It might be hard to imagine going out in these freezing temps, but Valentine’s Day will be here soon so you need to make plans to avoid heartbreak. Restaurants throughout the Chicago area are offering luxurious special menus so you can spend the night having oysters, Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries with your special someone, but there are also more casual ways to mark the occasion such as heart-shaped pizzas or dim sum feasts.
Spots have also really leaned into the idea of Galentine’s Day, encouraging friends to get together for a flower-arranging class or drag brunch and there are even parties where you can celebrate with your dog. Share the love by making a reservation at one of these 70 spots.
All menus and specials are offered Feb. 14 unless otherwise noted.
The Loop and Near North Side
Avli on the Park
Celebrate with specials including feta and caramelized onion pie ($15), seafood orzo ($32), vegetarian moussaka ($28) and raspberry cheesecake ($16). 180 N. Field Blvd., 312-600-9997, avli.us
Bistronomic
Imagine you’re celebrating in Paris with a special three-course menu ($95 or $115 with a glass of Champagne) that includes lobster bisque, beef tenderloin with roasted fingerling potatoes and bittersweet ganache chocolate bars. 840 N. Wabash Ave., 312-944-8400, bistronomic.net
BLVD Steakhouse
Chef Joe Flamm offers a special three-course menu ($105) including tuna crudo, mushroom risotto with black truffles and sticky toffee pudding. 817 W. Lake St., 312-526-3116, blvdchicago.com
Boleo
The restaurant within the Kimpton Gray Hotel offers a three-course menu ($69) Feb. 14-15 featuring tuna tiradito, grilled filet with parmesan mashed potatoes and mocha raspberry tiramisu. 122 W. Monroe St., 312-750-9007, boleochicago.com
Casa Chi
The new cocktail spot within the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile offers a three-course menu ($130) featuring a welcome cocktail, sushi rolls, meat cooked on hot stones and yuzu cheesecake plus live music from Siul Reynoso from 6-9 p.m. Feb. 14-15. 505 N. Michigan Ave., 312-944-4100, ihg.com
Cindy’s Rooftop
Take in the views from the 13th floor of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel while dining on specials from chef Kaleena Bliss including a chilled seafood platter ($85), a 32-ounce tomahawk ribeye for two ($145) and chocolate mousse with strawberry compote ($16). 12 S. Michigan Ave., 312-792-3502, cindysrooftop.com
The Dearborn
The Loop restaurant offers specials Feb. 13-16 including oysters with Champagne-cucumber mignonette, pheasant and foie gras pot pie, and strawberry trifle along with optional wine pairings. 145 N. Dearborn St., 312-384-1242, thedearborntavern.com
Dearly Beloved
Take a Galentine’s Day cocktail class at 5:30, 7 or 8:30 p.m. Feb. 13 ($35) or attend the Black Rose Ball from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Feb. 15, a benefit for Lurie Children’s Hospital including Champagne, three drink tickets and dessert ($150). The cocktail restaurant also offers specials throughout the weekend including miso-cured Atlantic cod, cannoli and a Red Velvet cocktail made with vodka, espresso, coconut milk and white chocolate cream cheese foam. 900 N. Franklin St., dearlybelovedchicago.com
Eataly
Visit more than 10 stations serving pasta and other dishes from 6-8:30 Feb. 13 at a Valentine’s Day tasting ($55) that includes a cocktail, two glasses of Italian wine, a chocolate fountain and a glass etching station. Learn about how Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Italy from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 14 during a cooking class ($145) that includes a three-course dinner with caviar, steak tenderloin and chocolate-dipped strawberries. 43 E. Ohio St., 312-521-8700, eataly.com
Grill on 21
A four-course dinner for two ($150) served Feb. 14-15 includes tuna crudo, lobster bisque, roasted branzino and flourless chocolate cake. 208 S. LaSalle St., 312-634-0000 ext. 3, grillon21.com
Il Porcellino
Cozy up in a booth and order specials offered Feb. 14-15 including black truffle beef tartare, lobster fra diavolo, chocolate raspberry heart cake and heart-shaped bomboloni. 59 W. Hubbard St., 312-595-0800, ilporcellinochicago.com
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
Order a Valentine’s Day dinner for two ($290) for carryout or delivery Feb. 12-14 that includes shrimp cocktail, Caesar salad, filets, lobster tails, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, Key lime pie and a bottle of prosecco. 60 E. Grand Ave., 312-379-5637, joes.net
Kindling
James Beard Award-winning Chef Jonathon Sawyer offers a three-course menu ($88) Feb. 13-15 featuring caviar, oysters with Champagne mignonette, lobster risotto and rice pudding. 202 S. Franklin St., 312-789-5992, kindlingchicago.com
Lirica
The Sable Hotel restaurant offers a four-course menu ($110) featuring smoked duck breast bruschetta, scallops and risotto, and strawberry pistachio cake. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 14-16. 900 E. Grand Ave., 872-710-5750, liricarestaurant.com
Lure Fishbar
The Love Boat, a selection of sushi, sashimi, caviar and Champagne oyster shooters ($120), is the star of a special menu that also includes pan-seared scallops with cauliflower purée ($24), pan-seared duck breast with polenta ($42), a deluxe seafood tower for two ($95) and a raspberry dome with berries and cream ($11). 616 N. Rush St., 312-660-6180, lurefishbar.com
Miru
Enjoy the views from The St. Regis Chicago while dining on a $95 four-course meal offered in addition to the regular menu. 4-10 p.m. 401 E. Wacker Drive, 312-725-7811, mirurestaurant.com
Miss Ricky’s
The restaurant within the Virgin Hotels Chicago hosts a Galentine’s Day brunch from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 8-9 and 15-16 featuring $7 rosé mimosas and heart-shaped waffles. Chef Mike Alaridi offers a three-course dinner ($80, plus $30 for wine pairings) Feb. 13-16 and offers heart-shaped pizzas and the chance to upgrade pasta entrees with tableside cheese for $10. 203 N. Wabash Ave., virginhotels.com
Osteria Via Stato
A four-course menu ($80) from chef David DiGregorio includes marinated beet and winter citrus salad, shrimp risotto and tiramisu. 5-10 p.m. 620 N. State St., 312-642-8450, osteriaviastato.com
Pizzeria Portofino
Any pizza can be made heart-shaped for an extra $5 Feb. 13-16. Feb. 13-15 you can also surprise your date with a single rose ($8) or a dozen ($85) delivered to your table at the riverfront restaurant. 317 N. Clark St., 312-900-9018, pizzeriaportofino.com
Prime & Provisions
A four-course tasting menu includes lump blue crab cake, clam chowder, a 7-ounce filet mignon and chocolate caramel cake for $135, and you can add on roasted wild mushrooms ($15), a shellfish tower ($45) or a 6-ounce lobster tail ($35). 222 N. LaSalle St., 312-726-7777, primeandprovisions.com
River Roast
Executive chef Jason Qureshi serves a three-course dinner for two ($125) Feb. 14-16 including New York strip steak with jumbo prawns and Red Velvet cake with cream cheese frosting. 315 N. LaSalle St., 312-822-0100, riverroastchicago.com
Roanoke
The Loop restaurant offers a four-course dinner for two ($135) Feb. 13-16 featuring tuna nachos, hazelnut-crusted mahi mahi and truffle chocolate mousse. 135 W. Madison St., 312-361-3800, theroanokerestaurant.com
RPM Steak
Feast on luxurious specials like Westholme strip, an ember-roasted seafood tower and a heart-shaped version of the River North restaurant’s 14K chocolate cake. 4-10 p.m. 66 W. Kinzie St., 312-284-4990, rpmrestaurants.com/rpm-steak-chicago
Seville Chicago
Chef Fabio Viviani offers a four-course dinner ($75) featuring truffle churros and potato-crusted branzino. Add wine pairings for $35 or truffles and caviar for $45. 243 S. Franklin St., 773-339-0362, sevillechicago.com
Sifr
A four-course Middle Eastern tasting menu ($85) includes cannellini bean hummus, black tiger prawn, lamb roulade and baklava cheesecake. 660 N. Orleans St., 464-204-8711, sifrchicago.com
TAO Chicago
Order a Valentine’s Day chocolate box ($25) or bottle of Veuve Clicquot Brut ($140) to be waiting for you at your table when you dine on Peking duck and Chilean sea bass. Groups of 4-12 can also order a With Love, TAO dessert platter including a round of shots and customizable giant fortune cookie dessert ($150). 632 N. Dearborn St., 224-888-0388, opentable.com/r/tao-asian-bistro-chicago
Tanta
A five-course menu ($105) features uni and whitefish tiradito, petite filet mignon with fresh black truffle and raspberry-peppermint mousse with lychee-white chocolate ganache. 118 W. Grand Ave., 312-222-9700, tantachicago.com
Toro
Chef Richard Sandoval’s new restaurant offers a four-course dinner ($125 plus $85 for wine pairings) Feb. 13-16 that includes a welcome cocktail, ceviche, lobster corn chowder and rack of lamb. 200 N. Columbus Drive, 312-565-6644, torochicago.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 a chocolate orange negroni and snack on ruby chocolate bars and pink Champagne marshmallows from Amy’s Candy Bar. The globe is equipped with a record player for romantic tunes, board games, a letter-writing kit and a Polaroid camera. Alma also hosts a Galentine’s charcuterie workshop at 6 p.m. Feb. 13 where you’ll build a heart-shaped board. The $65 tickets include a glass of wine. 3630 N. Clark St., 773-302-2326, almahotelzachary.com
Little Goat Diner
Decorate Valentine’s Day cookies at a workshop from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 12 where the $45 ticket includes a glass of wine and savory bite. Stephanie Izard’s restaurant also hosts a family-friendly Valentine’s Day party at 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Feb. 14 featuring food and bubbly specials, a balloon artist and a free sparkling cider toast. Kids can decorate a picture frame for a keepsake photo. 3325 N. Southport Ave., littlegoatchicago.com
Lottie’s Pub
Casamigos offers samplings and will give away Valentine’s Day mugs during a happy hour from 6-10 p.m. featuring $18 heart-shaped pizzas and $7 glasses of house wine, $9 Casamigos blanco, $11 Casamigos reposado and $12 Casamigos blanco jalapeño. 1925 W. Cortland St., 773-489-0738, lottiespub.com
Mon Ami Gabi
A sweetheart afternoon tea ($70 or $25 for kids) served from 1-3 p.m. Feb. 15 includes smoked salmon and egg salad sandwiches, scones, macarons and sticky toffee date cake. Add on a glass of bubbly for $12. The Lincoln Park restaurant also offers Valentine’s Day specials Feb. 7-17 including lobster bisque, Dover sole in brown butter sauce, and chocolate mousse cake. 2300 N. Lincoln Park West, 773-348-8886, monamigabi.com/chicago
Park & Field
Bring your pooch at 6 p.m. Feb. 14 for a party featuring a kissing booth photo station with props, giveaways and drink specials. Tickets are $5. The bar is also hosting a Galentine’s Day drag brunch Feb. 16 with a buffet featuring an omelet bar and sweets table plus bottomless bloody marys, mimosas and seltzers from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for $50. 3509 W. Fullerton Ave., 773-360-7373, parkandfieldchicago.com
Sfera Sicilian Street Food
A special dinner for two ($55) available for pickup or delivery includes arancini, citrus-marinated olives, a heart-shaped sfincione and a mini chocolate torta. 5759 N. Broadway, 773-739-9128, exploretock.com/sferachicago
Summer House Santa Monica
Specials offered Feb. 13-19 include hearts of palm salad with lobster and prawns ($20), pizza alla vodka ($20) and a filet and crabcake duo ($52). 1954 N. Halsted St., 773-634-4100, summerhouserestaurants.com
Uvae Kitchen & Wine Bar
Celebrate Galentine’s Day from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 13 with a hands-on Love in Every Hue floral arranging class from Wonderland Flower Co. that includes wine. On Feb. 14, the Andersonville spot offers a six-course menu for $160 per couple that includes oysters, artichoke bisque, surf and turf, and white chocolate and mango mousse. Visit from 3-4:30 p.m. Feb. 15 for a $40 Valentine’s Day-themed wine pairing class. 5553 N. Clark St., 773-654-1432, uvaechicago.com
West Side & Near West Side
Aba
Specials offered Feb. 12-16 include caviar potato chips, grilled Alaskan king crab and honey pie plus cava and 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 happy hour from 4:30-6 p.m. Feb. 13. The event includes a glass of prosecco, an espresso martini, passed appetizers and a heart-shaped sugar cookie to take home for $30. The restaurant offers dinner specials Feb. 13-16 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 Peruvian-inspired dinner ($90). A glass of bubbles is included. 200 N. Green St., 312-761-1717, cabrachicago.com
Dove’s Luncheonette
The Wicker Park diner offers a five-course dinner ($95) including beef tartare, duck breast with parsnips and Earl Grey panna cotta. Cocktails from The Violet Hour are available to add on. 1545 N. Damen Ave., 773-645-4060, doveschicago.com
Duck Duck Goat
Share dim sum and new and classic dishes from Stephanie Izard’s Chinese American-inspired menu ($85). 857 W. Fulton Market, 312-902-3825, duckduckgoatchicago.com
Fora
The restaurant within The Emily Hotel offers a five-course dinner ($75) Feb. 13-15 including saffron oysters, winter truffle risotto and manchego cheesecake. Catch a live Spanish guitar performance from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Feb. 14. 311 N. Morgan St., 312-764-1933, forachicago.com/happenings
Girl & The Goat
A special prix fixe menu ($105) features a mix of Stephanie Izard’s classic dishes as well as new bites. 809 W. Randolph St., 312-492-6262, girlandthegoat.com
Good Ambler
Grab your sweetheart a Valentine’s Day-themed treat like a strawberry heart marshmallow ($4.50), lip- or heart-shaped bonbons ($13.50), a peanut-butter-caramel heart candy bar ($8.50) and a heart lollipop ($4) served Feb. 13-15. 216 N. Peoria St., 312-872-7165, goodambler.com/valentines
Guinness Open Gate Brewery
A four-course dinner with beer pairings ($99) includes cranberry tangerine salad with cranberry tangerine wheat ale, filet and scallops with Kinzie Street Pale Ale and raspberry creme brulee served with the brewery’s new Raspberry Noir chocolate raspberry stout. 901 W. Kinzie St., guinnessbrewerychicago.com
Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar
A special tasting menu ($225 plus $65 for beverage pairings) available Feb. 10-16 in addition to the regular offerings includes beet-striped ricotta, herb-filled ravioli, wood-grilled short rib with radish kimchi and black sesame cake. 2700 W. Chicago Ave., 773-661-9577, heritage-chicago.com
il Carciofo
Joe Flamm’s new Fulton Market restaurant offers a four-course menu ($105) including Roman-style fried artichoke, black truffle pizza, saltimbocca and zeppole. 1045 W. Fulton St., 872-274-5862, ilcarciofochicago.com
Lyra
Take a trip to Greece with a four-course tasting menu ($125) served Feb. 14-15, including charred octopus, Wagyu beef souvlaki and orange syrup cake. $125 plus $55 for wine pairings. 905 W. Fulton Market, 312-660-7722, lyrarestaurant.com
Nisos Prime
A four-course dinner ($125) offered from 5-10 p.m. Feb. 14 includes shrimp cocktail, rigatoni with vodka sauce, steak frites and chocolate cake. Visit Prime Bar Feb. 6-13 for a $50 bundle including a dozen oysters and a bottle of bubbly. 802 W. Randolph St., 312-800-8582, nisosprime.com
Proxi
Executive chef Andrew Zimmerman and chef de cuisine Jennifer Kim offer a family-style tasting menu ($120, plus $55 for wine pairings), including beef tartare, smoked pumpkin tamale, coal-roasted striped bass and frozen yuzu pie. 565 W. Randolph St., 312-466-1950, proxichicago.com
The Publican
A five-course menu ($90) features oysters Rockefeller, roasted cod with braised leeks, grilled sirloin with arugula pesto and Key lime pavlova. 837 Fulton St., 312-733-9555, thepublicanrestaurant.com
Rose Mary
Share a four-course dinner ($105), including tuna crudo with veal aioli, butternut squash risotto, lamb saddle with roasted carrots and toffee zelten. Add on wine pairings for $60. 932 W. Fulton Market, 872-260-3921, rosemarychicago.com
South Side & Near South Side
Bronzeville Winery
An “Aphrodisiac Affair” candlelit dinner ($125) is a five-course dinner from chef Fred Moe starting with oysters and sparkling wine, optional wine and cocktail pairings, and the chance to preorder roses and other gifts. 5:30 and 8 p.m. 4420 S. Cottage Grove Ave., 872-244-7065, bronzevillewinery.com
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 oysters and caviar for $125. 1401 S. Michigan Ave., 312-786-1401, chicagofirehouse.com
The Duck Inn
Groove to ’90s R&B during a three-course dinner ($120) featuring pork belly with mushroom risotto, Wagyu strip steak and Red Velvet pot de creme. 2701 S. Eleanor St., 312-724-8811, theduckinnchicago.com
Lowcountry
A Galentine’s Day celebration features a $38 seafood boil including lobster tail, snow crab cluster, shrimp, corn, potatoes and cornbread, $8 glasses of rosé sangría and live music from TheKeysRelieves. Spend a minimum of $50 and you’ll be entered in a raffle for a pair of Christian Louboutin high heels. 5-10 p.m. Feb. 13. 1132 S. Wabash Ave., 312-866-8633, lowcountrychicago.com
Mesler Kitchen
A Galentine’s Day brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 8 features Whispering Angel and Hennessy cocktails, Hennessy-infused chocolate-covered strawberries, bottle engraving, a bouquet-making station and a love letters table. Thursdays through Saturdays throughout February you can also book an igloo outside the Sophy hotel decorated with Valentine’s Day decor and equipped with games and romantic records you can listen to while enjoying hot toddies, s’mores and dishes from the regular menu. 1401 E. 53rd St., 773-289-1005, meslerchicago.com
Truth Be Told
A $75 three-course dinner served Feb. 14-15 includes yellowfin tuna tartare, pan-seared scallops, white chocolate raspberry mousse and a glass of Champagne. Upgrade the entree to a 14-ounce bone-in ribeye for two for $25. 1227 E. 60th St., 872-315-1319, truthbetoldtavern.com
Wild Blossom Meadery & Winery
Make your own wine and compete in a grape-stomping contest as part of a party, including wine-themed games, romantic karaoke, dinner, and a wine and mead tasting. $145155 plus $85 to $215 for the wine supplies. 7-10 p.m. 9030 S. Hermitage Ave., 773-840-4642, wildblossommeadery.com
Suburban and multiple locations
Antico Posto
Specials offered Feb. 13-19 include spicy lobster and crab risotto and white chocolate cheesecake. 118 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, 630-586-9200, antico-posto.com
Di Pescara
A three-course dinner ($50) offered Feb. 13-15 includes lobster bisque, braised short ribs with mashed potatoes and Red Velvet tiramisu. 2124 Northbrook Court, Northbrook, 847-498-4321, di-pescara.com
The Goddess and Grocer
Order sweet treats for pickup and delivery including a 6-inch chocolate strawberry cake ($45), a heart-shaped blackberry white chocolate tart ($32), chocolate-covered strawberries ($18) and a cookie gift box ($25). Multiple locations, goddessandgrocer.com
The Hampton Social
A Galentine’s Day experience offered Feb. 1-13 includes 90 minutes of bottomless sparkling rosé and an appetizer for $50. The chain also offers a Valentine’s Day special Feb. 14-16 featuring half a dozen oysters and two glasses of sparkling rosé for $30. Add caviar to each oyster for $10. Multiple locations, thehamptonsocial.com
Saranello’s
Celebrate at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 14 with a party featuring a DJ and a four-course meal ($90) including strawberry and baby spinach salad, boursin-crusted filet mignon and chocolate cake. The restaurant also offers dinner specials Feb. 13-19, including lobster caprese and veal osso buco, plus a $45 brunch Feb. 16 including shrimp cocktail and roasted lamb. 601 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, 847-777-6878, saranellos.com
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Indulge with a $199 package for two offered Feb. 10-16 including a 32-ounce Australian Wagyu tomahawk ribeye, two lobster tails and a bottle of sparkling wine. You can also add on a Valentine’s Day cocktail such as the Burning Love, which is bourbon muddled with bordeaux cherry and chocolate bitters served smoking. 244 S. Main St., Naperville, 630-305-0230, sullivanssteakhouse.com
Sushi-san
Skip the flowers and head to River North or Lincoln Park for akami tuna roses offered in addition to the regular menu. 63 W. Grand Ave., 312-828-0575 and 1950 N. Halsted St., 773-389-7101 sushisanrestaurant.com
Sweet Mandy B’s
The bakery offers holiday treats Feb. 7-14 including chocolate-covered strawberries, chocolate ganache hearts and a raspberry iced brownie. 1208 W. Webster Ave., 773-244-1174 and 254 E. Ontario St., 312-255-1632, sweetmandybs.com
The Table at Crate
The restaurant within Crate & Barrel offers a three-course menu ($45 or $55 with a glass of rosé prosecco) Feb. 12-16 featuring baked brie, red wine short ribs and banana bread pudding with salted caramel gelato. 35 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, 630-590-9444, tableatcrate.com
Truluck’s
A “Sinners & Saints” menu offered Feb. 10-16 features lobster tempura bao ($26), Ora King salmon with Wagyu strip ($99), brie and lobster mac and cheese ($32) and chocolate-covered long-stem strawberries. 9860 Berwyn Ave., Rosemont, 847-233-9404, trulucks.com
Wildfire
The restaurant highlights its favorites in a special meal for two ($135 per couple), including shrimp cocktail, chopped salad, petit filet mignon and Red Velvet cake. Feb. 13-16. Multiple locations, wildfirerestaurant.com
Samantha Nelson is a freelance writer.
