Get Your Galentine’s On, Chicago!
Uteruses before duderuses…Ovaries before brovaries…Fries before guys. Whatever your favorite slogan, the message is clear: Partly thanks to popularization on the sitcom “Parks and Rec,” Galentine’s Day has become an extra special day in February for anyone who wants to celebrate their lady friends. You might be showering them with compliments like calling them a “poetic, noble, land mermaid” a la Leslie, or just going out for a great dinner, this Saturday is for the girls. So make your February 13 reservations ASAP because these menus shouldn’t be missed!
Foxtrot {multiple locations]: Planning a Galentine’s movie or game night in? Order one of Foxtrot’s custom boxes for the holiday! They have options all planned for you whether you want to go for the classic “Galentine” (Brooklyn Candle Studio Love Potion Candle, Daily Skin Mask, Herbivore Calm Bath Salts, Berry Sour Gummies), want to show some “XOXO” (XOXO Sparkling Grapefruit Bath Bar, Patchology Happy Place, Herbivore Gua Sha, COCO Chocolatier Caramel Hazelnuts) or just plan on ordering pints of Jeni’s ice cream. They now also ship nationwide for long-distance besties you want to send some love to!
Aba
Aba {302 North Green Street 3rd Floor, Chicago; 773.645.1400}: You can cozy up for cocktails inside at Aba or immerse yourself in Chicago’s winter weather on their patio! Their menu is made for sharing, which makes it perfect for best friends, and is full of amazing dishes like the Crispy Short Rib Hummus.
Bar Siena {832 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.492.7775}: Pizza. Wine. Dessert. Nothing can top that combo, but enjoying it with your best friends certainly makes it taste all the sweeter. Bar Siena is a fun and cozy spot for brunch or dinner with the gals, and then you can pop out to their Bombobar window for an amazing (and Instagram-able!) dessert of Bombos or Hotter Chocolate.
Riccardo Osteria {1023 West Lake Street, Chicago; 312.291.8620}: Perfect for a girl’s night full of great wine and lots of catching up, Riccardo Osteria occupies a quieter corner of the West Loop and their staff treats every guest like family. Get the Carbonara and prepare for an amazing, intimate meal with your favorite friends.
The Darling
The Darling {905 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.285.2609}: If you miss getting dressed up for a girls’ night out, you can dip your toe back in those waters with a night at The Darling! Their cocktails are legendary and their decor beautiful… all that’s missing now is YOU!
Sfera Sicilian Street Food {3517 North Spaulding Avenue, Chicago; 847.957.3045}: If you want to take advantage of Valentine’s weekend special menus, this is one to remember and get ready for! Their Valentine’s Dinner for 2 is perfect to share with a pal and has unique twists on classic Sicilian dishes that are just as amazing enjoyed at home as they are in the restaurant.
etta {multiple locations}: The Bucktown and new River North locations of this Italian hot spot are “keepers of the hearth” so you know you’re going to have a warm meal full of comfort food whenever you come in for a visit. Equally fun for brunch as they are for dinner, we recommend the Fire Pie with sausage, giardiniera and chile de arbol no matter what time of day you dine.
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor