Ah, yes. The season of love is upon us, and restaurants, hotels, and spas around Chicago are celebrating in strict Valentine’s Day fashion. Whether you are looking for a romantic couple’s dinner or an unforgettable spa experience, we’ve rounded out a few of our favorites to make planning just a little less stressful this year!
Enjoy Dinner for Two at Chicago’s Most Romantic Restaurant
Geja’s Café, the renowned “Restaurant of Romance” located at 340 W. Armitage, is planning the most romantic Valentine’s celebration in its 55-year history. From Sunday, February 9 through Monday, February 17, Geja’s Café will be elegantly decorated for the love-filled holiday and will feature a selection of rosé sparkling wines and champagnes, delicious fondue cuisine, perfectly complemented with entertainment throughout the evening from live flamenco and classical guitarists. The Valentine’s Festival will also play host to the ever popular Celebration of Marriage Night, where couples receive an added discount based on the years they have been married, on February 10. Reservations are now available, and romancers can go to Geja’s website www.gejascafe.com and click on the Valentine’s icon to complete their reservation.
Indulge in an (Almost) Too Cute to Eat Dessert on State Street
State and Lake Chicago, 201 N. State St., will be offering the ultimate dessert treat for couples this Valentine’s Day. Guests who visit may indulge in a delicious Cuddle Bear Cake comprised of devils’ food cake, rum roasted bananas, vanilla bean mousse and strawberry crunch for just $15. The creation was artfully constructed by Chicago’s Queen of Pastry’s herself, Chef Toni Roberts. For more information on State and Lake Chicago Tavern, please visit https://stateandlakechicago.com/.
Relax and Enjoy a Couple’s Day at the Spa
Spa@theWit is offering “Blissfully In Love Couples” massages and “Just You + Me Couples” pedicures for this season of love! Nothing says “I care for you.” more than an intimate and relaxing trip to the spa with that special person in your life. And each treatment comes with a glass of champagne and take-home gifts for guests to celebrate one another. More details can be found at https://spaatthewit.com/.
Love is on the Lanes at Lucky Strike Social at Wrigleyville
Lucky Strike Social at Wrigleyville, perfectly located at 1027 W. Addison St., is playing Cupid this Valentine’s Day weekend by offering two special Cupid’s Pairings Packages, available Thursday, February 13 through Sunday, February 16. Patrons can select to sweeten their experience by selecting Pairing 1, which includes a lane reservation by the hour, one item from their Valentine’s Day menu that includes signature menu items such as Esteban’s Nachos, Classic Cheeseburger, Chicken Tinga Quesadilla, Chicken Bites, and Wings, and choice of alcoholic beverage, beginning at $15; along with Pairing 2, which includes a lane reservation with a glass of house wine per person, and their Sinful Chocolate Insanity, perfect to share with your sweeter half. Package begins at $17. To book your Valentine’s Day reservations, please click here.
Sip Away Valentine’s Woes with Inspired Cocktails and Spectacular Views of the City’s Skyline and Chicago River
Raised, An Urban Rooftop Bar, located at 1 W. Wacker Drive, is offering a selection of Valentine’s inspired cocktails including the Rambling Rose, with rose vodka, manzanilla sherry, and a strawberry simple; Shake It Off, mixed with fino sherry, aperol banana liqueur, and lime juice; and a Run and Tell That, complete with buttermilk, raspberry puree, chocolate liquor, rum, and a blueberry vinegar. Patrons can also complement their cocktail selections with a Champagne Strawberry Almond Cake. In addition, live music will be offered from Aya Duo on February 13 from 5 to 7 p.m., as well as DJ Agent Forte on February 14 from 5 to 7 p.m.
A Sweet Pairing for a Sweet Pair at Renaissance Chicago Hotel’s Restaurant
Staytion Market and Bar will be featuring a sweet pairing available beginning on Thursday, February 13th through Saturday the 15th for $59. The sweet pairing includes a Moët Impérial Brut or Moët Rosé Impérial (187 ml bottles) balanced with a Strawberry Inspiration Torte dessert. Live music will also be provided from Aly Jados on February 14 from 5-8 p.m.
A Decadent, Candlelit Dinner off the Mag Mile
Ocean Prime, Chicago’s premier destination for seafood and steak located at 87 E. Wacker, will be offering a special menu addition for Valentine’s Day diners. Executive Chef Jason Shelley has carefully created a Roasted Sea Bass over Alaskan King Crab Gnocchi with decadent Champagne Cream. The dish is topped with a delicious Baby Carrot Salad in a Preserved Lemon Pepper Vinaigrette. The perfect place to celebrate the romantic holiday, Ocean Prime is a vibrant, centrally located modern fine dining experience that offers unparalleled views of both the scenic Magnificent Mile and Chicago River. They are now accepting reservations for the holiday. For more information on the restaurant or to book a reservation, guests may visit https://www.ocean-prime.com/.
Let your Love Sail on a Romantic Experience Unlike Any Other
Perfect for couples looking for a romantic experience unlike any other in Chicago, Hornblower Cruises & Events Chicago is hosting several Valentine’s Day Weekend cruises on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River on Friday, February 14 and Saturday, February 15. Guests of each two or three-hour cruise will enjoy a private table with incredible views of Chicago’s architecture from their seats, a freshly-cut single rose per couple and the opportunity to dance the night away following a delicious buffet or plated meal. Both Lunch and Dinner menus feature a first-course Caesar Salad, a second-course Lobster Bisque and an array of options for dessert. Lunch entree options include Jumbo Forest Mushroom Ravioli, Maple & Mustard Glazed Chicken Breast, Oven Baked Fresh Atlantic Salmon Filet and Braised Beef Short Rib, while dinner entree options include Jumbo Forest Mushroom Ravioli, Oven Roasted Frenched Chicken Breast with Rosemary & Thyme or six-ounce USDA Choice Filet Mignon & Jumbo Shrimp. Additional enhancements, including guaranteed window table, a bottle of champagne for the table, keepsake champagne flutes and a half dozen roses are also available. Cruises range starting from $79.90 – $149.90 per person and tickets are available for purchase online.
Enjoy an Unmatched Wine and Dinner Pairing at the Closest Off-Airport Hotel to ORD
Love is almost as good as a really great glass of wine, but unmatched when paired with delicious food. To celebrate the love in the air this Valentine’s Day, The Rose Hotel located in Rosemont has collaborated with The Prisoner Wine Company to host a special pairing dinner on February 14 hosted by John Samaritano featuring a menu crafted by Executive Chef Nicholas Malloy. For $80 per person, the evening will include a cocktail hour beginning at 6 p.m. and a seductive dining experience guided and expertly paired with world class wines beginning at 7 p.m. including the following:
- Scallops with Parsnip Puree, Poached Apple, Shaved Asparagus, Pancetta and Micro Greens
- Wine Pairing: “Snitch”
- Smoked Short Rib with Cranberry Polenta, Rainbow Chard, Onion Ash and Garlic Confit Chimichurri
- Wine Pairing: “Cuttings”
- Braised Lamb Shank with Pita Skordalia, Fried Rosemary, Pearl Onion and Lamb Jus.
- Wine Pairing “Eternally Silenced”
- Red Wine Cheesecake with a Red Wine StrawberryReduction.
- Wine Pairing: “Prisoner”
Tickets are $80 per person and can be purchased online here.
