What’s one of the best gifts you could possibly give yourself or someone you love on the most successful hallmark holiday? An experience. It’s something you can agree upon, surprise someone with, share, and look back on. Yes, a box of chocolates and flowers will suffice, but why not actually use the occasion as an excuse to try to something new? Nothing says ‘I love you’ more than a bottle of champagne, lobster ravioli, date stuffed quail, or a mouthwatering dessert to share.
Grab your plus one (significant other, friend, family, neighbor, acquaintance, stranger from across the bar) and take advantage of all the specials Chicago’s restaurant scene has to offer. With the longest month of winter behind us and the promise of spring (sorry Puxatony Phil) no where in sight, use February 14th to treat yourself. You deserve it.
Here are the top 5 restaurants worthy of your extra dollars this Valentine’s Day. Included in this list are 3 very honorable mentions. Now what’s more stressful, finding your plus one or a reservation that’s not at 5 or 10:30pm? Happy dialing!
Honorable mention #3
Green Zebra {For the staunch vegetarian in your life}
An organically focused four course vegetarian menu, $55/ person. Optional wine pairing, $35/person. Available on February 14th only.
1460 W. Chicago ave {Chicago + Greenview}
(312) 243-7100
Honorable mention #2
Bin36 {Dinner, wine, and a movie- it’s a dressed-up version of what you do at home}
Boasting a giant loft, Bin36 is putting up a viewing screen and showing the classic Moonstruck. A hearty three-course Italian prix fix menu consisting of fresh arugula salad, spaghetti and meatballs, and red velvet cake, paired with expertly chosen wines, Bin36 is sure to keep your palate and frame of mind on point for Valentine’s Day.
339 N. Dearborn ave {Dearborn + Carroll}
(312) 755-9463
Honorable mention #1
La Madia {good pizza pleases all}
For just under $22/ person you can order the panzanella salad, pizza and panna cotta chocolat dessert. For the modern and upbeat atmosphere that boasts excellent quality pizza, this is quite a bargain. No excuse not to try it and order some world class wine.
65 W. Grand ave {Grand + east of Clark}
(312) 329-0400
#5 Coobah {Latin Fusion to infuse your taste buds}
This is the place for diners looking to get the most for their money. $34.50/person delivers an appetizer, entrée, and dessert with a complimentary gift bag from C.O. Bigelow. Added bonus: getting there is easy. There’s parking in the back and just steps from the Southport brown line stop. Undeniably, Coobah boasts an intimate, dimmed, sexy atmosphere. The depth and marriage of Cuban and Latin American flavors coupled with an energetic ambiance will definitely get you in the mood.
3423 N. Southport ave {Southport + Newport}
(773) 528-2220
#4 Coast {Crème de la crème of sushi spots}
Sushi is synonymous with romance. It’s delicate, elegant, must be savored and shared. Whether you’re getting creative signature makis like Coast crab or volcano, fresh nigiri, or seared tuna with warm sesame soba noodles and caramelized sweet potato entrée, Coast will tempt your adventurous side and prove once and for all that raw is right. Those that are watching their budget, Coast is an ideal option because it’s BYOB. While you might be in close proximity to the couple next to you, the dark, sleek lounge décor will make restitution for all the noise, hustle and bustle.
2045 N. Damen ave {Damen + south of Dickens}
(773) 235-5775
#3 The Bristol {Locally sourced and innovative ingredients reign supreme}
$45/person will get you and your plus one a slew of delectable options. Start with oysters on a half shell or raw artichoke and radicchio salad, move on to crespelle of lamb or ballotine of chicken and chicken sausage with white beans, and finish with a divine chocolate moelleux cake. The custom Valentine’s menu prides even more dish options. Wash it down with a handcrafted cocktail like the Moscow Mule, perfection in liquid form. The Bristol is sure to impress a novice and foodie at the same time.
2152 N. Damen ave {Damen + south of Webster}
(773) 862-5555
#2 The Florentine {Antipasti, Primi, Secondi, Todo delizioso}
With seasoned chef Todd Stein at the helm of a new Italian/ Mediterranean venture, the Florentine is the most likely of the restaurants on this concise list to literally take your breath away. A Valentine’s inspired menu mastered by Stein, synergized with the vigor and conscientious service brought to you by the highly accomplished BLT restaurant group, is sure to be one of the most memorable meals you’ll share. Go in with high expectations and walk away dreaming of your second visit. A recommendation: Tiramisu is the quintessential romantic Italian dessert for two.
151 W. Adams street {Adams + LaSalle}
(312) 660-8866
#1 Mercadito and Double A {Special chocolate Tequila shots- we have a clear winner}
The ultimate Valentine’s Day dining experience Chicago has to offer. At Double A, a personalized 2 hour cooking class plus four courses featuring the pastor de verduras chile guajillo marinated vegetable, chile de árbol salsa, grilled pineapple carnitas and michoacan style braised pork with a Mexican style coleslaw (A to-die-for pork taco-like creation). Additionally you’ll be poured four clever Mexican cocktails including the exotic Blood and Daisy and Missionary’s Reposition. All of this will be worth the $95/person price tag.
Upstairs at Mercadito, a family-style create your own five course tasting menu will be for you and ours for $65 a piece. Without a doubt, skip the flan and finish off the feast with the chocolate tequila shots. Don’t stick to a traditional path, order guacamoles, salsas, petite tacos, and ceviches that feature unusual ingredients. Without fail Mercadito’s chefs will make tongue dance. In one of the most visually vibrant, full of life, well-serviced and executed Mexican restaurants in Chicago, Mercadito will give the words ‘love and appreciation’ a whole new meaning this year.
108 W. Kinzie Street {Kinzie + LaSalle}
(312) 329-9555
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