This month, prepare to declare your love near Oak Park! Whether you're with your one-and-only, in a new situationship, reveling in an enduring friendship, or simply treating yourself to some self-care, we're here to help you create something memorable, from romantic dinners and unique experiences to exceptional pampering and boozy brunches.
Here’s your guide to making this year's Valentine’s Day and Galentine’s Day extra special - just due west of Chicago.
Skip the cooking and clean-up duty this Valentine’s Day and indulge in a delightful dining experience at one of the area’s top restaurants. From intimate Italian cuisine to vibrant Latin American flavors, there’s a vibe and a flavor for every couple.
Emilio’s Tapas Restaurant | 4100 Roosevelt Road, Hillside
Celebrate love with authentic Spanish tapas all weekend at Emilio’s. Valentine’s dining specials and live entertainment are available February 14-16 at this casual, romantic dining spot where Chef-Owner Emilio Gervilla offers an array of delicious hot and cold small plates and superb paellas, all perfectly matched with fresh house-made sangria, a selection of wine, and craft cocktails. If your favorite way to celebrate your love is a cozy night in, Emilio’s Tapas carry-out menu includes hot and cold tapas, main courses, and paellas.
Barrel House Social of La Grange |100 West Burlington Ave, La Grange
Love is in the air at Barrel House Social, where American comfort food takes center stage, paired with an extensive and creative craft beer, cocktail, and whiskey selection. The chef-crafted fixed-price menu throughout the weekend (February 13-16) features steak frites, whiskey-glazed salmon, and sweetheart salad, served with a heaping side of romance.
La Notte | 1120 Pleasant Street, Oak Park
Share a cozy dinner at the most enchanting spot in Oak Park. The expansive menu, available Friday, February 14, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., includes quintessential Italian dishes, such as Clams Casino, Risotto Zafferano, Veal Marsala, Branzino Cileano Picato, and Surf and Turf, complemented by curated wine selections for a timeless celebration of love.
The Little Gem Cafe | 189 North Marion Street, Oak Park
Elegant yet unpretentious, The Little Gem is Oak Park’s favorite European-style cafe. For added romance, indulge in its four-course fixed-price menu ($85 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuities) that starts with fig and honey brie crostinis and a mixed green or Caesar salad. Main course selections include an Angus hanger steak with a cabernet demi, a salmon filet served with ratatouille, roasted half chicken with savory rosemary potatoes, or vegetarian risotto. A selection of desserts includes Godiva Chocolate mousse and strawberry crème brulé.
Maya del Sol | 144 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park
Celebrate love and friendship with hand-crafted margaritas and dishes from Mexico and Central and South America in a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. Special Valentine’s Day dinner for two, $125 per couple fixed price or priced a la carte, includes one drink per person, two appetizers, two entrees, and one dessert—served with two forks. On Galentine’s Day, Thursday, February 13, head to Maya del Sol with your friends to enjoy live music featuring Yoko Noge's Jazz Me Blues Band from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Reserve a table in the bar area.
Trattoria 225 | 225 Harrison Street, Oak Park
Trattoria 225 is a local favorite serving wood-fired pizzas made with fresh organic ingredients and a thin whole-wheat crust, old-world classics, and house-made pasta. Its Valentine’s Day fixed-price menu ($46 per person) includes a choice of starters, including a savory butternut squash bisque, main courses, such as braised lamb shank with mushroom risotto or sauteed beef tenderloin medallions, and desserts, all made with quality, organic, local, and sustainable products. If the apple of your eye has dietary restrictions, many entrees can be prepared gluten-free—just ask!
When true love means never leaving the couch, order a gourmet meal and celebrate in your pajamas.
Blackberry Market | 36 South La Grange Road, La Grange
Enjoy a delicious dinner for two from Blackberry Market, a chic cafe where you can find your favorite coffees, cookies, market sandwiches, sides, and incredible meals to go. Order a complete, house-made meal featuring focaccia bread, blackberry apple salad, and red wine-braised short ribs served over fettuccine alfredo. Plus, red velvet cupcakes and chocolate-covered strawberries for dessert. Order online by Tuesday, February 11, at 8:00 p.m., for pick-up between Thursday, February 13 at 2:00 p.m. through Friday, February 14.
Maya del Sol | 144 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park
Choose your favorites from various Maya del Sol classics, including one appetizer, one tortilla entree, and one dinner entree, for an at-home meal perfect for two. Couldn’t secure a babysitter? Pick up all the fixings for a family taco night that serves three to five. Add specially crafted cocktails to go. Order online for pick-up or delivery.
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Celebrate your loving bond by attending a special event or engaging in a shared learning experience—whether it's a new skill, cooking, or getting creative together—and make memories with your partner or best friends.
Bottle & Bottega | 1 West Harris Avenue, La Grange
Plan a fun-filled night with your ride-or-die gal pals! You’ll sip wine and paint your very own masterpiece during a fun, instructor-led class. Valentine’s and Galentine’s events, including a blacklight paint party on Thursday, February 13, are happening throughout the month.
Civinte Candle Bar | 807 South Oak Park Boulevard, Oak Park
Buy luxurious decor, home fragrances, and vegan candles made with 100% soy and coconut waxes, or pour your own at the store. Stop by with a few friends or a special someone; walk-ins are welcome. An expert will guide you through creating your very own uniquely crafted fragrance, poured into a coconut apricot wax to take home the same day. If you have a group of six or more, call in advance to reserve your spots or book a private event.
Oak Park Conservatory | 615 Garfield Street, Oak Park
A month-long celebration of love in bloom, the Valentine’s Market at Oak Park Conservatory, a beautiful Edwardian-style conservatory built in 1929, hosts an annual local plant market that features blooming plants, flowers, succulents, tropical houseplants, and more—all locally grown and full of love. Pick up something blooming for yourself or your true love, or shop with your best girlfriends on February 13 and 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Online orders begin Saturday, February 1.
Riverside Art Center | 32 East Quincy Street, Riverside
The galleries and studio spaces will arouse your inner artist. Unique classes, led by local artists, include Wine & Wheel Wednesdays that focus on your own pottery projects and a fused glass workshop on Tuesday, February 18, where you’ll design one-of-a-kind jewelry.
Table & Lain: Chocolate & Champagne: A Love Affair | February 13
Dip your own chocolate strawberries and savor a curated selection of decadent desserts, including cheesecake bites, red velvet shooters, and other indulgent sweets paired with unlimited pours of champagne and rosé in a laid-back setting ideal for friends, couples, or anyone looking for a night of luxury and laughter.
Thursday, February 13
7:00-9:00 p.m.
$70 per ticket
Table & Lain: Valentine's Day: A Curated Culinary Experience | 7322 West Madison Street, Forest Park
Experience a special Valentine’s Day cooking class with a thoughtfully crafted menu of gourmet dishes designed to impress and delight. The menu includes a shaved Brussels Sprout Caesar salad, crab cakes with aioli, seared duck breast with orange demi-glaze, and a flourless chocolate cake with crème anglaise and gold leaf. You are welcome to bring a beverage (or beverages) of your choice to sip during class. Beer and wine are sold on-site, and this class includes a champagne and rosé open bar.
Friday, February 14 or Saturday, February 15
6:30-9:30 p.m
$130 per ticket
Vintage Charm | 729 West Hillgrove Avenue, La Grange
Love is all around at Vintage Charm. Look for Valentine’s Day gifts and heart-adorned clothing in this stylish boutique. Enjoy 20% off all your purchases during a special Galentine’s Day shopping event on Thursday, February 6, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., complete with bubbly and sweet treats.
Warm Wick | 3732 Prairie Avenue, Brookfield
Join your special someone or a gal pal for a fun, engaging, hands-on candle-making workshop. You’ll create your own signature candle with a custom fragrance, enjoy hors d'oeuvres and chocolate-covered strawberries, and receive a take-home goodie bag.
Friday, February 14
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
$90 per ticket