Love is in the Air - Three Ideas that Won’t Break the Bank for Valentine’s Day

By Caitlin Klein in Food on Feb 3, 2011 8:40PM

We want you to have a sexy Valentine's Day, but we get it - you need ideas that won't put you in the poorhouse for the remainder of February. Here are three ideas to help you score without hitting your wallet too hard.

1. Wicker Park’s Division Ale House wants to help you celebrate Valentine’s Day with a little bubbly. For $50, a couple can score a sharable appetizer, two entrees, house-made chocolate truffles for dessert, and an entire bottle of champagne. The Ale House has more of a “bar” feel, so you can swig with your sweetie in jeans if that’s your thing. You can make reservations on Ale House’s website, by calling (773) 384-6886, or through OpenTable. If you’re seeking the Valentine’s Day special, make a note of it when you make your reservation.


2. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean expensive dining out - why not just go out for drinks? Try Swirl Wine Bar on Hubbard to sip wine in an intimate setting with your Valentine. For those looking for something in University Village, Beviamo is trendy, has decent wine selections, good cocktails, and dark, sexy wall hangings. Webster’s Wine Bar is sure to please a wine lover, and you’ll be feeling the romantic vibes after having a few glasses in candlelight.


3. Cook at home! What’s more romantic than getting your hands a little dirty with your main squeeze in the kitchen? We’ll post some ideas for elegant, simple, and romantic dishes for two next week. The main advantages of cooking at home? You can save a few bucks, eat exactly what you want, and wear, or not wear, whatever you like.