneer Kofta with mahkni sauce, cashew and paratha.
Recess — Whip out the hairspray and get ready to boogie 80s style at Recess's Heartbreaker Ball. Dress in your best prom attire for a chance to be crowned prom king and queen. Featuring a $40 3-hour open bar package, prom decor and glamor headshots galore.
Roka Akor — Roka Akor is presenting a romantic Omakase at their Chicago, Old Orchard, and Oak Brook locations. Details vary by location, so check individual websites.
Rose Mary — Rose Mary's 4-course experience is $75/person and will be offered alongside Rose Mary’s regular a la carte menu. The menu includes dishes like Tuna Crudo with crispy capers, shallot-beef fat vinaigrette and veal aioli, or Wild Striped Bass with braised cannellini beans, charred escarole, bagna cauda duck, plum glaze, cabbage and caraway. Apple Crostata closes out the meal and it comes served with salted caramel gelato.
Sepia — Diners will appreciate Sepia's attention to detail with dishes like Foie Gras É Clair with pickled huckleberry, Kanpachi Crudo with winter citrus and baby turnip, Truffled Fried Chicken with dumplings and sauce perigord or the Smokey Dry Aged Squab with black vinegar, chestnut and salsify. Four courses offered for $115/ person.
Sophia Steak — Staying in the suburbs this Valentine’s Day? Sophia Steak in Wilmette has got you and your date covered. Diners can indulge in a three-course pre-fixe menu featuring appetizers, main course and a dessert for $85/person.
Sushi by Bou — Sushi by Bou inside Hotel Lincoln is a great place to start or end your date night. They offer a 30-minute, 12-piece ($50/person) or 60-minute, 17-piece ($100/person) omakase experience with sushi determined by the chef. Who, is a riot.
Staytion Market & Bar — Staytion Market & Bar is serving up an elegant and elevated Valentine’s menu, Feb. 11 & 12. For starters, guests can decide between the Truffle & Mushroom Bisque or the Beef Tartare before making the choice of either the Pan Seared Coho Salmon or the Whipped Burrata Ravioli for their main course.
Sushi Suite — Experience Sushi Suite's intimate 17-course omakase in a speakeasy-style setting inside Hotel Lincoln. Their Date Night package includes the 75-minute dinner and craft cocktail for $170-$180.
Wood — Chef Devin at Wood has created a 5-course tasting menu filled with unique seasonal ingredients focused on local farm produce and house-butchered meats that will leave your heart (and stomach) full all night long.
X Pot Chicago — X Pot Chicago offers a luxurious, futuristic hot pot dining experience with robot servers, sushi bar, a state-of-the-art 5D Experience room and 360-degree animated light projections right onto the dinner plate. The X Pot uses only the highest quality ingredients including imported fresh seafood and purebred A5 Wagyu beef flown in daily from Japan.
Gifts
Garrett Popcorn Shops — Garrett Popcorn Shops brought back their Hot Cocoa CaramelCrisp® Mix for Valentine’s Day decadence. The limited-time recipe features classic CaramelCrisp popcorn handcrafted in small-batch copper kettles, then cooled and covered in Belgian milk chocolate and dark chocolate, and gently mixed with equal parts CaramelCrisp. Available in shops and via online shipping through Feb. 20.
Robert Et Fils — Robert Et Fils is a neighborhood darling infused with the elegance of classic French cuisine, the joy of dining like a Parisian and the playfulness of its American chef and owner. The $40 Robert Et Fils Pastry Box is available for pickup Feb. 13 and includes a Chai Opera Cake Slice, a Citron Tart, a Sunflower Paris-Brest and a Chocolate Fondant.
Stan's Donuts & Coffee — Send a sweet treat to someone special with Stan’s Donuts & Coffee Heart Shaped Gift Boxes filled with the most romantic donut flavors for chocolate lovers. Each heart ($24.99) is filled with 12 mini donuts—6 Red Velvet and 6 Chocolate Dipped—and available for pickup, Feb. 12-14, or delivery in the US through Goldbelly delivery.
— Maria Chambers
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