Ten Chicago bars our editors recommend for February 14 — without a forced two-hour table or a red rose surcharge.
Valentine's Day is when most Chicago bars suspend their normal menu and replace it with a four-course set lunch that requires a deposit. The picks below are different. These ten Chicago venues run Valentine's Day the way they run any other Friday — great cocktails, normal pricing, an honest welcome — which is exactly what makes them better Valentine's bars than the ones charging double.
The Chicago bars our editors send Valentine's Day bookings to
The first six picks below are the editors' default — the rooms we send a friend to first when they ask. Each is followed by a recommendation we have ordered ourselves at least three times. Click any bar name to read the full review, signature drink notes, neighbourhood guide and how to book.
Three Dots and a Dash (in River North) the three dots mai tai is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the corner table books out three weeks ahead but the bar seats are walk-in friendly even on the night itself. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
The Violet Hour (in Wicker Park) the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the room pulls back the lights a quarter-stop on February 14 and seats two-tops where the bar staff can read the room. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Sparrow (in Gold Coast) the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. Valentine's runs the same menu as any other Friday — no set-price ambush, just the cocktail list at honest pricing. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Billy Sunday sits in Logan Square, and the sunday punch is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the corner table books out three weeks ahead but the bar seats are walk-in friendly even on the night itself. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
At Lazy Bird in West Loop, the bird's word arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the corner table books out three weeks ahead but the bar seats are walk-in friendly even on the night itself. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
Mott Street Bar (in Wicker Park) the lychee spritz arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the corner table books out three weeks ahead but the bar seats are walk-in friendly even on the night itself. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
Order: Lychee Spritz
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These last four are the editors' deeper-cut picks. Smaller rooms, more specific energy. If the first six feel obvious to you — meaning you have already been — start here.
At Bar Pastoral in Lakeview, the pastoral spritz arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the corner table books out three weeks ahead but the bar seats are walk-in friendly even on the night itself. Editors' rating in our database: 4.6 of 5.
The Office sits in West Loop, and the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the room pulls back the lights a quarter-stop on February 14 and seats two-tops where the bar staff can read the room. Editors' rating in our database: 4.8 of 5.
In West Loop, The Aviary the in the rocks arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. Valentine's runs the same menu as any other Friday — no set-price ambush, just the cocktail list at honest pricing. Editors' rating in our database: 4.8 of 5.
In West Loop, Kumiko the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. Valentine's runs the same menu as any other Friday — no set-price ambush, just the cocktail list at honest pricing. Editors' rating in our database: 4.8 of 5.
Order: Kumiko Sour
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More Cocktail Bars in ChicagoThe full editor-curated list of Cocktail Bars in Chicago, with neighbourhood notes and signature-drink picks.
Two Valentine's Day notes. Book a 6.30pm or 9.30pm slot — the 7-9pm window is overrun. And ignore venues that require pre-paid set menus on Feb 14; the cocktail bars on this list do not, and the experience is better for it.
Other seasonal Chicago guidesFrom New Year's Eve to Halloween - every annual Chicago occasion our editors cover, cross-linked.
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