Sweet Spots: Valentine's Day in Buffalo Grove

Buffalo Grove merchants are feeling the love this Valentine's Day, and they're passing those romantic vibes on to you. We have a rundown of the best that the village's restaurants have to offer this Monday so you can focus on what really matters — the ones you love.

Hanabi has been called cozy and friendly. The staff was definitely eager to spread the word about their special. This Monday night they'll be offering a sushi boat with "so many different kinds of sushi." The price is $65 per couple, and also includes a choice of appetizer and a bottle of wine. 

The Melting Pot feels the love through the weekend with its special. On Saturday, Sunday and Monday, the fondue chain serves up a five-course menu for $65 per person. Start with a shrimp cocktail or hummus appetizer, move on to a passion salad, and then choose among entrees such as teriyaki sirloin or rosemary and thyme chicken.

The family eatery will be flying by the seat of its pants this week. It'll definitely be offering a Valentine's Day special. "We just don't know what it'll be until the night before," a server tells us. The menu — which will be prix fixe — is to be determined.

Do what you can to avoid calling a branch of the steak chain Outback: the minute-long, pre-recorded faux Australian accented commercial is grueling. Less grueling is its Valentine's Day special. "We're offering a 'sweetheart meal,'" the manager told us. There are two prices, and each are per couple. For $32.99 you'll get a blooming onion and a six-ounce sirloin steak. A $44.99 meal includes the onion, two filets, a side or salad. Both offers include cheesecake for dessert.

The pizza chain serves up heart-shaped pizza equivalent to its small deep-dish pizza size for $9.45. Want to make sure you get it heart shaped? "You really have to mention that you want the heart," says the staffer with whom we spoke. Heart-shaped cheesecakes are also on offer.

The local pizza place will also be doing the heart-shaped thing. Make sure to mention it when calling, this cashier also cautions.

Fuji Thai doesn't have any specific Valentine's Day offerings, but if you're looking to sneak in a romantic lunch, it might be the way to go. Sushi rolls are half price until 5:30 p.m. on Mondays.

Here are some other places you might want to check out, along with a look at which eateries will be closed on Monday.

Chef's specials TBD

Specials TBD

Specials TBD

Regular menu, regular hours

Regular menu, regular hours

Regular menu, regular hours

Closed Monday

Regular menu, regular hours

Regular menu, regular hours

Regular menu, regular hours

Monday closed

Regular menu, regular hours

Monday closed

Monday closed