You have two weeks left. Have you secured a Valentine yet? Don’t worry–we’ll help you weed through the wannabe suitors to find that special someone who deserves your attention. Hit one of these hangs with your maybe Mr. or Ms. Right, and figure out whether there’s a future in two hours or less.
The Cotton Club
Open-mic nights at this Near South Side Harlem-themed club will either help you form a bond with your potential new sweetie as you badmouth the singer that sounds like a dying cat, or it will rip you two apart as fast as he can make an ass of himself doing Barry Manilow a capella onstage. Sign up to perform between 8 and 9 p.m., but be ready to bolt if your date’s truly dismal. $5. 1710 S. Michigan Ave. 312-341-9787.
Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum
When you’re not sure if last week’s drunken snog knows the difference between Fritos and Frida Kahlo, it’s time to test your new catch’s cultural knowledge with a stroll around this Pilsen museum. Check out a four-ton stone head and other smiling figures in the special exhibit, “Treasures of Ancient Veracruz.” Still hanging in there? Wander around other brightly colored galleries and chat about a painting, beaded costume or giant puppet that grabs your attention. If your date’s a drag, the museum’s not that big. It’ll all be over soon. Free. Through Sunday. 1852 W. 19th St. 312-738-1503.
The Tasting Room
Think your pal has potential as a love interest? When you want to dial the romance up a notch, nothing works better than a bottle of wine. The staff at this West Loop wine bar suggests the 2002 Pago Florentino from Spain, which has a round, velvety feel ($43). But, wait. Is your partner too pushy? Not liking his Dr. Jekyll-like transformation after the last glass? Say buh-bye when you hit the bottom of the bottle. 1415 W. Randolph St. 312-942-1313.
Improv Kitchen
When your date suggests dinner and a movie and you’re not sure you can even make it through a 90-minute feature, roll it all into one and head to this Lakeview spot, where you can catch a flick while you feast. Trust us, skip the painful improv part, but check out the weekly DVD screenings during the Psychotronic Film Society Cult Film Festival. This Thursday, watch ’80s favorite “The Goonies” and gobble deep-fried ricotta cheesecake ($6). If the conversation’s bad, tune out your tablemate and check out Chunk as he does the Truffle Shuffle. 9 p.m. No cover. 3419 N. Clark St. 773-868-6423.
Satay
You’ve finally mustered up the courage to meet your online date in person. Rule No. 1: Have an escape plan. What? You mean the photo you saw failed to pick up your date’s ghastly unibrow? Meet somewhere near an “L” stop, and you won’t have to concoct an elaborate getaway. We suggest getting off the Brown Line at Diversey, only steps away from this cute Pan-Asian spot and the yummy lemon-honey spicy chicken ($8.95). Bonus: If your date’s a snooze, the service here is speedy, and it’s BYOB, so you can console yourself with a glass of sauvignon blanc. 936 W. Diversey Ave. 773-477-0100.
Feel the love
Whether you’re planning a romantic night out with your sweetie or you’re looking to hit the bars with your buds, our online Valentine’s Day Guide has everything you need.
Fire starters
Is your social life as cold as ice? Heat up your next date with these hot drinks.
Sweet deals
From a sumptuous high-end dinner to a heart-shaped dessert, feed your love with these fab Feb. 14 deals.
Get-in-the-mood food
Will these aphrodisiac eats guarantee that you’ll get some? We doubt it, but these tasty dishes are worth trying anyway.
Low-fund finds
Don’t let an empty wallet keep you from dining in style on V-Day–check out these budget eats.
Home away from home
Get outta town–and shack up at these cozy, romantic area bed and breakfasts.
Plus, find anti-Valentine’s Day bashes, singles events, concerts and more in our Valentine’s Day Guide on metromix.com.
