77 Valentine’s Day specials at Chicagoland restaurants, from speed dating to make-your-own-wine night

Valentine’s Day can mean a lot of pressure to plan the perfect date. Should you opt for a decadent dinner out with a tasting menu or wine pairings, or share an intimate meal in your own home?

Do you want a dramatic view or elaborate experience, or just some good comfort food and a bit of bubbly for a night that feels celebratory without being too involved? Or are you single and just want a way to celebrate Galentine’s Day with your pals?

No matter what you’re looking for, Chicagoland restaurants and bars want to make it easy for you to feel the love. All menus and specials are offered Feb. 14 unless otherwise noted, though with the holiday falling on a Tuesday, many places are offering specials throughout the week.

Make sure to book a spot soon to avoid being left heartbroken.

Do you know a restaurant, bar or food business offering a Valentine’s Day special? Email food editor Ariel Cheung at archeung@chicagotribune.com, or submit them here.

Enjoy a four-course mezze feast for two ($140) at this West Loop restaurant Feb. 10-14. Start off with a zero-proof Sweet Nothing cocktail brimming with bright notes of pineapple, strawberry and pink peppercorn; or a strawberry-infused riff on a French 75. Dinner features falafel, beef kebabs and red beet hummus. Staying in for the night? Pre-order a similar to-go package ($125) for Feb. 14. 302 N. Green St., 773-645-1400, abarestaurants.com/chicago

Even if you can’t make it to the City of Love, you can get a taste of Paris with a $135 French dinner including seared foie gras with caramelized apples, braised beef short rib and Grand Marnier chocolate truffles. 64 Green Bay Road, Winnetka; 847-441-3100; georgetroisgroup.com/aboyer

Take a trip through the Mediterranean at this award-winning restaurant, which offers a six-course meal for $115 at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. featuring oysters with grilled merguez sausage and roasted lamb chops with saffron rice. 615 W. Randolph St., 312-377-2002, avecrestaurant.com

Give your body some love with a 50-minute Valentine’s weekend Core Power yoga class at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 12 that includes a brunch entree and bottomless mimosas for $60. From 5-10 p.m. Feb. 14, the restaurant offers a $48 three-course dinner featuring filet mignon with black truffle and Greek walnut cake. 180 N. Field Blvd., 312-600-9997, avli.us

A three-course $65 dinner offered in addition to the regular menu from Feb. 10-14 includes a lobster empanada, tequila honey-glazed grilled salmon and molten chocolate cake with cinnamon ice cream. For a boozy celebration, share a Red + Pink strawberry and white peach margarita tower from Feb. 1-14. 1177 N. Elston Ave., 773-770-3766, azulmariscos.com

San Valentino specials available in addition to the regular menu include hearts of palm salad ($15), pan-seared red snapper with grilled artichokes ($28) and red velvet cake with vanilla gelato ($11). 5101 N. Clark St., 773-942-7572, barromachicago.com

Get a little cheesy with a heart-shaped deep-dish or tavern-style pizza available for pickup or delivery. 1955 W. Addison St., 773-248-0455; 658 N. Ashland Ave., 312-929-4133; bartolispizzeria.com

Dine at home with a $146 package including lobster and sweet corn tamales, chocolate- and chili-glazed short rib and a chocolate raspberry heart with dark chocolate mousse. Make the celebration playful by adding on a Valentine’s Day cookie or chocolate cake decorating kit ($24-$37). Items are served cold with reheating instructions, and orders must be placed by Feb. 9 for pickup or delivery Feb. 11-14. Multiple locations, beatrixrestaurants.com

Sample rare pours of Pappy Van Winkle whiskey during a $225 four-course dinner featuring kale Caesar salad with pumpkin seeds, carne asada served with housemade tortillas and vanilla bean flan. 551 N. Ogden Ave., 312-521-5169, bigstarmariscos.com

There’s something for everyone in this South Side establishment’s Weekend of Love. Start off Feb. 11 with a Single Mingle at the bar, followed by a Galentine’s Day brunch Feb. 12 with $30 mimosa flights. On Valentine’s Day, a special three-course dinner ($75 per person) can also come with an add-on bouquet guests can order in advance. 4420 S. Cottage Grove Ave., 872-244-7065, bronzevillewinery.com

The new Edgewater restaurant will serves a three-course menu from 4-11 p.m. featuring lobster risotto, chicken cassoulet and passion fruit creme brulee for $80 per couple, or $170 with a bottle of brut rosé. 5940 N. Broadway, 773-769-2900, brasseriebycandc.com

A seven-course dinner based on each of the deadly sins awaits at this Hammond, Indiana brewery, with add-on beer ($15) and wine ($20) pairings available. Dine on crispy pork chicharrones drizzled in a balsamic fig reduction (gluttony), chili-spiced prawns (wrath) and filet mignon over Gouda mashed potatoes and topped with lobster and a cabernet truffle reduction (sloth). $75. 2825 Carlson Drive, Hammond; 219-844-5468; bywaybrewing.beer

This South Loop neighborhood cafe will offer a special six-course Italian dinner from Feb. 10-19. Start off with Italian wedding soup and heart-shaped ravioli before tucking in to fettuccine with truffle-infused cream sauce, a shrimp-topped tenderloin, and a raspberry chocolate martini. 1924 S. State St., 312-313-6485, cafebiondasouthloop.com

A special three-course dinner ($60 per person) awaits for the Valentine inclined, with choices ranging from salmon tartare and gnocchi with duck confit, to filet mignon and arctic char. Finish things off with dessert options such as salted-caramel chocolate cake, hazelnut tiramisu and a strawberry semifreddo popsicle. Reservations are required. 4279 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-989-5595, cafeselmarie.com

Looking to make some meaningful connections this Valentine’s Day? Head to Hot Potato Hearts, an inclusive speed dating event at this Humboldt Park bar. Participants will meet everyone, no matter sexual orientation, so you’re as likely to walk away with a few new friends as a potential date. Proof of vaccination is required, and masks are highly encouraged. $10. 6:30-9 p.m. 1002 N. California Ave., californiaclipper.com

A special Valentine’s Day menu ($95 per person) pulls out all the stops at this firehouse-turned-chic-steakhouse restaurant. Select from options like filet mignon, potato-wrapped halibut and seared diver scallops before finishing off the night with a chocolate souffle or bananas foster. 1401 S. Michigan Ave., 312-786-1401, chicagofirehouse.com

A heart-shaped lobster pizza is the star of the $125 four-course menu from executive chef Jacob Saben, which also features egg and truffle ravioli and sumac-lacquered duck breast. 3335 N. Southport Ave., 773-687-8568, cdvolpe.com

Enjoy a seafood feast of snow crab legs, shrimp and potatoes for a special $69 menu available on Valentine’s Day at this Cajun-style seafood spot. 2529 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-360-8332, thecrabpad.com

Groove to ‘90s R&B during a $95 three-course dinner featuring venison tartare, seared tuna and a chocolate-covered éclair. 2701 S. Eleanor St., 312-724-8811, theduckinnchicago.com

Share the love at a communal dinner from Michelin-starred chef Donald Young hosted at a secret location. Seven- and 15-course versions are available for $150 or $225, and the meal includes Alaskan halibut, dry-aged duck and Grand Marnier souffle. 7 p.m. Feb. 10; 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Feb 11 and 14; exploretock.com/ducksel

Join a four-course Cupid’s Celebration dinner at 6:30 p.m. featuring surf and turf, chocolate truffles, live saxophone music and a roses giveaway for $93. For a really intimate experience, book a heated igloo and get cozy under blankets while dining on a three-course meal paired with a bottle of Champagne for $175 per person. 2301 York Road, Oak Brook; 630-571-0000; thedrakeoakbrookhotel.com

A five-course menu offered Feb. 10-16 features lobster agnolotti with smoked ricotta, a 12-ounce wood-grilled rib-eye with bone marrow Bordelaise and Champagne truffles for $100. A vegetarian meal is also available. 2734 W. Roscoe St., 312-366-2294, edeninchicago.com

Enjoy a five-course dinner for two featuring baked oysters, lobster linguine, tuna tartare and a peanut butter chocolate pie for dessert. $65 for two people. 1529 N. Wells St., 312-643-0450, fishbar-oldtown.com

The West Loop Italian restaurant offers specials including fettuccine Alfredo with lobster, whole roasted snapper with salsa verde and cheesecake with strawberry compote. 925 W. Randolph St., 312-690-7295, formentos.com

Head to this classic Chicago steakhouse (81 years young!) for a special Valentine’s Day menu for two. Enjoy oyster mushroom risotto, heart-shaped crab ravioli, and a surf-and-turf combo of filet and lobster tail. Toast to a great night with Champagne and white chocolate mousse for dessert. 500 N. Franklin St., 312-527-3718, geneandgeorgetti.com

Find amore at the West Loop restaurant, which offers a $110 three-course meal featuring lobster terrine, seared ahi tuna with roasted baby winter vegetables and a chocolate souffle with moscato mousse. 1133 W. Randolph St., 773-672-8955, gioiachicago.com

Try some of chef Stephanie Izard’s classic dishes as well as more recent favorites as part of a $95 menu. Wine pairings are available for an extra $75. 809 W. Randolph St., 312-492-6262, girlandthegoat.com/chicago

Get your flowers and chocolates in one place with a pop-up from Oliver Dogwood from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 11 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 14. Chef Kevin McCormick has made a variety of festive sweet treats including chocolate teddy bears and chocolate-covered strawberries. 216 N. Peoria St., 312-872-7165, goodambler.com

Inside The LaSalle Hotel, this steakhouse will offer a special Valentine’s Day menu ($85 per person) with culinary delights ranging from lobster bisque and roasted chicken to filet mignon and chocolate turtle cake. 208 S. LaSalle St., 312-634-0000, grillon21.com

Gather a group of three or more Feb. 1-13 for a Galentine’s Day experience including an appetizer and bottomless frosé in the lounge for $50 per person. Multiple locations, thehamptonsocial.com

Share a $225 tasting menu for two including hamachi crudo with pickled chilies, pan-seared scallop with butternut squash and charcoal-grilled hanger steak with white asparagus tempura. Drink pairings are available for an extra $65 per person. The dinner is offered Feb. 10-15 in addition to the regular menu. 2700 W. Chicago Ave., 773-661-9577, heritage-chicago.com

Catch a performance from Hot Tawdry during a Valentine’s Day burlesque show at 8 p.m. 1415 N. Wood St., 773-360-8320, inamaetavern.com

Chef Sujan Sarkar prepares a seven-course menu of all new dishes for $160, with wine pairings available for $70. 217 W. Huron St., 312-291-9427; indiennechicago.com

The rooftop spot at the Godfrey Hotel hosts a Galentine’s Day brunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 12 featuring a build-your-own mimosa station, heart-shaped beignets and French toast, and red velvet cinnamon rolls. 127 W. Huron St., 312-374-1830, iogodfrey.com

A $125 tasting menu for two available from Feb. 10-14 includes oysters, jamon iberico, fried eggplant with local honey, head-on shrimp with garlic and rice pudding. 500 N. Clark St., 312-820-7771, jaleo.com

Head to this Bib Gourmand-rated restaurant in the West Loop for Valentine’s Day specials Feb. 10-14. Enjoy a Mariscos platter ($29) of lobster, crab and shrimp; cocktails such as the Para Mi ($15) made with mezcal, Cocchi Americano, Campari and hibiscus; and a chocolate mousse cake doused in tequila and topped with candied kumquats and raspberry sauce for dessert. 740 W. Randolph St., 312-929-2900, lajosie.com

The decadent three-course Fête de L’Amour menu offered Feb. 10-19 features a foie gras éclair, Atlantic cod with black garlic aioli and pistachio creme brulee for $85. Add a flight of rosé for $50. 20 E. Chestnut St., 312-324-4000, sofitel-chicago.com

A glass of sparkling wine kicks off a $168 four-course dinner for two offered Feb. 10-12 and 14. The meal includes heart-shaped red beet salad, rib-eye au poivre, pistachio-crusted scallops and a red velvet cupcake. 2301 W. Roscoe St., 773-857-1985, lesudchicago.com

The new River North restaurant offers a five-course dinner for $160 featuring oysters on the half-shell, lobster salad and seared scallop. Wine and cocktails pairings are $55. The meal comes with chocolate pot de crème, but you can also get extra sweet by heading to the tasting room for $49 wine and chocolate pairings. 739 N. Clark St., 312-763-3674, chiwinery.com

Happy hour specials offered from 7-10 p.m. include $10 heart-shaped pizzas and $7 glasses of house wine. 1925 W. Cortland St., 773-489-0738, lottiespub.com

Try a variety of Spanish fare with a $120 dinner for two featuring cava-braised short ribs, seafood paella and chocolate basque cheesecake. The meal is offered Feb. 10-14. 638 S. Michigan Ave., 312-765-0524, mercatchicago.com

Choose from the restaurant’s regular menu of classic French fare or a $75 three-course dinner offered Feb. 9-15 featuring lobster bisque, beef Wellington and a chocolate ganache tart with raspberry sorbet. Add on a glass of rosé for $16. 2300 N. Lincoln Park West, 773-348-8886, monamigabi.com

Toast to love with two glasses of Champagne paired with half a dozen oysters ($32) then dig into a surf & turf dinner for two that includes steak au poivre and lobster pot pie ($65). The specials are offered Feb. 10-14 along with Valentine’s Day-inspired vintage cocktails. 3632 N. Clark St., 773-269-5410, mordecaichicago.com

Aphrodisiac-inspired specials from executive chef Terence Zubieta are available Feb. 12-18 including oysters with uni foam ($26), lobster bisque ($24), short rib cavatelli with wild mushrooms ($38) and an ice cream sundae for two ($25). 800 N. Michigan Ave., 312-239-4030, nomichicago.com

Valentine’s Day dinner specials range from fettuccine with lobster in a spicy red sauce ($27) to grilled lamb chop with roasted potatoes ($37) and a peanut butter fudge torta ($8). 1401 N. Wells St., 312-787-6604, orsosrestaurant.com

Get a taste of Northern Italy in Logan Square with an $85 four-course dinner featuring prosciutto-wrapped rabbit loin with creamy polenta and panna cotta with whole cherries. 2824 W. Armitage Ave., 773-661-1582, osterialanghe.com

Seating is limited to 40 guests at the speakeasy, which will offer a five-course tasting menu for $175 from 5-9 p.m. Dishes include paella with sliced pork shoulder and shumai made with pork and shrimp. 500 N. Clark St., pigtailcocktail.com

For a plant-based celebration, order a $79 three-course dinner including a sampler of fruit and vegetable sushi, udon noodles with truffle, and red velvet lava cake. 413 N. Clark St., 630-691-7238, plantarestaurants.com

Place an order by Feb. 10 for a $145 dinner for two including bacon-wrapped filet mignon, shrimp cocktail, beet salad and chocolate cake, or opt for a $98 vegan version with roasted root vegetables and chocolate-covered almonds. The meal is available for pickup from 4-5:30 p.m. Feb. 14. 601 Skokie Blvd, Northbrook; 847-205-4433; prairiegrass.cafe

This moody, intimate dining spot will offer a special 15-course omakase dinner ($150) on Valentine’s Day from chef Jordan Dominguez. Add on two glasses of wine, a specialty cocktail and a sake sipper to elevate the night. 1134 W. Washington Blvd., 331-240-1914, pressroomchicago.com

Ladies, leave the fella’s texts on read for this annual party at one of Hyde Park’s premier bars. The party kicks off at 10 p.m. Feb. 11 and will last into the early hours. Entry is free until 11:30 p.m., after which tickets are $20. 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. West, 312-801-2100, promontorychicago.com

For a romantic night at home, order a dinner for two Feb. 11-14 that includes charcuterie, a bottle of wine, and a New York strip, filet or rib-eye steak ($130-$160). Add on an extra bottle for $45. 825 W. Fulton Market, 312-445-8977, publicanqualitymeats.com

This century-old restaurant on the University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park will offer a four-course Valentine’s Day dinner that starts off with a glass of Champagne followed by choices of lobster bisque, rib-eye, slow-roasted duck breast and chocolate pot de crème. $75 for members; $95 nonmembers. 1155 E. 57th St., 773-702-2550, quadclub.uchicago.edu

Get in the mood for love with a three-course meal of aphrodisiacs including grilled oysters with wasabi ($19), scallops with sunchokes ($24) and a strawberry and passion fruit tart ($15). Add a themed cocktail like They Love Me Not, a blend of cherry brandy, amaro, lemon and honey syrup. 1 W. Upper Wacker Drive, 312-795-3444, raisedbarchicago.com

Celebrate Galentine’s Day at 7 p.m. Feb. 13 with “The Bachelor”-themed bingo and you could win a party for six guests to watch the show’s season finale. You can also show off your musical knowledge at 7 p.m. Feb. 14 with love song trivia, where teams will compete for a $50 gift card, Champagne, chocolate and roses. Sweet Valentine’s Day specials include an $8 skillet cookie, $6 slippery nipple shots and $10 sex on the beach cocktails. 4128 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-799-8881, theramblerchicago.com

A la carte specials offered Feb. 11-14 include Oscar-style filet mignon, a strawberry Manhattan and a Berries & Cream dish featuring grilled sourdough, stracciatella cheese and raspberry compote. 315 N. LaSalle St., 312-822-0100, riverroastchicago.com

A special four-course pre-fixe menu ($100) provides a romantic night out Feb. 9-11, with a blue crab starter with avocado, miso-marinated black cod with caviar, and oxtail with a French Caribbean-spiced braise. Add on wine pairings for $35. 4229 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-687-9179, robertetfilsrestaurant.com

Keep it casual with a $125 dinner for two that includes a pizza, salad, two small plates, dessert and a split of prosecco or two specialty cocktails, with themed drink options including the Pisco Love Potion made with lemon, raspberry purée and angostura bitters. The menu is available on Feb. 11, 13 and 14. On Valentine’s Day, you can request a heart-shaped pie for dine-in or pickup. 465 N. McClurg Court, 312-265-1328, robertspizzacompany.com

Argentine chef Catena Zapata will craft a four-course dinner Feb. 11 and 14 that pairs red snapper ceviche, chorizo and prawn risotto and New York strip steak with Argentine wines meant to perfectly elevate the special night. $135 per person. 317 N. Clark St., 312-900-9035, rpmrestaurants.com/rpm-seafood-chicago

Spend the night in with a $62 dinner for two available for pickup or delivery that includes a heart-shaped pizza, arancini, cannoli and saffron sour cocktail mix. 5759 N. Broadway, 773-739-9128, sferachicago.com

Get a spectacular view of the skyline during a four-course dinner featuring charred octopus, lemon pepper roasted lamb chops and a raspberry almond tartlet for $125. You can get extra luxurious by adding on shrimp cocktail ($24) or South African lobster tail ($43). The menu is offered from 5-9:30 p.m. 875 N. Michigan Ave., 312-787-9596, signatureroom.com

Take date night to new heights by sharing dinner on the 103rd floor and stepping out onto The Ledge to see the city and Lake Michigan. The $150 meal for two is available at 10 p.m. Feb. 10, 11 and 14 and includes salad, dessert, and a heart-shaped deep dish pizza from Giordano’s. 233 S. Wacker Drive, 312-875-9447, theskydeck.com

Pick up take-and-bake heart-shaped pizzas for a casual night of romance, or enjoy morning treats with the Coffee Lover’s Box — featuring a half-pound of puppy chow, coffee cake and a Valentine’s Day card. A Chocolate Lover’s Gift Box filled with cookies, puppy chow, chocolate mousse, double-chocolate pepita bread and chocolate cinnamon roll could be a perfect add-on to impress a loved one with a fierce sweet tooth, as well. All specials must be preordered. 6730 N. Clark St., 872-241-9111, smackdabchicago.com

Feast on Mexican entrees of lobster tail with shrimp and calamari ($29), crispy chicken tinga tacos ($9) and the Chantaje cocktail ($12) made with tequila, pomegranate and tamarind punch at this West Elsdon restaurant from Feb. 10-14. 5600 S. Pulaski Road, 773-627-5047, elsolazo.com

This vegan Winnetka restaurant will offer specials the weekend before Valentine’s Day and on the holiday itself, including seafood paella, bang bang shrimp, and a lovers’ red velvet cake. 924 Green Bay Road, Winnetka; 847-348-9000; spiritelephantrestaurant.com

Toast to love with two glasses of rosé cava included in a decadent $160 dinner for two that also features a petit seafood tower, New York strip with grilled sea bass and chocolate-covered strawberries. The meal is available Feb. 14, 17 and 18. 201 N. State St., 312-239-9400, stateandlakechicago.com

Celebrate friendship with a $29 three-course Galentine’s Day menu offered Feb. 13 featuring shrimp ceviche, tempura-battered cod tacos and profiterole. The menu is also offered at sibling spots Bar Takito and Takito Street. 2013 W. Division St., 773-687-9620, takitokitchen.com

A four-course $65 menu features Peruvian favorites such as white fish and sea urchin tiradito, pork tenderloin with butternut squash and carrot purée, and chocolate semifreddo with dried rose petals. 118 W. Grand Ave., 312-222-9700, tantachicago.com

Celebrate early or late at the restaurant at Marriott Lincolnshire Resort, which offers a four-course dinner from chef Jonathan Silver Feb. 9-11 and 16-18. The $75 meal includes oysters with wasabi caviar, shaved fennel salad and wood-grilled branzino with hand-cut linguine. 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire; 847-634-0100; threeembersrestaurant.com

Indulge in a chocolate-making class with a top Chicago pastry chef ($95), snap a nostalgia-inducing shot in the market’s photo booth, and enjoy romance-themed cocktails such as the Drunk in Love, made with vodka, Aperol, strawberry and prosecco, through Feb. 14. Or take your night to the next level with a Valentine’s Day dinner from Big Kids chef Ryan Pfeiffer, who will craft a six-course dinner of vegan-friendly dishes ($115). 916 W. Fulton Market, 312-637-3888, timeoutmarket.com/chicago

If you’ve got kids in tow but still want to celebrate the season of love, head to this suburban pub with locations in Lake Villa, Gurnee and Libertyville for a family friendly Valentine’s Day. From 5-8 p.m., kids eat for just $2 with the purchase of an adult entree ‚ and they’ll take home gift bags and goodies after drawing Valentine’s Day cards for active military members. Little ones can feast on grilled cheese, boneless wings, mini sundaes and kiddie cocktails like pomegranate-infused Lola’s Lemonade. Locations vary, timothyotooles.com

Take in views of the Chicago River during a $145 five-course meal from executive chef Damion Henry featuring scallop crudo, smoked ricotta agnolotti and filet mignon. 330 N. Wabash Ave., 312-923-7705, travellechicago.com

Truluck’s is always a special occasion restaurant and it’s adding king crab ravioli with asparagus ($48) from Feb. 10-14 with plus chocolate strawberry cake ($14) all month long. 9860 Berwyn Ave., Rosemont; 847-233-9404; trulucks.com

Get cozy near the British-inspired pub’s fireplace in the Woodlawn neighborhood and enjoy indulgent specials offered Feb. 11-14 such as pasta carbonara with shaved truffle ($26), crab-crusted bone-in rib-eye ($72) and black cod with sweet chili brown butter sauce ($28). 1227 E. 60th St., truthbetoldtavern.com

A one-of-a-kind Valentine’s experience awaits at this winery and meadery on the border of the Washington Heights and Beverly neighborhoods. Couples will make their own vat of wine — which yields at least 25 bottles — and partake in a grape stomping contest during the process. Dinner and tastings of wine and mead are included as well, and you’ll be able to return at a later date to bottle and take home your very own nectar of love. $250 per couple (supplies additional). 9030 S. Hermitage Ave., 773-840-4642, wildblossommeadery.com

The Streeterville restaurant offers a $45 three-course lunch from noon to 3 p.m. featuring beet carpaccio, veal chop and crab Oscar surf ‘n’ turf and chocolate-covered strawberry with panna cotta. A $99 dinner available from 4-10 features all those dishes plus a rainbow trout tartlette and housemade truffle cavatelli. Optional wine pairings are available for both meals. 259 E. Erie St., 312-283-4270, woodwindchicago.com

The new comfort food spot serves a three-course dinner for $95 featuring lobster bisque, a 14-ounce rib-eye with smoked celery root and banana pudding cheesecake. 530 N. Wabash Ave., 312-999-9760, runchickenrun.com/chicago

food@chicagotribune.com