Make It a Date Night
By Lisa Arnett
February 2026 View more Featured
Nine itineraries for a memorable time
Whether you think Valentine’s Day is classic or cheesy, overhyped or not to be overlooked, making plans for a date night with your partner during the dark days of winter can be a pick-me-up that anyone can appreciate. We’ve done the work for you with these date-worthy itineraries. Chart your course toward one of nine west suburban cities and follow along with our suggested plans, or pick and choose from these destinations to create your own adventure.
* * *
ELMHURST
Art and movies plus coffee and tacos
Maybe your valentine prefers culture and quirk overall things sugary sweet? Head to the Elmhurst Art Museum (150 S. Cottage Hill Ave., elmhurstartmuseum.org) for Living with Modernism featuring the pictures of Chicago-based photographer Kelli Connell, running through April 26 ($18 admission for adults, $10 for students).
Stop at Brewpoint Coffee (124 Park Ave., brewpointcoffee.com) for a signature Borealis latte (espresso and oat milk with praline and toasted marshmallow syrups) or a rose matcha latte before heading to Classic Cinemas York Theatre (150 N. York St., classiccinemas.com), a 1924 film hall that’s been restored and upgraded with heated recliner seats. On Feb. 18, the theater will screen the 1935 black-and-white horror flick Bride of Frankenstein at 1 and 7 p.m.
Before or after the movie, head to the recently opened Zap! Taco House (110 W. Park Ave., zaptacohouse.com) for margaritas and a plate of the Vigilante Tacos filled with char-grilled skirt steak, pickled red onions, queso fresco, citrusy slaw, and salsa verde. The 1960s Batman TV series that inspired the restaurant’s name is always playing on the TVs here, and the walls feature murals painted by tattoo artist Ivan Drake Thomas from Oak Forest–based studio Silver Raven.
Not ready for the night to end? Head to Latin restaurant and bar The Vibe (630 W. Lake St., theviberestaurants.com). Wednesdays are Salsa Night, so you can hit the dance floor and show off your best moves.
GENEVA
Places to sip and sing your heart out
Downtown Geneva’s main drags of State and Third Streets are full of date-worthy options for dining and drinking. New on the scene is Mosaic Kitchen & Cocktails (507 S. Third St., mosaicgeneva.com), now open for coffee, lunch, dinner, and drinks. On the menu, you’ll find meaty plates like the slow-braised lamb shank with lemon-tahini yogurt alongside vegan options like a tagine with chickpeas, sweet potatoes, golden raisins, and curried tomatoes. “Our drinks and food menu will change seasonally, but our top sellers and things we are really fond of will stay,” says Patrick O’Brien, managing partner. “We do a blueberry-vanilla goat cheese-infused daiquiri that’s nice and bright pink, perfect for Valentine’s Day.” (See above.)
Next, take a trip to northern Michigan’s wine country by way of Geneva at Up North Wine Tasting Room (9 N. Second St., upnorthwinegeneva.com). Mother-daughter duo Cathy Humphreys and Amy Goedken opened this shop to showcase the wines of Leelanau County and Old Mission Peninsulas, such as Black Star Farms, Blustone Vineyards, and Mawby. For a Valentine’s Day special on Feb. 14 and 15, they’ll offer a duo of wines and truffles for $40.
Want to show off your musical chops? Summon your best Sonny and Cher or Simon and Garfunkel and step up onstage at Evenflow Music & Spirits (302 W. State St., evenflowmusic.com) during live band karaoke on Feb. 5 and 19. This bar and music venue has been rocking since 2011 in the historic State Bank of Geneva building.
OAK BROOK
Winter window shopping and a hotel staycation splurge
A wintertime stroll around Oakbrook Center (100 Oakbrook Center, oakbrookcenter.com) can be fun whether you’re a shopping die-hard or not. You’ll find the most high-end storefronts in the Neiman Marcus wing, where you can drool over status handbags at Burberry, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton; try on the warmest parkas at Canada Goose; and admire glittery sneakers at Golden Goose.
Stop into Hotel Chocolat (69 Oakbrook Center, us.hotelchocolat.com) and warm up with a cup of drinking chocolate. Flavors range from the classic 70 percent hot chocolate to mandarin orange, chili, or coconut-white chocolate. While you’re there, take the interactive video quiz, “Find Your Chocolate Love Match,” to see what sweets best suit you.
Plan for your next furniture upgrade (or play “If we won the lottery…”) at RH Oak Brook (1300 W. 22nd St., rh.com) and Crate & Barrel (35 Oakbrook Center, crateandbarrel.com). Both stores have bars inside so you can sip your favorite beverage while you shop.
For a cozy dinner with ski lodge vibes, head to Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar (1775 W. 22nd St., lazydogrestaurants.com), just a quick drive away at The Overlook at Oak Brook. Warm up by the indoor fireplace or the fire pit on the enclosed patio and order specials such as pretzel-crusted pork schnitzel with warm bacon potato salad or wild-caught sea bass with mashed cauliflower, roasted veggies, and lemon-caper cream. If you did Dry January and are still sipping spirit-free, take advantage of its mocktail menu with options such as the Pomegranate Sour Fauxtini.
Care to make it a staycation? Book the “Love in Luxury” Valentine’s Day suite experience at The Drake Oak Brook (2301 York Road, thedrakeoakbrookhotel.com), which includes a stay in the Sinatra Suite with Veuve or Moët Champagne upon check-in, a private in-room dinner for two, and a couples’ photography sesh in the opulent lobby.
End the night with a dessert delivery of heart-shaped petit gateaux, chocolate-raspberry tarts, chocolate mousse cubes, and artisanal truffles. The next day, enjoy breakfast delivered to your suite and late checkout at 3 p.m. (rates start at $995/night).
PLAINFIELD
A gamer’s paradise with escape rooms, axe-throwing, and arcade classics
Want to channel your competitive side? Head to Legendary Escape Rooms & Axe Throwing (15115 Des Plaines St.) to face off in an axe-throwing match ($21.99 per person) or team up to break out of rooms with themes such as the Mermaid’s Escape, Uncle Tick-Tock’s Circus, and the Dragon’s Heart. Escape rooms cost $27.99 per person Sunday through Friday and $109 for one to four players on Saturdays. Whichever you choose, be sure to make your reservations online in advance (legendaryescaperooms.com).
While you’re in downtown Plainfield, stop into Left Round Records (24041 Lockport St., leftroundrecords.com) to browse new and used vinyl and vintage video games, then head to Be of Good Juju (24046 Lockport St., beofgoodjuju.com) to check out the selection of crystals, tarot cards, and other woo-woo trinkets. Or get set for your next game night at home with a new board game or puzzle from The Wandering Dragon (15032 S. Des Plaines St., wanderingdragon.com).
Need to avenge an axe-throwing loss from earlier in the day? Challenge your date to a rematch at Khaos Brewcade & Kitchen (12337 Route 59, khaosbrewing.com), a quick eight-minute drive up Route 59. Here you can play nostalgic arcade favorites such as Skee-Ball, Pop-a-Shot basketball, pinball, and video games. Gaming wristbands are $7 on Thursdays, free with a purchase on Mondays, and $11.99 on other days. “It’s noisy by design here, so if you’re looking for a quiet place, this isn’t it, but if you want a lively vibe, this is your spot,” says Matthew Waller, general manager. Place your bets accordingly, but we suggest loser treats winner to the High Score soft pretzel with queso or the ridiculously decadent chocolate-chip cookie sandwiches (above).
For a more intimate vibe, head to Wine and Cheese Co. (24104 W. Lockport St., wineandcheese.co) to build your own cheese and charcuterie board or split a flatbread topped with prosciutto, peaches, basil, and hot honey. Come on a Thursday to take advantage of $8 martinis from 4 to 9 p.m.
LEMONT
Indie shopping, dinner, and drinks along the I&M Canal
With its historic limestone buildings and bridges stretching over the canal, downtown Lemont is a fitting destination for a day date that extends into the evening. Wander the streets and pop into indie shops such as B-Side Records (238 Main St., b-siderecordsllc.com) to browse some vintage vinyl and Aster Gardens (202 Stephen St., kissmyaster.com) for houseplants, quirky gifts, and letterpress cards, or sign up for a bog garden-making class, “which we do a lot of in February,” says owner Amanda Thomsen. “Nothing says ‘love’ like a carnivorous plant.”
To swing and sip, duck into The Club Lemont (46 Ed Bossert St., theclublemont.com), an indoor golfing lounge, restaurant, and cocktail bar. You can reserve one of five indoor golfing bays ahead of time (or try your luck with a walk-in) and choose from more than 2,000 virtual courses. Club rental is $10/hour and bays cost $40/hour Tuesday through Thursday and $50/hour on Friday and Saturdays.
Prefer to take a load off? Cozy up at the bar at Barrel & Vine (206 Main St., barrelvine.net), where you can uncork a bottle of wine and share a charcuterie board, or dig into more substantial dishes like the grilled rib eye, pan-seared duck, or short rib Bolognese. Keep the night going with a round of craft brews at Pollyanna Brewing (431 Talcott Ave., pollyannabrewing.com) or cocktails at its spirits-centric sibling, Pollyanna Social (326 Main St.)
On Feb. 1, Three Stories Bookstore (310 Canal St., threestoriesbookstore.com) and BTB Wines (110 Main St.) couple up to offer a book and wine pairing event ($45 per person). On Feb. 10, Three Stories hosts a Galentine’s Day event called Dark Roast at neighboring café Folklore Coffee (214 Main St., folklorecoffeeshop.com). “We’re hosting the ultimate adult book fair with a large selection of dark romance books for sale,” says owner Carla Cardona-Tapia. “For $30, you’ll get an espresso martini, bookmark craft, and fun memories.” Tickets available online.
* * *
Sweet Event Alert
Folklore Coffee offers five rotating monthly specials and always-available lattes such as honey-lavender and caramel-cookie butter. Plan ahead and surprise your sweetie with a Coffee & Flower Bouquet Bundle ($50 to $75) that pairs Folklore’s coffee with a fresh floral arrangement from Hippie Girl Blossoms, a fellow Lemont biz. Presales go live Feb. 1 for a Feb. 14 pickup.online at threestoriesbookstore.com; walk-ins permitted if space allows.
NAPERVILLE
Spa pampering, dazzling dinner, and a cozy nightcap
Spoil yourself and your significant other by lining up spa services and dinner reservations on the same day.
Arista Spa & Salon at Hotel Arista (2155 CityGate Lane, aristaspasalon.com) offers three different couples’ packages featuring side-by-side jetted soaking tubs. The Signature Healing Couple’s Connection ($395) includes a 20-minute soak and hour-long massage, while Sweet Radiance: A Couple’s Journey ($470) adds on sparkling wine and gourmet snacks (think cheese, nuts, breads, and sweets). The Mykonos Couples’ Escape ($570) includes all of the above, but with a 90-minute massage.
Or head to downtown Naperville, where you can book separate, simultaneous massage services ($185 and up) at ME Spa (55 S. Main St., me-spas.com). “[You can] relax together in our lounge beforehand, enjoying a warm foot soak and herbal tea, and can return to the lounge afterward to extend that peaceful time together,” says Meghan Fines, senior spa director.
Over on Water Street, Solaia Luxury Salon & Spa (120 Water St., solaiaexperience.com) offers experiential spa packages that transport you to far-flung locales (think Tahiti, Italy, or the Amazonian rainforest) through immersive video walls in every treatment room. Pricing starts at $290 for two 50-minute Swedish massages and includes sparkling wine and chocolates.
Next, head into the Hotel Indigo and take the elevator up to Santo Cielo (123 Water St., stcielo.com) on the fifth floor for nighttime city views and a delectable dinner. Dishes on offer this month include mahi-mahi ceviche with avocado, mango, and Fresno chilis as well as short rib gnocchi with pickled fennel and chives.
For a nightcap, head over to The George (245 S. Washington St., georgenaperville.com) which recently replaced Bev’s and is named for the city’s most notable Georges. Split a bottle of wine or opt for the Carillon Tower—tableside old fashioneds for two with Jefferson’s Reserve bourbon and a smoked orange peel twist. Top off the night with the Cigar Box Churros (above), which arrive in their own box along with ice cream in an ashtray.
* * *
Sweet Event Alert
Soak up some lovely sounds at the DuPage Symphony Orchestra’s (dupagesymphony.org) Feb. 15 concert of Radiant Voices at Wentz Concert Hall (171 E. Chicago Ave.) Tickets range from $12 to $42.
WHEATON
Casual concerts, improv comedy, and more
If your ideal date starts with live music, head to The Backyard (111 E. Front St., thebackyard.space) in downtown Wheaton. February concerts include singer-songwriter Mike Hayes on Feb. 19 and acoustic duo Proudest Monkey on Feb. 28. Trivia and dinner-and-a-movie nights are also on regular rotation here.
What could make a more classic date than burgers and shakes? The Burger Social (108 N. Hale St., theburgersocial.com) serves up vanilla or chocolate malt milkshakes, or fancified versions like the Cheesecake Shake made with apple cheesecake, caramel ice cream, whipped cream, and salted caramel sauce. Burger choices range from a classic wagyu smash burger to the snazzy shrimp patty topped with unagi, slaw, Sriracha aïoli, and avocado.
For after-dinner sweets or to-go treats to save for later, visit Graham’s Chocolates (119 W. Front St., grahamschocolate.com). This smaller outpost of the Geneva original delights with truffles, chocolate-covered strawberries, and dark-chocolate peanut butter cups that puts Reese’s to shame.
Looking to end your night with a laugh? Westside Improv (125 W. Front St., westsideimprov.com) hosts long-form improv shows every Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m. ($12 per person) featuring local improv troupes such as Rad Uncle, Blank Slate, and Foosball Baby. “We don’t have a drink minimum, but we do have a bar that’s available if you want something,” says owner Jeff Ash. “I feel like that’s a great, cheap date night.”
* * *
Sweet Event Alert
The Downtown Wheaton Association’s Winter Wine + Cheese Walk is coming up on Feb. 28 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Purchase your ticket ($40) ahead of time and start at the DWA office (206 N. Main St., visitdowntownwheaton.com) to pick up your wristband. Then stroll around downtown to sample artisan cheeses and sip 15 one-ounce pours of wine at participating stores and restaurants, including Tasting deVine, Billy Bricks, Suzette’s Crêperie, Ivy Restaurant, and Wildflower Mercantile.
HINSDALE
From diamonds and designer threads to steak and sweets
Thinking about popping the question or gifting for a big anniversary coming up? Do some not-so-subtle research at Razny Jewelers (37 W. Washington St., razny.com), where you can browse engagement rings, Swiss watches, and anniversary bands and see what catches your partner’s eye.
Make a stop at Toni Patisserie & Café (51 S. Washington St., tonipatisserie.com) for a slice of chocolate-raspberry or white-chocolate mousse cake and a glass of sparkling wine. The bakery closes at 3 p.m. Sundays and 5:30 p.m. every other day, making it just the right place for a daytime treat.
Looking to freshen up your wardrobes with some investment pieces? Browse womenswear from labels such as Max Mara, Franco Ferrari, Dorothee Schumacher, and more at Sweet William (15 E. First St., sweetwilliamhinsdale.com). Just a couple of blocks away at Burdi (24 W. Hinsdale Ave., burdiclothing.com), you can check out Italian menswear alongside some eye-popping luxury toys, such as a gold-plated Starphire crystal Ping-Pong table and a rotating car on display (like a 1940s salt flat racer). Alfonso Burdi immigrated to the U.S. from Italy in 1963 and opened his first custom tailoring shop in Chicago in 1967. Today, son Rino designs for the family’s eponymous line here in Hinsdale. “[February] is a good time to look at pre-collection spring/summer and order any custom pieces you’d like to have in time for summer or wedding season,” says operations manager Milena Raleva.
Keep the luxe vibes going at chef Paul Virant’s steakhouse, Vistro Prime (112 S. Washington St., vistroprime.com). Start with the Baller Martini, made with your choice of Grey Goose or Botanist vodka and truffle or balsamic flavor pearls, served alongside a raw oyster, house-marinated olives, and a potato chip topped with a dollop of crème fraîche and caviar. Try a seafood tower with Black Tiger shrimp, king crab, and East and West Coast oysters. Round out the meal with your choice cut of steak—rib eye, filet, strip, coulotte—with custom toppings. And note, Virant will be offering a prix fixe menu for Valentine’s Day.
AURORA
A dose of drama from the stage or a night of music
If you haven’t been to see a production at Paramount Theatre (23 E. Galena Blvd., paramountaurora.com) yet this season, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse. Surprise your sweetie with tickets for Dear Evan Hansen, a contemporary musical running Feb. 4 through March 22. When it was on Broadway, the show won six Tony Awards in 2017, and the Paramount’s version—a regional premiere—will be directed by 2024 Jeff Award winner Jessica Fisch.
Visit downtown Aurora during First Fridays for a more laid-back, social vibe. On the first Friday of every month (the next is Feb. 6), the community comes out to dip in and out of art studios, bars, shops, and restaurants. Sip craft drafts at McCarty Mills Taproom & Bottleshop (140 S. River St., mccartymills.com), dig into enchiladas at La Quinta de los Reyes (36 E. New York St., laquintaaurora.com), or take in live music and a cocktail at event space Society 57 (100 S. River St., society57.com).
For more live music, check out The Venue’s (21 S. Broadway, themusicvenue.org) full calendar that features a variety of genres, local musicians, and tribute concerts.
Photos: Jony Tanase Photography (Brewpoint); Nathan Olsen (Vistro Prime); Getty Images; Kimberly Felten Photography (theater); Hall+Merrick+McCaugherty Photographers (museum); Zap! Taco House; Gadi Solis (Mosaic); Up North Wine Tasting Room; The Drake Oak Brook; Lazy Dog Restaurant; Legendary Escape Rooms; Jose Torres (Wine and Cheese Co.); Cristi Ramirez (Khaos Brewcade & Kitchen); @media.bymk (The Club Lemont); Molly Hebda Photography (Pollyanna Social, Barrel & Vine, Folklore Coffee); ME Spa; Rodrigo Cano (Santo Cielo); Jen Banowetz (The George); Downtown Wheaton Association; Nathan Olsen (Vistro Prime); Toni Patisserie; Mike Schwartz (Burdi); Ellis Maldonado for City of Aurora (La Quinta de los Reyes ); Thomas J. King (Paramount)
