Whether you're a romantic or a cynic, you can't deny that Chicago is a great city for love. There's something for everyone to keep themselves busy on Valentine's Day--from grabbing a Chicago-style hot dog with a group of friends, to going to a museum with your Mom, or heading out for a romantic dinner with your spouse. We're all across the spectrum at KOVAL, so we created a diverse list of Valentine's Day ideas for every type of date.
Traditional Dates: Dinner + Drinks
Schubas
"Schubas is a fun space for shows and the bar is fun too. I definitely can’t date a dude who isn’t in to seeing live music." - Kelsey, Marketing & Events
Hopleaf
"I might be a little bit biased because Hopleaf also happens to be around the corner from where I live, but its amazing, always-changing beer list and big, cozy space (that's not too quiet and not too loud), is perfect for a date at any stage in a relationship. It's especially good for first dates, because if things are going well you can stay for dinner--get the mussels and fries for two!" - Becky PR & Social Media
.webp)
Photo Credit: Bernt Rostad/Flickr*
Dusek’s
"One of three amazing venues within in the same historic building in Pilsen (also including Thalia Hall and Punch House), Dusek's is a great spot with an amazing menu and drink list." - Dan, Outreach Coordinator
Mariano's/Whole Foods
"I love going to a Mariano's or Whole Foods with a bar, grabbing a pint or glass of wine to sip while shopping for ingredients to make a lovely dinner at home." - Kelly, Market Manager
Valentine's Day with Kids
Photo Credito: Evaho.com*
A Kids Table
"What Robert and I love for a date night is dropping off our kids at A Kids Table for a cooking class that they absolutely LOVE, which gives us time for a quiet dinner ourselves. Then we are glad to go just about anywhere, because we are out, actually out, ourselves. It is a win-win!"- Sonat, KOVAL Founder and President
Non-Romantic Date-Dates
Casual Date/Friend Date: Metropolis Coffee
"Metropolis not only has amazing coffee, but its cafe location in Edgewater is big and cozy--a staple neighborhood shop." - Lola, Executive Assistant
Photo Credit: Bobbi Bowers/Flickr*
With Friends: Lincoln Square Lanes
"They have cheap beer and bowling and a bunch of other games. It's a fun place for some friendly competition and they always have some specials running and decent pizza." - Kelsey
With Mom: The Field Museum
"I go with my mom every time she is in town and we always have a great time. That museum is awesome because its huge, you can go multiple times and not see every exhibit." - Kelsey
Photo Credit: aquiamigo/Flickr*
Solo: A night in at home
"My ideal Valentine's date location is on my couch by myself. " - Mariah, Chief Administrative Officer
Alternative Dates: Indoor + Outdoor Activities
Alpine Valley, WI - One of the few places you can get your skiing fix in the Midwest! Only a few hours away from Chicago.
Brooklyn Boulders - For the adventurous and sporty types, try indoor rock climbing at Brooklyn Boulder.
Adler Planetarium - A date under the stars.
Ice skating at the new Maggie Daley Park - Be sure not to laugh at each other while you fall on the ice.
And last but not least...
A KOVAL Tour!
Because what's more romantic than sharing some whiskey? We're open for tours on Saturday, February 14! Book here.