Smiling, laughing, locking eyes and gently touching: There's no better place to ignite chemistry on Valentine's Day than on a dance floor. Although we all know salsa is sexy, it's not the only rhythm pulsing hearts on that special day. You can also one-two step with your one-and-only to soul, hipster dance and jazz at these V-Day dance spots.
Rumba
Known among salsa enthusiasts throughout the city, this River North lounge draws a diverse crowd with live musical performances and dance instruction throughout the week. It's also known as a great date place, and the restaurant is pulling out all the stops for Valentine's. In addition to the regular menu, Rumba offers up an extravagant four-course dinner for $75 (including tax and gratuity), along with a glass of champagne and a rose for the lady. But don't get too full; the dance floor energy here is irresistible and the Rumba Orchestra will be providing Latin grooves all night.
Sonotheque
If you prefer Motown rhythms, Sonotheque's soulful Valentine's Day dance party, "Stop in the Name of Love," should not be missed. From 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., Sean Qualls and Courtland Green, the musical masterminds behind Danny's wildly popular first-Wednesday-of-the-month soul party, play hot R&B ballads, sexy funk and sultry soul of the '60s and '70s all night. The cover is a steal at $5 and drinks here aren't expensive, so make an evening out of it with a reservation at Flo down the street, or splurge for the special tasting menu at Green Zebra before getting cozy on the dance floor.
Abbey Pub
FlosstraPROMus caters to those who are more about fresh jams and PBR than salsa and cocktails, and who are young enough to remember their high-school prom clearly. Though the under-21 crowd can get in on the V-D action here, which begins at 10:30 p.m., mature dance-music lovers won't want to miss this event either, because Flosstradamus, DJ C and Murderbot will provide fun blends, remixes and dance tunes all night. Prom attire is highly suggested, Everyoneisfamous.com is providing a photo booth and 100 percent of the $7 cover charge goes to the Chicago Independent Radio Project (CHIRP).
Green Mill
Swing to the smooth, big-band sound of the 15-piece Alan Gresik Swing Shift Orchestra at Chicago's premier jazz club, the Green Mill. For a mere $6 cover, the band takes the audience back to a 1939 radio broadcast (commercials and all), setting the mood for a charmingly romantic evening. The band plays until one in the morning, which means you'll have plenty of time to work on your fox trot. Just be careful; trying a dramatic lift and dropping your date on her face will surely kill the romance.
Alhambra
For a larger-than-life, decadent experience, Alhambra in the West Loop will surely leave an impression. This massive, tri-level Mediterranean restaurant and entertainment venue draws on the exotic decor of the original palace in Spain. A special $45 four-course meal (including a glass of champagne) is available in addition to the regular menu, and the Lewis Brothers (the three sons of Ramsey Lewis) jazz band will perform. It will be hard to resist pulling your date close and slow-dancing on Alhambra's spacious dance floor. Come 10 p.m., the dinner price is hiked up to $60 and the Arabic band Al-Ajrass performs.
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