Looking to impress that special someone with an unforgettable night out? Taking a date to these spots says, “I’m interesting, romantic and thoughtful.” Don’t worry, we won’t blow your cover.
Turkish delights
Eat kebabs and watch belly dancers work their abdominal magic at A La Turka on Friday and Saturday nights from 9-9:30 p.m. Feeling lucky? Call ahead and reserve your spot for a tea leaf reading on Saturday nights and prepare to make a wish (for love?). 3134 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-935-6101.
Grab your partner–literally
The passionate tango is an excellent excuse to get as close to your date as possible without breaking public decency codes. For the dancing deficient, the Lakeshore Athletic Club is offering group tango lessons on Feb. 14 from 7:30-11 p.m. for $12. 1320 W. Fullerton Ave. 773-994-7929.
Or if you think your tango skills are up to snuff, head to the Recuerdo Tango Club, which is hosting a Valentine’s Day milonga (tango party) from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. on Feb. 14. The $25 entrance fee includes an Argentine buffet, surprise showcase performer and some of the best tango music in the city. BYOB. Call ahead for tickets or buy them at the door. 6137 N. Northwest Hwy. 773-301-0510.
Express yourself
Your mom always loved those valentines you made for her as a kid, so why not try it now? Grab your special someone and make for Glazed Expressions, where ceramic pieces like heart-shaped dishes, bowls, ornaments and keepsakes are ready and waiting to be personalized. (They also have vases, picture frames, and dinnerware for the less Valentine-inclined.) Ceramic pieces start at $3. 3339 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-665-4072.
Sing a sappy serenade
If you’ve always dreamed of crooning love songs to your sweetheart, then here’s your chance. Sing karaoke on stage with a live back-up band on Wednesday nights at Underground Lounge. They say love is blind; for your sake let’s hope it’s deaf, too. $5 cover. 952 W. Newport Ave. 773-327-2739.
Can-can I kiss you?
Snag a table, order a bottle of champagne and brace yourself for “Love & Lust,” a full-out cabaret musical show at Voltaire, featuring Amy Armstrong (a Chicago cabaret celeb) and her seven-member troupe. Bring your sense of humor: Boisterous Armstrong is notorious for busting the chops of audience members. “Love & Lust” begins Feb. 6, but check out Voltaire’s rendition of songs from “Free to Be You and Me” and “Schoolhouse Rock” through Feb. 1. Shows at 8 and 10 p.m. on Thursdays and 7, 9 and 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. No cover. 3441 N. Halsted St. 773-281-9320.
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Find more Valentine’s Day outings for couples, singles and cynics in upcoming issues and on metromix.com.
