That's Amore: Where To Spend Valentine's Day With the One You Love

Want to let special someone know you care with a big romantic gesture? Check out these fun options around town to take a date—or even the whole family.

Valentine's Day is Feb. 14—that's this Thursday. Put it on your calendar and don't forget.

Buzz Cafe

905 S. Lombard Ave. in Oak Park

The Buzz Cafe is the perfect setting if you Valentine's date calls for a laid back night—you can even bring the kids.

Adult Menu: pork tenderloin with caramelized pears and a pear brandy cream
sauce served with shallot mashed potatoes and fresh asparagus accompanied
by roasted red pepper and tomato bisque and an arugula salad with avocado,
blood oranges, and a citrus vinaigrette. Dessert is a Death by Chocolate
layer cake! - $30

Kid's Menu: classic meatloaf with ketchup hearts served with home-style
French fries and green beans accompanied by chicken noodle soup, fresh
berry yogurt parfait, and a Whoopie pie for dessert! - $15

There's a vegetarian option available too, and you can bring your own wine or beer!

Seating Times: 5:30 and 7 p.m.

Live Music: 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Marion Street Cheese Market

100 S. Marion St. in Oak Park

You've got three nights to choose from at Marion Street Cheese Market. Their special valentine's menu will be served Feb. 14, but also on Feb. 15 and 16. See their full Valentine's menu here.

Just don't forget to make a reservation.

Want to go the extra mile? You can pre-order a bouquet of English roses and wild genestra for $20. The roses will adorn your table as you dine, and then will be packaged to take home when your meal is through. Orders must be placed by Tuesday, Feb. 12.

Junction Diner

7401 W. Madison St.

The Junction Diner is another great place to consider if you're taking the kids out too. They're celebrating Valentine's Day from Feb. 12-14, with special menu items like our new Juicy Lucy burgers and pasta entrees. Glasses of wine will also be available for $4. 

Lake Street Kitchen + Bar

1101 Lake St. in Oak Park

This popular spot in downtown Oak Park will be providing a special four-course dinner on Feb. 14 for $35 a person. You also have the option of adding a wine pairing for an additional $15 per person. Make sure you make a reservation here too.

You'll start with a first course; a choice of Cod Brandade with toast points, or Tomato Bisque topped with lump crabmeat. For the second course, you'll enjoy a Hearts of Palm salad with arugula, olives, tomato and avocado in citrus vinaigrette. The third course offers a choice of jumbo shrimp with linguine in cream sauce, or chicken breast over potato puree, zucchini and squash "spaghetti" in champagne sauce. Don't forget desert! Enjoy a white chocolate and raspberry mousse parfait.  

Maya Del Sol

144 S. Oak Park Ave. in Oak Park

Winner of our Reader's Choice contest for the best place to take a date (wink, wink), Maya is offering up a special Valentine's Day ala carte menu. You can see the list of offerings (it's huge) here.

Reservations are highly suggested. You don't want to leave your date in the cold.