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Find a Valentine's Day Event
Smitten or single, you’ll heart our guide to Cupid’s big day in Chicago.
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Centerstage found 73 listing(s)
 = Editor's Picks
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312 Chicago »
$55 per person; for reservations, call (312) 696-2420
Couples can express their love with a romantic Italian feast at 312 Chicago. The downtown restaurant will feature items like red snapper fillet with manila clams, sun-dried tomato and garlic-olive oil. Wine pairings are available for an additional $20.
Abbey Pub »
10 p.m.; $5 (18+)
The thought of doing prom again at a legal drinking age (well, the show is 18+, but most attendees will be old enough to drink) with fun dance music you actually want to hear, while dressed up in a tacky dress/pieced-together thrift-store suit, sounds fun. Add in the fact that the music is from the hottest DJs to come out of Chicago in years, Flosstradamus and it’s easy to see why this party has been one of the best things for the young crowd to do on Valentine's Day for the last few years. Single or coupled up, wear your best prom outfit (be as fancy, hip or cheesy as you want, anything goes) and just be ready to have a fun time.
Abbey Pub »
Friday, February 13, 9 p.m.; $15
This risque romp will feature a tantalizing lineup of performers from Belmont Burlesque. Featured players include Pearl Pistol, Red Hot Annie, Backdoor Aly, Hot Toddy, Dizzy Lizzy Delicious, The Honey Buns, The Amazing Tomas, the Belmont Bombshells and DJ Joe Black of Midnight Spookshow, who will spin between sets. Guests are encouraged to go all out with festive black, red or burlesque-inspired costumes (think stilettos, corsets and glitter); cash prizes will be awarded to the best-dressed.
Arrowhead Restaurant and Bar »
Feb 13-15
Suburban couples can seek romance with Arrowhead's special three-course
Valentine's Day menu. Those who dine at the restaurant on February 14
will have the chance to score a romantic weekend getaway fro two,
including an overnight stay at the Hilton Lisle/Naperville, dinner at
Arrowhead and a bottle of wine.
Between Boutique Cafe and Lounge »
6 p.m. and 9 p.m.; $75
Celebrate with that special someone while supporting your favorite Top Chef contestant with Executive Chef Radhika Desai's five-course V-Day menu. The globally-inspired menu features baby purple potatoes prepared three ways, creamy Jerusalem artichoke soup, blue corn-crusted sea bass, braised lamb shank and chai-spiced creme brulee with phyllo crisps for dessert. Between's regular menu will not be available, but all specials can be ordered a la carte. Each meal also includes a bottle of wine and boxed chocolates from the nearby Coco Rouge. The restaurant will also provide a list of love-themed cocktails like the white-chocolate raspberry martini, the lavender hot chocolate and the hot n' dirty martini. Those who make reservations will have the option to name any of the cocktail specials after their guy or gal, which will be printed on the cocktail menu when they arrive.
Bin 36 »
Bin 36 is celebrating the day of love with a special screening of the romantic classic "Casablanca." The restaurant's "movies in the loft" begins with a wine and cheese reception and is finished with a three-course Moroccan-inspired dinner, $48. The movie menu features dishes like grilled eggplant, chicken and lamb couscous and Moroccan-spiced chocolate cremeux. Bin 36 will also offer a four-course menu ($68) for non-movie goers, featuring lobster ravioli, prosciutto and date-stuffed quail, a cheese plate with walnut, bread and honey and a selection of desserts including Brittany-style shortcakes, vanilla ice cream and mascarpone cream.
Bin Wine Cafe »
bin wine cafe will offer its regular dinner menu in addition to Valentine's Day Specials designed for two. Highlights include a chocolate lovers dessert and a cheese flight with four different selections, $18 each. Couples can also enjoy the cafe's extensive wine list, featuring 36 wines by the glass.
Blackbird »
$115 per person
Go all-out with a special tasting menu at this West Loop spot. The selections include flounder with hazelnut, Swiss chard and blood orange molasses, and short rib with passion fruit and carob. Plus, sparkling wine.
Blu Coral »
All diners at this Wicker Park sushi lounge will receive complimentary dessert, a surprise gift and a $10 gift certificate, as well as be entered in a raffle for a fine china vase. Ladies will also receive a free rose. You can order off the menu, or opt for the special menu for two ($35/person), which includes miso soup, Maui Tartar and crab cake, six pieces of nigiri sushi, three signature maki (Urban Heat, Blu Coral and Pink Cadillac) and dessert.
Carnivale »
In addition to its regular Latin-fueled menu, Carnivale will offer even more festive specials for Valentine's Day weekend. Highlights include "sensual oysters" with cucumber habanera salsa and a 40-ounce porterhouse for two. Guests can also enjoy Dom Perignon by the glass, while watching a stilt-walker hand out complimentary flowers to the ladies.
Chen's »
$25 per person
Koi and its sister restaurant Chen's will both make room for a couples prix-fixe dinner on Valentine's Day. The menu includes three courses of signature dishes like the popular tuna sashimi rose appetizer, the dragon and phoenix with crispy chicken and sauteed shrimp (the entree is thought to bring longevity to one's relationship) and a chocolate lava cake for dessert. Each guest will also receive a complimentary glass of house sake or wine. Both restaurants will also offer delivery for those who prefer to keep the romance at home.
Chocolate Grape »
February 13-14, 20-21; for reservations, call (773) 772-3990
This chocolate boutique in Bucktown has crafted a lineup of special beer and chocolate pairings for Valentine's Day. The restaurant will serve its signature burnt grapes with a new chocolate caramel Negra Modelo mousse, rich molten lava cake and Negra Modelo truffles. Additionally, the Chocolate Grape will offer cocoa nib gelato floats with Negra Modelo and Old Rasputin beer. And if you can't make it over on V-Day, the special will also be offered the following weekend.
Cityscape Bar »
February 7-14
Next to its complimentary views of Chicago, Cityscape Bar will offer
love-themed concoctions like "love potion #9" with vodka, pomegranate
liqueur and pink grapefruit juice, $7. Discounted bottles of Frexinet
Blanc de Blanc Secco and Domaine Ste. Michelle Extra Dry will also be
available.
Cobra Lounge »
Friday, February 13, 9 p.m.; free
Cobra Lounge knows what it's like to suffer from a bloody, broken heart. And the popular club also knows how to put on a bloody show where things will likely be broken. The love-loathing Valentine Massacre kicks off with a burlesque show, featuring Miss Maya Sinstress and Kendra James. The Reverend B. Dangerous will also host a virtual freak show during which he drives nails into his body, while the metal band Skank thrashes over Cobra's sound system. The romance-bashing festivities will continue on Valentine's Day with a live performance at 9 p.m. from The Chamber Strings, Kevin Tihista's Red Terror and Lonesome Cougar with Dorian Taj. Stoli and Kilo Kai drinks will be offered for just four bucks each, and with no cover, you'll have plenty of dough to splurge on booze.
Coobah »
$69 per couple
May we just say...wow. The folks at Coobah sure got creative with their Valentine's Day menu, which features items like Hare Pie (a rabbit empanada), Bone Smoker (smoked and braised beef short rib with honeyed Rioja wine glaze, orange gremolata and saffron risotto) and Popped Cherry (chocolate-cherry creme brulee with mojito ice cream). If you're not feeling quite so adventurous, the regular dinner menu will also be available.
Cuatro »
Saturday, February 7; 1-3 p.m.; $50 per person
Executive Chef Edie Jimenez will whip the guys (and gals) into shape with his V-Day cooking class. Guests will learn about three different types of oysters, including Kumamoto, Chef Creek and Blue Point, and will later get a demonstration on how to make mango mousse. Meanwhile, Cuatro's mixologist Matt Navarro will shake up special cocktails, including the 21st Street martini and the passion Latina. Class participants will have a chance to sample the items, sip the cocktails and take home recipe cards, so they can later wow their loved ones.
D.O.C. Wine Bar »
4:30-11 p.m.; $65 per couple
This Lincoln Park wine bar is offering a three-course Valentine's menu, crafted by Chef Andrew Easterday. The prix-fixe includes a bottle of red, white or sparkling wine and features dishes like risotto fritters, pan-seared striped bass and chicken saltimbocca. Save room for dessert and choose from a selection of artisan chocolate truffles and hand-dipped chocolate strawberries. The restaurant's regular menu will also be available and the V-Day special will be available at both D.O.C. and the attached Dunlays on Clark.
Dragonfly Mandarin »
Wednesday, February 11, 6-8 p.m.; $20 in advance, $30 at the door
Thinking of picking up a bottle of wine for Saturday? Find a good one at this wine tasting, hosted by the Lincoln Park Young Professionals and Big Creek Productions (and Naked Winery). There will be raffles, t-shirts, hats and more.
Duke's Alehouse and Kitchen »
The revamped Duke's Alehouse and Kitchen is offering a Valentine's tasting with Duke's special degustation menu and beer pairings. Ladies receive free roses, while both guys and gals can take advantage of $5 martinis. Duke's will also feature live jazz from 6-9 p.m.
Enclave »
Do you love "Chelsea Lately"? More specifically, do you love Chuy, the vertically challenged gentleman on the show? If so, you're in luck this Valentine's Day; the funny little man will be playing Cupid at Enclave's bash. RSVP for free admission before 11 p.m.
Eno »
1 p.m.-1 a.m.
This hotel wine bar and chocolate lounge is offering a special package for sugar-lovin' couples. Guests will have a chance to sample a variety of wine flights like "Pinot Envy" ($17), artisan cheeses and gourmet chocolates while relaxing in the romantic lounge. Eno has also added a few new sweet treats to its menu, including a caramel apple-cinnamon truffle and a bacon truffle from local chocolatier Chocolatines.
Fat Cat »
8 p.m.; free
Love hurts, and so do tributes to cheesy ‘70s songs. But that's not stopping Fat Cat from rocking out to a cover of Nazareth's famous 1975 hit, "Love Hurts." The event is open to both singles and couples, but the breakup-inspired drinks are a warning to any canoodling types not to get too cozy. The bitter list includes poisons for those seeking vengeance against their exes, with names like The Cheating Bastard, The Dirty Bitch and The Breakup, $5 each. Food specials are just as brooding with a "Hit the Road Jack" half-pound burger and a "Call Me When You're Sober" PBR-infused chili, $8.95 each.
Harry Caray's »
Friday, February 13-Saturday, February 14; $60-$109
Harry Caray's in Chicago, Rosemont and Lombard will offer a lovin' feast along with its regular dinner menu. Each restaurant will be decked out in red balloons and rows of votive candles for a little extra romance. The Valentine's prix-fixe menu will feature dishes like rosemary-rubbed lamb rack, crab-stuffed snapper and lava "love cake" with prickly pear glace for dessert. Holy Mackerel! in Lombard will also offer a special surf n' turf prix-fixe, complete with homemade sides like garlic-mashed potatoes, creamed spinach and double-baked potatoes.
Harry Caray's (Lombard) »
Friday, February 13-Saturday, February 14; $60-$109
Harry Caray's in Chicago, Rosemont and Lombard will offer a lovin' feast along with its regular dinner menu. Each restaurant will be decked out in red balloons and rows of votive candles for a little extra romance. The Valentine's prix-fixe menu will feature dishes like rosemary-rubbed lamb rack, crab-stuffed snapper and lava "love cake" with prickly pear glace for dessert. Holy Mackerel! in Lombard will also offer a special surf n' turf prix-fixe, complete with homemade sides like garlic-mashed potatoes, creamed spinach and double-baked potatoes.
Harry Caray's (Rosemont) »
Friday, February 13-Saturday, February 14; $60-$109
Harry Caray's in Chicago, Rosemont and Lombard will offer a lovin' feast along with its regular dinner menu. Each restaurant will be decked out in red balloons and rows of votive candles for a little extra romance. The Valentine's prix-fixe menu will feature dishes like rosemary-rubbed lamb rack, crab-stuffed snapper and lava "love cake" with prickly pear glace for dessert. Holy Mackerel! in Lombard will also offer a special surf n' turf prix-fixe, complete with homemade sides like garlic-mashed potatoes, creamed spinach and double-baked potatoes.
Harry Caray's Tavern »
Friday, February 13-Saturday, February 14; $60-$109
Harry Caray's in Chicago, Rosemont and Lombard will offer a lovin' feast along with its regular dinner menu. Each restaurant will be decked out in red balloons and rows of votive candles for a little extra romance. The Valentine's prix-fixe menu will feature dishes like rosemary-rubbed lamb rack, crab-stuffed snapper and lava "love cake" with prickly pear glace for dessert. Holy Mackerel! in Lombard will also offer a special surf n' turf prix-fixe, complete with homemade sides like garlic-mashed potatoes, creamed spinach and double-baked potatoes.
Howl At The Moon »
Tonight's the night to be single at this rowdy piano bar. Guests will have a chance to win $1000 in cash and prizes, plus you never know who you might meet when you're chin deep in a bucket of blue alcohol.
In Fine Spirits Lounge »
5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; $50 per person
On Valentine's Day, In Fine Spirits will offer a four-course dinner from Chef Marianne Sundquist, complete with the appropriate wine pairings. The menu includes a cheese and charcuterie plate, leek and brie chowder, surf and turf and a chocolate sponge cake for dessert.
Irish American Heritage Center »
February 8; 5-9 p.m.; $12 per person; for tickets, call (773) 282-7035, ext. 10
Celebrate V-Day "hooley" style with an old-fashioned dance party at the Irish American Heritage Center. The annual event includes dancing, singing, refreshments and live music from Joe Cullen and Kathleen Keane. Guests can also partake in a festive matchmaking event, complete with sandwiches, tea, soda bread and a cash bar.
Jake Melnick's Corner Tap »
9 p.m.; free
Keeping in line with the bar's casual atmosphere, Jake Melnick's is hosting a drama-free singles event (we recommend burning those photos of your ex before heading over). In addition to the regular lineup of 150 domestic and imported beers, guests will enjoy a festive selection of craft brews, including Magic Hat #9, Founders Double Chocolate Breakfast Stout and half-price Leinenkugel Red bottles. Ladies can sip on $5 Valentine-inspired cocktails like the Pama Kiss with vanilla vodka, pomegranate liqueur and champagne or the Besame Margarita, a blend of Patron Silver and pomegranate liqueur. Additionally, all ladies will receive complimentary handmade chocolate bon bons to pair with their sweet drinks, while the guys score free condoms from Magic Hat Brewing reps. Jake's full dinner menu will be served until 11 p.m. and a $5 late-night menu, featuring a selection of salads and fried grub, will be offered beginning at 9 p.m. Also, there's no cover, so you can splurge on drinks all night while dancing to the sounds of DJ Tecknique.
James Hotel »
Rates start at $299
The James romance package includes a split of white champagne, white floral decor and white chocolate-covered strawberries. Couples can also indulge in the spa's "feel the love" amenity. The package is available through March 31.
Kincade's »
9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.; $30
The private back bar at Kincades will host an ‘80s themed prom party called Twenty-Nine Candles ("because you're not 16 anymore"). Costumes are not required, but guests are encouraged to dress in their best ‘80s garb (score extra points for dressing up like your favorite "16 Candles" character). Tickets include all the booze you can drink, souvenir prom pics and retro prizes.
Kinetic Playground »
Friday, February 13, 9 p.m.; $5
No one likes Valentine's Day. Especially not the people at Kinetic Playground, who offer this anti-V-Day bash featuring In Case of Capture, Canyon, The Wonderful Flying Machines, Chatty Cathy and Arctic Fox.
Kinzie Chophouse »
February 13-15; $99.95-$119.95 per couple; for reservations, click here
Couples who reserve in advance for Valentine’s weekend will receive a personal champagne toast and a complimentary box of chocolates.
La Madia »
$22 per person
La Madia's affordable Valentine meal includes the restaurant's signature panzeanelle salad, a selection of pizzas and panna cotta chocolate for dessert. For an additional $7, guests can pair the special meal with a glass of prosecco.
Le Bar »
Friday, February 13, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.; free
What better day to ward off love, or find a new flame, than Friday the 13th? That's when Le Bar, located in the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, will pamper a select group of single guys and gals with a series of cocktails ($12 each) created by mixologist DJ Love. First, Love will take guests through the first stage of romance (and maybe even spark some among the crowd) with the Passion and Spice, a mix of agave nectar, cayenne peppers, cherry liquor and tequila. Next is Aphrodite's Chalice with raspberries, rose champagne and gin. And finally, there's Cupid's Arrow, a symbolic drink of commitment, with Veev, lychee puree and rose champagne. The first 25 guys and 25 gals to arrive will receive gift bags packed with certificates to local spas and restaurants, cosmetic cases, leather-encased playing cards and shopping deals from Bloomingdales.
Le Colonial »
$60 per person
Chef Chan Le will offer a love-inspired tasting menu of Vietnamese aphrodisiacs, including grilled shrimp wrapped around sugar cane, sauteed chicken with Japanese eggplant and seared filet mignon over watercress with red wine vinaigrette. Dessert boasts more salivating selections with chocolate mousse cake, lemon tarts and coconut macaroons with vanilla ice cream. Guests looking for something a touch more extravagant can opt for an additional dozen oysters on the half shell with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, $125 per couple. Le Colonial will also offer a special V-Day takeout menu, including one appetizer, entree and dessert, $50 per person.
Lobby Bar »
Treat yourself or your Valentine to the Lobby Bar's signature chocolate chip martini, garnished with a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie, $13. After drinking yourself into a chocolate coma, take advantage of the hotel's "cupid's toast" two-night package, including a deluxe room, chilled champagne, a special book to take home and more chocolate chip cookies. Rates for the cupid package start at $359, the special runs through the month of February.
Lucky Number Grill »
Free before 11 p.m., $5 after 11 p.m.
DJs Qbot & JenaMax are back for another round of Candy-Coated Chaos above Lucky Number Grill. The event is hosted by Paulie, with photos by Shriek Entertainment and video by Pillbox79.
Lumen »
Genuine Entertainment Chicago will be at this newly remodeled club on Saturday for a lover-free event. DJ White Shadow presides behind the decks. There will be no cover before 10 p.m. (reservations recommended); to RSVP for the private cocktail reception from 9-10 p.m., email info@lumen-chicago.com with Valentine's in the subject line.
Mambo Grill »
February 13-14; for reservations, click here
Mambo will feature live music for couples to enjoy, along with a personal champagne toast and complimentary box of chocolates. Advance reservations are required for the champagne and chocolate promo.
Marche »
Marche's V-Day menu begins with heart-shaped foie gras, served over ginger cake with strawberry preserves and ends with house spun cotton candy and ice cream for two. There's also an indulgent in-between with pan-seared venison, root vegetable puree and red wine reduction.
Marigold »
$50-$70 per couple; for reservations call (773) 293-GOLD
This neighborhood Indian restaurant in Uptown will offer its signature kama sutra tasting menu, along with a complimentary copy of Margiold's kama sutra book.
Martini Park »
$48 per person; for reservations, call (312) 640-0577
Martini Park is keeping it simple on V-Day with a four-course prix-fixe menu, featuring items that will be included on the bar's new menu. Highlights include deep-fried risotto balls with tomato dipping sauce, fresh-cut tagliatelle pasta, roasted-chicken breast and chicken confit with tarragon and truffle broth. Each dinner also includes a bottle of Moet White Star champagne.
Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro »
Chef Jeanne Carlson has created a series of V-Day dishes including jumbo sea scallops with champagne butter sauce, radicchio with rose petals and raspberry vinaigrette and filet mignon with poached oyster. Dessert options boast an assortment of sweets, including bittersweet chocolate mousse cake with Bailey's Irish cream and passion fruit coulis. The restaurant will also offer bottles of Gruet for a special $25.
NoMI »
5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.; $125-$190 per person; for reservations, call (312) 239-4030
Executive chef Christophe David is offering a four course Valentine's dinner, featuring selections like lobster consomme, terrine of foie gras, pan roasted Brittany turbot and a trio of red-themed desserts. Each couple will also receive a Cartier Le Baiser du Dragon fragrance gift set as a token of the evening. Couples looking for something a little more intimate can opt for NoMI's "table for two" in the restaurant's private dining room. The package is only available for one lucky couple and begins with bottle of champagne. The evening will continue with a 12 course menu and wine pairings for each dish, $350 per person. After dinner, guests can take advantage of the attached Park Hyatt's "Romance at the Park" package, featuring in-room breakfast for two, a bottle of champagne, a bubble bath drawn by the hotel's butler and a late 1 p.m. checkout, $225-$445.
Park 52 »
This new Hyde Park favorite will offer a special menu for Valentine's weekend (February 13-14). The choices include everything from vegetable spring rolls with cognac chili sauce ($9) to scallop risotto with crispy bacon ($21). If you're thirsty, sommelier Alain Njike will hand-select a three-glass flight for you to enjoy with dinner ($25). A split of Veuve Clicquot champagne is also available for $36.
Petterino's »
Executive Chef Francis Brennan will offer a special heart-shaped dessert called "My Fuzzy Valentine” with layered chocolate mousse, raspberry torte and a chocolate coating, $5.95. Guests looking for something to pair with their dessert can choose from the restaurant's "Once Upon a Wine" list.
Pops for Champagne »
February 12-15; 3 p.m.-2 a.m.
This landmark nightclub invites guests to its "Wines of Romance"
festival, featuring a selection of rose champagnes and sparkling wines,
paired with a chocolate dessert from Chef Brochu. Glass prices start at
$10; bottles at $38. For some extra romance during Valentine's Day
weekend, Pops' downstairs jazz club will feature the Ava Logan Quartet
($15 cover) on February 13 and 14.
Red Kiva »
Couples can drink and dance the night away at Red Kiva. DJ GT will spin as you enjoy cocktails like the ValenTini (Effen Black Cherry vodka, Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur, Starbucks Cream Liqueur, $10) or try the "Cuddle in the Kiva" package: two glasses of Piper Heidseck champagne plus assorted chocolates, $20.
Red Light »
February 13-15; $9-28
Executive Chef Jackie Shen will offer an a la carte menu, featuring heart-shaped scallop wontons, warm pork belly and asparagus salad and lobster chinois. For dessert, guests can indulge in a rich espresso brownie with chocolate chip ice cream and white chocolate anglaise.
Rednofive »
10 p.m.; $20 (discounted w/ RSVP to rednofive.com)
Feelin' lonely this year? Head to Rednofive for tunes from DJ Rock Tee, Ryan Pullano, Chris B and Bliss (expect lots of high-energy love ballads), plus love potions like The Heartbreaker (vodka and a blend of fresh tropical juices, $5) and the French Kiss Martini (vanilla vodka, Chambord, champagne float, fresh pineapple juice, $7).
Rockit Bar & Grill »
In the dining room, executive chef James Gottwald will offer a $30 three-course menu including roasted baby beet salad, a duo of roasted pepper soups and petite filet mignon. Chocolate-covered strawberries will be available for $1 each. Make a reservation and you'll receive a free glass of champagne for each member of your party.
In the Upstairs Lounge, you'll be able to dance the night away to DJs, while enjoying drink specials like $5 Flirtinis (vodka, champagne, pineapple juice) and $5 V-Bombs (cherry vodka and Red Bull)
Seasons »
For reservations, call (312) 280-8400
Seasons is offering a special evening of dinner and tango, complete with dance lessons from professional Argentine tango dancers from the ARTango Center. For dinner, a four- or six-course menu will be offered, featuring Kumamoto oysters, almond-crusted turbot, roasted bison tenderloin and a bittersweet chocolate cremeux for dessert, $85-$105 per person. Additionally, the Four Seasons Hotel will offer guests a romantic Valentine package with overnight accommodations, a four-course dinner in the Seasons Restaurant and a complimentary upgrade to a luxury executive suite, rates start at $595 per night.
Shaw's Crab House (Schaumburg) »
February 13-15; $46.99 per person
Shaw's has designed a special "tastes for two" menu, including finger
foods like jumbo shrimp cocktail, whole Maine lobster, Alaskan King crab
legs, oysters and a chocolaty treat for dessert. Each Valentine menu
comes with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine.
Sheffield's »
7 and 9 p.m.; $25 per person
Sheffield's is offering couples an affordable, yet romantic Valentine dinner with its "beer school on a budget" package. The special includes a three-course menu, featuring dishes like lobster bisque, tournedos beef or salmon, double-stuffed gruyere potatoes and a chocolate molten lava cake for dessert. Each course will be paired with one of Sheffield's specialty microbrews.
Silver Cloud »
$29.95 per person; 6 p.m.-11 p.m.
Silver Cloud invites guests to get nostalgic at its prom-themed
celebration, complete with a four-course V-Day menu and complimentary
prom photos. Highlights include a selection of Silver Cloud's comfort
food favorites like salmon cakes with Cajun remoulade, stuffed herb
chicken with truffle mashed potatoes and flourless chocolate cake for
dessert. Each meal includes a half bottle of wine or champagne.
Smoke Daddy »
5 p.m.-1 a.m.; $20 per person
Looking for something a little less fancy than the standard V-Day fare?
Head over to Smoke Daddy for a laid back lovin' celebration and an
all-you-can-eat menu. Highlights include barbecue ribs, corn bread and
fries. All meats are smoked in the restaurant's "Lil Red Smoker," with
hickory, apple and cherry wood. Smoke Daddy will also host live jazz
music beginning at 9 p.m.
sola »
Chef Carol Wallack invites guests to get sexy with her aphrodisiac-infused menu. The lineup includes sultry ingredients like Kumomoto oysters on the half shell with American Sturgeon caviar, housemade ginger tobacco emulsion, foie gras with fig, strawberry-ginger preserves with brioche toast and cocoa nib-crusted scallops with soba dumpling and caviar vinaigrette.
Stretch Run »
4 p.m.; free
If you're looking to get lucky on Valentine's Day, but don't have a date lined up, head over to Stretch Run. The downtown sports bar will play matchmaker when it opens its doors to some of Chicago's finest bachelors and bachelorettes. Drink specials range from $4-$5 and include the Love Buster with Disaronno, champagne and orange juice, the Forget About Your Ex martini with vodka, pomegranate liqueur, Chambord, lime juice and champagne and the Heartbreaker with Chambord, peach schnapps, vodka and a mixture of orange, pineapple and cranberry juices. If cocktails aren't really your thing, the bar will offer all of its drafts for just $4. Bring a picture of your ex to shred and score free chocolate strawberries or a fried pickle.
SushiSamba Rio »
The popular Brazillian-influenced restaurant is offering a bevy of romantic eats, including Maine lobster taquitos, oysters and pearls, pan-seared foie gras and broiled Alaskan King crab. Couples can share a "naughty or nice" cocktail, made with strawberries, watermelon, tequila and strawberry cream liqueur or sip on flutes of champagne throughout the evening. Additionally, the restaurant will help spread the love by passing out Valentine templates for guests to color. The finished templates will be collected and sent to Children and Charity International to be opened on V-Day.
Swirl Wine Bar »
7 p.m.-2 a.m.; $35; reservations required
In addition to its regular dinner menu, Swirl will prepare a five-course menu, complete with wine pairings, for an extra $15. Highlights include roasted butternut squash soup, jicama salad, chipotle crab cake, pan-seared salmon and a chocolate dessert sampler. Beginning at 8 p.m., the bar's main room will host live music from Ojos Gitanos, a Chicago Flamenco music and dance group.
Tavern at the Park »
2-10:30 p.m.
Throughout the month of February, Millennium Park will exhibit
multicolored ice art from Gordon Halloran's Museum of Modern Ice, while
the nearby Tavern at the Park provides creative cocktails and American
comfort cuisine from Executive Chef John Hogan. The restaurant will
serve its regular a la carte menu on Valentine's Day, with the addition
of several romantic specials crafted by Chef de Cuisine Mike Cisternino.
Those looking to really wow their Valentine can order a Cloud Gate
Martini for $199. The combination of Grey Goose, fresh pineapple juice
and champagne isn't just rimmed with edible silver, it's served up
alongside a sterling silver Elsa Peretti "Bean" pendant necklace.
The Fifty/50 »
This female-friendly sports bar is catering to the ladies on V-Day by offering manicures and pedicures during the day. Later in the evening, The Fifty/50 will make room for a singles party, complete with "cherry popper" cocktails (a fruity concoction of cherry vodka, champagne and red bull). Half-price bloody Marys and $5 tequila shots will also be available throughout the evening.
The Lodge »
6-8 p.m.; $30
Head back in time to the '20s at this themed Valentine's party. Costumes are strongly encouraged; you'll get over any lingering shyness thanks to Beefeater gin cocktails and Champagne, plus finger sandwiches and other food of the era. Ticket price includes food and drink for two hours.
The Tasting Room at Randolph Wine Cellars »
February 14-21; $35 per person
Executive Chef Marc Kuchenbecker will offer a slew of Valentine treats along with a complimentary candied hibiscus sparkling cocktail. Guests can also choose from a list of aphrodisiac-inspired libations by mixologist Nick Luedde, or pick from over 100 wines by the glass.
Trader Vic's »
February 12-14; $50 per person
The popular tiki-themed spot will offer a three-course menu from Executive Chef Isaac Holzwarth, featuring shareable items like the pupu appetizer plate. Other selections include oysters, lobster bisque, duck confit, red snapper and a chocolate truffle torte for dessert. Additionally, each guest who orders the V-Day menu will receive a complimentary glass of champagne or a signature Mai Tai. Ladies will score long-stemmed roses, while their fellas take home a souvenir Trader Vic's cocktail glass.
Underground »
Underground hosts an appropriate charity event on Valentine's Day; from 9-11 p.m., a suggested $20 donation supports the Children's Heart Foundation (RSVP to vip@rockitranch.com to get into the private reception beginning at 9). If you come later, you can still help out; all proceeds from sales of The Heartini (Three Olives Grap and Raspberry, Pama Pomegranate Liqueur muddled with fresh raspberries, blueberries and Pom Juice, $10) will benefit the foundation.
Vision Nightclub »
Get tickets here
The notorious downtown club is hosting a special red party on V-Day, featuring German EDM DJ and Producer Ronski Speed, who will spin hits from his 2008 release, Pure Devotion. Show up in red and receive discounted admission at the door.
Volo »
Chef Stephen Dunne offers a $35 three-course prix-fixe menu on Valentine's Day. You can also add a custom-designed wine pairing for $30. The full regular menu will also be available.
W Hotel Lakeshore »
$429 and up
Chicago's famous W hotel is teaming up with jeweler Harry Winston for a glitzy Valentine's special. The Diamond Engagement package includes a sneak peak at Harry Winston's Chicago salon and a two-hour afternoon tea with their graduate gemologist. The W will provide breakfast in bed, cocktails for two in the Living Room, an exclusive Harry Winston Coffee table book and a late 2 p.m. checkout.
Zocalo »
February 13-15; 5 p.m.; $65 per couple
Zocolo will offer a selection of valentine dishes, including citrus-marinated lobster, cream of apple soup with almonds, chipotle-glazed pan-seared salmon, seared veal medallion with saffron rice and flambéed bananas with vanilla bean ice cream for dessert.
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