Hooray! You’ve landed a date for Valentine’s Day. And here’s more good news: Cupid’s not invited. Now that the pressure’s off, we’ve picked some of our favorite places for hetero-homo pairs to bond.
Redhead Piano Bar
Nothing says “gays welcome” like the words “piano bar.” This River North hot spot is no exception. With a good mix of out-of-towners and regulars enjoying nightly live music, gay men are just part of the scene. On Valentine’s Day, gay men and straight women can skip their $35 half-bottle of champagne and go directly to the martini list. Try sipping a citrus-splashed Sexi Lexi martini ($8.50) or Matt’s Hawaiian Breeze ($8.50), made with Absolut Vanil, Mango Fruja and pineapple juice and served with an orange wedge. Weekend performers Dave Johnson and John Zamojcin will be on duty, helping to croon away. Even Billy Joel, who knows a thing or two about traveling with a gay man, made an unexpected appearance here last year, shocking that evening’s resident piano man. 16 W. Ontario St. 312-640-1000.
2004 Chicago Auto Show
You’re a lesbian who’s never worn lipstick, and the closest he’s ever come to his inner metrosexual was sampling an ex-girlfriend’s hand lotion. So why not do what really gets both of your motors humming this Valentine’s Day and take a trip together to the Chicago Auto Show. Talk about love at first sight: Have you had a look at the 2004 Dodge Ram? Cherry! Afterward, take a drive to nearby Printer’s Row to visit Wabash Tap (1233 S. Wabash Ave. 312-360-9488), a place so casual it’s almost pretentious. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday-Feb. 15. $5-$10. McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, 630-495-2282.
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