No plans for Valentine's Day? Here's where to go to feel the love
From special aphrodisiac menus to anti-Valentine's Day parties, it seems like every place around is offering up some way to spend your night Feb. 14th. But whether you're looking to keep to a budget, find a date or just be able to relax and let someone else take care of the romance, we've rounded up some of the best options available.
Most inclusive
Facts: Gold Class Cinema, 100 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington, (224) 293-1001; goldclasscinemas.com
You could spend your Valentine's Day rushing around trying to pull together all the trappings of a romantic evening. Or you can just let Gold Class do the work for you. For $159 per couple you get a three-course dinner and two glasses of wine or champagne served to you while you watch a movie of your choice in the theater's plush recliners. You'll also get flowers, chocolates and a gift certificate for a hand or neck massage at Spa Bleu in West Dundee. It's sure to be way more relaxing than trying to coordinate dinner reservations while waiting in line at the florist.
Best drink to share
Facts: Ra Sushi, 2601 Aviator Lane, Glenview, (847) 510-1100 and 310 Yorktown Center, Lombard, (630) 627-6800; rasushi.com
Get some liquid love in the form of the RA-Berry Romance cocktail ($12). Made for two and served with two straws, it's a mix of Skyy raspberry vodka, Soho lychee liqueur, sake, triple sec, black raspberry liqueur, pineapple juice, lemonade and lemon-lime soda. The massive concoction is served over ice in a fishbowl with fresh raspberries. Sip on one while sharing the heart-shaped Red Hot Roll ($10), spicy tuna topped with more tuna.
Best deal
Facts: Cabana Charley's, 6315 Main St., Woodridge, (630) 964-8454; cabanacharleys.com
Lots of places are trying to appeal to budget-conscious couples who still want a nice night out but Cabana Charley's has one of the best packages around. For $39.99 per couple you'll get two glasses of champagne, a choice of entrée and a chocolate volcano or slice of cheesecake for dessert. Meal options include steak, ribs and coconut shrimp and you can stick around after for a free performance with '80s dance music from The Ultimate Party Band. Use some of the cash you're saving to get a rum bucket from the tiki bar. The massive fruity cocktails are sure to make you feel more laid back.
Biggest party
Facts: The Hyatt Woodfield, 1800 E. Golf Road, Schaumburg, (847) 604-1199; thunderbirdsingles.com
If you need to get your mind off being dateless on the holiday of love, you'll find tons of others in the same boat at the "World's Largest" Valentine's Singles Party. Hosted by Thunderbird Singles, the event is expected to bring in members of several other local and online dating services. Admission is free and includes dancing with a DJ, snacks, games, raffles and a cash bar.
Best way to stop being single
Facts: Aloft Hotel, 9700 Balmoral Ave., Rosemont, (800) 957-DASH; dateanddash.com
At this party you won't have to worry about missing the right person in the crowd or getting stuck talking to someone you have no interest in for an hour. Run by DateandDash, the event sets you up for three- to five-minute dates with about 20 guys or girls in the hotel's W XYZ lounge from 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 14. Afterward, everyone writes down the names of people he or she might want to see again and if a match is found DateandDash will send you contact information.
If you find a connection there and don't want to wait, stick around for DJ music from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. along with drink specials including $6 flirtinis and cosmopolitans. Did we mention there are also romantic overnight hotel packages?