It’s a familiar Valentine’s Day scenario: You were too busy to make reservations or just forgot, so you either a) suffer the long wait for a table or b) give up and head to your usual weeknight spot. This year, choose c) none of the above. Head to another ‘hood and embark on one of these can’t-miss date itineraries.
Little Italy
Lincoln Square
Rogers Park
Humboldt Park
first stop
Little Italy
Pop into family-run Scafuri Bakery (1337 W. Taylor St. 312-733-8881) and stock up on just-baked cookies and cannoli to nibble later in the evening — or the next morning, if all goes well.
Lincoln Square
Browse the yummy scented soaps and other bath goods at Merz Apothecary (4716 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-989-0900). Then pick out something you and your sweetie can enjoy together, such as Olivina Bath and Massage Oil ($30.50), a blend of Napa Valley olive and grapeseed oils.
Rogers Park
Start off the date horizontal with massage appointments at Skylight Wellness (1220 W. Morse Ave. 773-856-6091). First-time guests receive $10 off 60-minute massages (normally $85) or $15 off 90-minute massages (normally $120) — choose deep tissue, aromatherapy or hot stone.
Humboldt Park
On budget lockdown but determined to celebrate in style? First get in sync at the Dance Academy of Salsa (2725 W. Division St. 773-895-8184). Beginner salsa, merengue and bachata classes are offered from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from 6 to 7 p.m. Saturday; drop-ins welcome ($15 per person).
second stop
Little Italy
Grab a cozy table at dimly lit RoSal’s (1154 W. Taylor St. 312-243-2357), where you can dine on Sicilian specialties such as gnocchi in Mezzaluna vodka cream sauce ($15) while Dean Martin croons on the stereo.
Lincoln Square
Take refuge from the cold with dinner at Fiddlehead Cafe (4600 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-751-1500). The menu focuses on contemporary American dishes such as grilled wild striped bass with roasted sunchokes and persimmon beurre blanc ($22) — pair it with a glass of 2005 Gerard Bertrand viognier ($7.50).
Rogers Park
Continue the bliss with an early dinner at vegetarian Lake Side Cafe (1418 W. Howard St. 773-262-9503). The Valentine’s Day buffet and party kicks off at 6 p.m. and will feature a mostly organic, 90-percent vegan spread with main courses, side dishes and desserts. Reserve ahead for $17 per person or fork over $19 each at the door.
Humboldt Park
Slide into a booth at Guy’s Pizza and Bistro Italiano (3948 W. North Ave. 773-772-1535) and share some tasty (and cheap!) ‘za. A medium pan pizza with sausage ($15.35) feeds two.
third stop
Little Italy
Sip an after-dinner drink at romantic BeviAmo Wine Bar (1358 W. Taylor St. 312-455-8255). Valentine’s Day specials include $5 glasses of champagne, $5 Valentinis (sparking wine with lemon-lime soda, grenadine and a cherry) and $5 Kiss shots (Godiva chocolate liqueur, vanilla vodka and Bailey’s). Live guitar music starts about 8 p.m.
Lincoln Square
Head to longtime neighborhood fave Cafe Selmarie for coffee and dessert (4729 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-989-5595). Order a decadent slice of raspberry chocolate tart ($4.35) with a frothy cappuccino ($2.65) or take home a few pastries for later.
Rogers Park
Now that you’re feeling super mellow, make a choice: Head home for a candlelit bath or up the tempo at the Morseland (1218 W. Morse Ave. 773-764-8900). Thursday nights feature DJs Serpico, GT and Kana Me spinning hip-hop, funk, soul and reggae from 10:30 p.m. on.
Humboldt Park
End the evening at the retro California Clipper (1002 N. California Ave. 773-384-2547). The dim, ’40s-era bar features Naugahyde booths and classic cocktails, and there’s never a cover.
