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Come February 14, when Cupid aims his arrow, even grumps turn into giggling romantics. While we’ve nothing against chocolates and roses, there are plenty of other ways to mark the day as well. Whether you're a smitten kitten, getting together with gal pals, or flying solo (self-love counts too!), it's time to celebrate in a memorable way.
Our guide to special events and unique experiences will help you make this Valentine’s Day your most spectacular yet.
Grab a Table for Two
The Little Gem Cafe
189 North Marion Street, Oak Park, IL
Elegant yet unpretentious, The Little Gem is Oak Park’s favorite European-style café. Indulge in a four-course fixed-price menu ($85 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuities) that starts with a trio of crostinis and a Lyonnaise, beet, or Little Gem salad. Main course selections include prime rib, seafood paella, and vegetarian farrow risotto with seasonal vegetables. Choose from chocolate terrine with raspberry coulis, creme brûlée, and rice pudding for dessert.
Maya del Sol
144 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL
Celebrate love with handcrafted margaritas and dishes from Mexico and Central and South America, in a vibrant atmosphere at Maya del Sol. The $125 fixed-price Valentine’s Day dinner for two consists of one drink per person, two appetizers, two entrées, and one dessert (served with two forks). You can also go the à la carte route. Either way, choose from the likes of ceviche, tortilla soup, roasted chicken in adobo marinade with house mole, and much more.
Trattoria 225
225 Harrison Street, Oak Park, IL
Trattoria 225 serves wood-fired pizzas, house-made pasta, and other Old World classics, all made with quality organic, local, and sustainable ingredients. The Valentine’s Day fixed-price menu ($47 per person) includes a choice of starter (savory butternut squash bisque for the win!), main course (options include braised lamb shank with mushroom risotto and shrimp carbonara with bacon, spinach, linguini, and garlic cream sauce), and dessert. If the apple of your eye has dietary restrictions, many entrées can be prepared gluten-free—just ask!
Tre Sorelle
1111 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL
Family-owned Tre Sorelle enchants with its romantic ambiance—soft candlelight, intimate booths, and Italian charm that whispers sweet nothings. Savor Valentine’s weekend specials, just $30–$50, for favorites like house-made gnocchi in creamy gorgonzola, tender veal scaloppine, and decadent tiramisu.
Steak + Vine
37 South La Grange Road, La Grange, IL
Date-night vibes and romance are on the menu at Steak + Vine this Valentine’s weekend. Celebrate your love on Friday, February 13, or Saturday, February 14, 4:00–9:00 p.m. Choose the full menu or the prixfixe menu that offers starters such as sliced tenderloin topped with roasted garlic and blue cheese served with garlic bread, entrées including lobster risotto and New York strip steak, and decadent desserts, for just $60 per person (plus tax and gratuity).
Shared Experiences for Couples & Friends
Celebrate your loving bond by engaging in a shared activity or learning experience, and make memories with your partner.
Sugar Fixé
119 North Marion Street, Oak Park, IL
Sugar Fixé’s Sweet Affair is a four-course curated selection of beautifully presented decadent cakes, silky cheesecakes, delicate meringues, and handcrafted macarons. Couples will also be invited to engage in interactive moments, turning dessert into a memorable shared experience.
A Sweet Affair
Date: Friday, February 13, or Saturday, February 14
Time: 8:00–9:30 p.m.
Price: $100 per couple
Table & Lain
7322 West Madison Street, Forest Park, IL
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 couples interested in a night of luxury and laughter.
Chocolate & Champagne Experience
Date: Thursday, February 12
Time: 7:00-–9:00 p.m.
Price: $70 per ticket
Pre-order a Lovers Lain Chocolate Box Set from Table & Lain to say “I adore you!” with truffles, hand-dipped strawberries, and other indulgent sweets.
Galentine’s Day Fun
Galentine’s Day puts women’s friendships at the center of the celebration. Recognize the women who show up for you every day with fun, low-pressure activities that strengthen your bond.
Bottle & Bottega
1 West Harris Avenue, La Grange, IL
Plan a fun-filled night with your ride-or-die gal pals at Bottle & Bottega. You’ll sip wine (BYOB) and paint your very own masterpiece during an instructor-led class. Galentine’s events include Valentine’s Gnome, where you’ll paint a heartfelt gnome.
Civinte Candle Bar
807 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL
Civinte welcomes you to stop by anytime with your gal pals to create some aromatic magic. If you’re not into candles, you can make a room spray or reed diffuser instead. If you have a group of six or more, call in advance to reserve your spot for a two-hour session or book a private event.
Oak Park Conservatory
615 Garfield Street, Oak Park, IL
Join a celebration of love in bloom at Oak Park Conservatory’s Valentine’s Market featuring blooming plants, flowers, succulents, tropical houseplants, and more. Pick up something blooming for yourself or your true love, or shop with your best gal pals February 10–15.
Interested in learning more about bouquet styles and arrangement techniques? Craft flower bouquets at the conservatory’s Bloom Bar on Thursday, February 12, 7:00–8:30 p.m., while enjoying themed desserts and small bites.
Sea Love
121 North Marion Street, Oak Park, IL
Enjoy a guided one-hour scent-blending experience at Sea Love on February 13 and 14 between 5:00 and 9:00 p.m. Sessions celebrating connection and creativity begin on the hour Each guest receives one custom large candle, two mixed-drink tickets (cocktails and mocktails provided by Wee Mixed), and a sweet treat.
Vintage Charm
729 West Hillgrove Avenue, La Grange, IL
Love is all around at Vintage Charm. Wear pink and red and enjoy 20% off all your purchases during a special Galentine’s Day shopping event on Thursday, February 12, 5:00–7:00 p.m., complete with bubbly and sweet treats.
Other Ways to Show You Care
There are many other creative ways to let your love flow! Whether you’re celebrating romance, friendship, or both, we have some ideas to inspire you.
Brunch with Besties
Brunch with your closest pals is the perfect way to celebrate Galentine's Day. Savor delicious dishes, sip cocktails or bottomless mimosas, and laugh the afternoon away. For a list of our must-try brunch spots in Oak Park and the western suburbs, click here.
Say It with Flowers
Flowers have the power to brighten up anyone's day. Show your loved ones how much you care with a bouquet of their favorite blooms. To explore our favorite flower shops in Oak Park and the western suburbs, click here.
Or With Candy!
Sometimes the sweetest way to say “I love you” is with, well, sweets. Treat your favorite people to handcrafted chocolates, nostalgic candies, or playful gummies that feel just as special as a bouquet. To discover our favorite candy shops and sweet stops in Oak Park and the western suburbs, click here.
Celebrate Love and Friendship in Oak Park & Beyond
Oak Park and the western suburbs offer countless ways to make this Valentine’s Day and Galentine’s Day unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a boozy brunch, a creative workshop, or another type of shared experience, with our help you’ll have the perfect celebration.