Date nights aren’t easy in the middle of a global pandemic.
We’re coming up on Valentine’s Day—a day normally reserved for romantic dinners out, trips to the movie theater, fancy cocktails and other classic date destinations. Since “destinations” aren’t much of a thing these days, we’re here to help you still plan a special day to let your quarantine partner know how you feel.
Plan ahead for the perfect socially distanced or at-home Valentine’s Day celebrations with these options in Chicago.
VIA SAUCEY FACEBOOK
There's just something sexy about being able to stir (or shake) up a strong, delicious drink in the comforts of your home. Get everything you need for the perfect cocktail and support local liquor stores by using the Saucey app! Why bother stepping out into the cold when you can get your order delivered right to your door. New users can even get $10 off their first order by using code DOSTUFF10. Browse your favorite booze and place an order here.
Photo via Kimpton Gray Hotel/Kinship PR
Book An Extra Romantic Hotel Stay
Without an influx from out-of-state travelers, Chicago’s hotels are happy to host you and your S.O. for a staycation. Book the Kimpton Gray’s Hotel’s “Bloom Just for You” package for an over-the-top rose-filled experience including a floral drawn bath and champagne. The Rose Hotel near O’Hare’s name alone should suggest Valentine’s Day vibes. The hotel’s Valentine’s Day package includes a king suite decorated with 400 roses, a bottle of sparkling wine and breakfast in bed.
You and your partner deserve to be extra comfy for a staycation like this. You can't go wrong with Jambys super cozy, super soft hoodies, undies and more.
Photo via Virtue
Order A Tantalizing Meal To Go
A delicious, romantic meal is a Valentine's Day date staple. You might not be making reservations out this year, but you can still bring out the nice tablecloth and light some candles to make your takeout meal extra special. There are plenty of Chicago restaurants offering curated V-Day menus this year so we recommend checking out your neighborhood favorites, but we have a few standouts if you need further inspiration.
Virtue in Hyde Park is bringing out all the bells and whistles with its February 14 menu featuring oysters, filet mignon, truffles and an add-on lobster option. Get a Michelin-starred meal to go from Sepia that includes three courses and a smokey beef tartare with feta to start! Bring international flavors to your evening with Bayan Ko's decadent five-course Cuban and Filipino mashup meal available for pickup. Make it a tapas date with Boqueria's Valentine's Day meal that include a spicy cocktail or sparkling bottle of Spanish wine.
Love trying new things together? Order from one of the best new restaurants in Chicago.
Photo via BeAire.com
Vacations to scenic destinations are few and far between these days, but AIRE’s updated policies and sanitizing processes make for a beautiful, relaxing setting for your Valentine’s Day date. Book a thermal bath and massage for two. Valentine’s Day experiences are also available.
Pamper Yourself (Or Your Loved One)
Whether self-care or mutual love is one the manu this year, everyone loves a little at-home spa treatment. Evoke's bath bombs will bring a sense of peace and wellness to any tub time. Follow this link to get 15% off your first order.
Of course, we know all to well that not all Chicago apartments have the luxury of a full-size bathtub. Try Bathing Culture's body wash for an extra refreshing feeling. Or bring the aroma of love to the bathroom (or the bedroom) with a personalized scent from Lovespoon Candles. Take the Fragrance Finder Quiz for 10% off your order.
Make your Valentine feel as sweet as honey with a gift from BeeKeeper's Naturals—natural wellness products with an eternal shelf life! (Pro tip: Use promo code DOSTUFF for 15% off anything on their site!)
Photo via Facebook/Music Box Theatre
Plan A Movie Night At Home
Remember movie theaters? Yes, we miss them too. Our favorite indie theaters are doing their best to bring the experience home and Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to support their efforts. The Music Box has introduced curbside concession pick-up and virtual cinema options. The Logan Theatre is also streaming virtual movie showings.
Photo via Shedd Aquarium
Shedd Aquarium is currently closed in response to the pandemic, but its animal residents still need your company! Schedule a virtual hangout with the aquarium's penguins, sea otters or sea lions.
Photo via Rewired Pizza Cafe
Nothing says "love" like a heart-shaped pizza pie! Plenty of Chicago pizzerias are doing their part to make the holiday special. Find one closest to you and put in and order for an extra cheesy date idea.
Photo via Facebook/Transit Tees
Mix a little competition into your at-home date. You won’t even have to leave your Chicago bubble to find a great new board or card game to heat up your winter quarantine! These games were all inspired by local minds and will keep you and your sweetheart coming back for another round.
Photo via Facebook/DryHop Brewers
We can’t wait for bar-hopping to come back, but let’s not forget Chicago is home to some of the best brewers in the country in the meantime! Most local breweries and liquor stores are offering curbside pickup and delivery options, so you can plan a hoppy tour of the city without leaving home. Find your new favorite from the likes of Goose Island, Off Color Brewing, DryHop Brewers and more.
Beer not your thing? Get some help from some of Chicago’s best mixologists. Welcome much needed tropical vibes from Lost Lake’s cocktail boxes. Bring home cocktail kits or pre-batched cocktails from The Violet Hour. Prepare a couple mugs of boozy hot chocolate from Maplewood Brewery & Distillery. Or capture Machine’s beautiful cocktail presentation in your own home with its to-go kits.
Photo via GoatGroupCatering.com
Stephanie Izard's Goat Group has lots of Valentine's options for you this year! Order a meal kit designed by Stephanie herself, pick up #ShareTheSweet treats from Sugargoat bakery or make reservations at Cabra, Duck Duck Goat or Girl & The Goat! Check out all of your options here.
Photo via PublicanQualityMeats.com
Bring Home (Or Create) Your Own Charcuterie Board
Our Instagram feeds need new content and your cheese boards are up to the challenge. Order from one of Chicago’s best cheese shops like All Together Now, Beautiful Rind, Publican Quality Meats or Great American Cheese Collection for hand-selected products. Is the greatest Valentine’s gift of all just enjoying the finished product? Most of these spots will whip up a beautiful board for you, no assembly required.
Looking for inspiration and hot tips? We tapped Chicago nightlife photographer, artist and cheeseboard enthusiast Gracie Meir to share her knowledge about building the perfect board.
Photo via Cheese, Sex, Death
Take your charcuterie-ing to a whole new level with these cheese and cannabis pairings from Cheese, Sex, Death and Dispensary 33. There's nothing like sharing your munchies with someone special.
ChiTown Movies has a romantic Valentine's Day weekend lineup planned for your socially distanced viewing pleasure! Get a car pass to see classic lovey dovey flicks like The Notebook, Lady And The Tramp and 10 Things I Hate About You.
PHOTO via PEXELS/AUGUST DE RICHELIEU
Our sister site Gay Do312 has some extra cute date ideas for Chicago’s queer community. Whether you’re pampering each other with locally-made skincare products or cooking a meal together, love will absolutely be in the air.
Have another great idea for a safe, socially distanced Valentine's Day date this year? Let us know! Email CM(at)Do312.com.
