Eat (and Drink) Your Heart Out on Valentine's Day

Chicago bars and restaurants are sharing the love this Valentine's Day with romantic prix fixe dinners, cutesy cocktails, themed parties and more. From lovers to singles, there are specials to be had for every type of relationship status.

DINNER FOR TWO
For an extra special night on the town, River North favorite Hubbard Inn offers a "Couples Therapy" four-course prix fixe menu created by Executive Chef Jason Hedin for $100 per couple. Highlights include a complimentary glass of champagne, Fanny Bay Oysters with saffron preserved melon, caviar and mignonette, Petite Filet Beef with brown butter pomme puree, forest gathered mushroom ragout, spiced baby carrot and oxtail white wine bordelaise, and Triple Ganache "Candy Bar." Vegan, vegetarian and pescatarian options are available and for dinner reservations, visit https://www.hubbardinn.com/reservations/.

Kizuki, a ramen favorite in Wicker Park with a new location in Lincoln Park's NEWCITY, will take care of dinner and the flowers. Their $80 per couple prix fixe dinner offers the option to pre-order a white rose bouquet for an additional $40. With two seatings at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., diners will enjoy one bottle of champagne or sake per couple, choice of two select izakaya plates, choice of any ramen or rice dish per person, and one slice of Japanese Strawberry Cheesecake per person. For reservations in Lincoln Park, click here and for Wicker Park, click here.

Nothing says Valentine's Day like a long, romantic Italian dinner, so indulge in the "Sweetheart Special" at Tuscany Restaurant in Chicago's Little Italy. Highlights from the prix fixe dinner include a Grilled 8-ounce Filet with barolo sauce, Baked Fluke, Shrimp and Crab Stuffed Ravioli with scallop saffron and a leek cream sauce, Linguine topped with a lobster tail and diabola sauce and more. A choice of Tiramisu or Bread Pudding for dessert will be served with a complimentary glass of pomegranate cranberry champagne.

For a fire-inspired dinner that is sure to bring the heat, Weber Grill Restaurant, with locations in Chicago, Lombard and Schaumburg, will serve a menu of specials. Specials will be available Thursday, February 14 through Saturday, February 16 and include Shrimp Bisque, Grilled Ora King Salmon with a dill cucumber sauce, Pink Peppercorn Crusted NY Strip with a port wine demi glaze, Tomahawk Ribeye Steak for two and more. Sweethearts can sip on Strawberry Martinis for $10 each mixed with Absolut Vanilla, Godiva Liqueur, strawberry syrup and cream.

VALENTINE'S DAY PARTIES
Grab your beau for a night filled with love songs, courtesy of the band Bonzo Squad, playing from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. in aliveOne's "secret" back room. Complimentary desserts and heart-shaped pizzas are also on the menu at this low-key bar along with a $6 "Suck My Kiss" shot featuring Fireball and Pimms topped with whipped cream and an $8 "The Cupid"cocktail featuring CH Vodka, demerara syrup, fresh lime juice and grapefruit La Croix.

Not into the Hallmark holiday but would be happy to support a good cause? Easy Bar will host a "Tinder Dates Will Love You Today, A Dog Will Love You Forever" party. Guests can purchase a $6 mylar dog or animal balloon for their special someone, and proceeds will benefit One Tail at a Time Chicago. For last minute gifts, head to the back room at 7 p.m. to shop the "Easy Rider" Market packed with items from Ace High Vintage like rock n roll, Western, and groovy clothing along with accessories.

For a cheap yet memorable first date, Remedy in Bucktown has you covered. Show off your artistic talents or doodle while you drink during a Valentine's Day coloring night. Remedy will provide "love" themed coloring books and coloring supplies along with candy and heart-shaped pizza (while supplies last).

SWEET SPECIALS
Is your significant other an Instagram fanatic? Treat them to a special Cardamom Rose Mocha topped with pink edible glitter at Caffè Umbria in Logan Square or River North. Available through the end of February, the drink is inspired by the Persian Love Cake which features cardamom and rose in a delicate balance, the festive drink mixes double espresso, mocha sauce, steamed milk, ground cardamom, cocoa powder and rose whipping cream made with Monin Rose Syrup and pink edible glitter.

Popular Wicker Park 4am bar, Estelle's, will host it's annual "Wine About Your Love Life" on Valentine's Day. Bartenders will lend an ear while pouring half-price glasses of wine for $6 each. Wine selections include Meiomi Pinot Noir, The Federalist Cabernet, Mouton Noir Love Drunk Rosé, Hidden Crush Chardonnay, Sokol Blosser Willamette Valley Pinot Gris and La Marca Prosecco. For something a little stronger, there will be a $6 "Be My Tindertine" cocktail with CH Key Gin, Campari, lime juice and demerara. Candy hearts will be available for customers that want to give a "sweet" special message to their Estelle's crush.

Take your "it's complicated" relationship status and head to The Owl in Logan Square for a half-price everything happy hour (excluding shots) from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Perfect for the casual Valentine's Day, The Owl will hand out candy and cards for guests to write special notes on and give to the sweetie they spot in the bar.