by Kara Machowski
With the encroaching holiday and many of the local restaurants in the city filling up faster than you can say Valentine’s Day. There’s so much emphasis that goes into spending nowadays, but more of us are still living paycheck to paycheck working a internship that doesn't even pay. If you haven't already made plans you may not only find yourself scrambling for something to do, but a low bank account. Here are a few ideas of how to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your loved one or friend for under $50 in the city of Chicago without looking like a cheapskate.
1. Jazz and Champagne
M Lounge is hosting a night of live music with performance artist, Simone Green. Slip away into the music with your lover or friend as Simone heats up the stage with jazzy love songs, blues, R&B and house. You can enjoy her music and sip on a complimentary glass of champagne and sweets buffet. Let’s not forget, roses for the ladies, of course. Seating is on a first come first serve basis. $20 per person.
Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 7pm. 1520 S. Wabash | Chicago IL 60605
2. Indoor Picnic
Why don’t you grab some chocolates and food to go like sushi from your local grocer like Whole Foods,Trader Joe’s or Chicago local favorite, Pret and bring your loved one to the Harold Washington Library Conservatory. There you can enjoy a quiet refreshing escape from the cold in a winter garden and take in the beauty of it’s architecture and glass ceiling overhead. Just make sure to grab some headphones if you want to share some tunes together. Harold Washington Library.
400 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605
Hours: 9am-9pm M-Th, 9am-5pm Fri-Sat, 1pm-5pm Sun.
3. Shake Shack Burger Inside a Historic Building
It may seem cheesy, but us Chicagoans do love our burgers and alcohol, so when the two can be paired it seems fantastical. After a delicious burger at the Shake Shake on Michigan Ave. inside of the Chicago Athletic Association (and hopefully you're now a bit buzzed), venture inside the Chicago Athletic Association where you can see the old pool just a few steps above the first floor and then to the second floor where there you can enjoy the vintage aesthetics of the building that existed since the 1800’s.
Shake Shack at Chicago Athletic Association
12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603 11am-11pm
4. Eat, Skate, Love
Venture to Chicago’s popular Athletic Association Hotel Valentine’s Day weekend for a night around the rink. The Athletic Association originally opened it’s doors in 1893 and has since been revamped but kept much of its original gothic architecture. The original pool that is located just steps below the lobby that is located on the second floor and also known as the Milk Room. Here they will be transforming their basketball court into a roller skating rink where you can circle the court to LL Cool J.
Tickets are $20 available for pre-purchase from EventBrite and skate rentals are $5 cash each at the event.
February 10th & 11th 6-11pm.
12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
5. Give the Gift of Music
Give your sweetheart the gift of guitar and even vocal lessons. Four, 30 minute sessions : https://www.groupon.com/deals/heart-of-singing-8 $19.99 or $24.99 to add vocal lessons. Plus you will still have money left over for flowers!
Heart of Singing : 5141 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625
6. Burlesque Show near the Gold Coast
Be taken aback by an amazing show of burlesque, belly dancers, fire-twirlers, pole artists and even drag stars. The entry price includes a free shot to get the festivities started and unlimited amounts of pop-corn and even entry to the after party!
$20 per person.
26 W Division Street, Chicago, IL 60610
7. Painting Class for Two
Grab a bottle of table wine from Trader Joe’s and head out for a creative night. Not only do you get to have fun at a BYOB painting party, but most events have trained artists to help you with little questions you may have and most give a quick demonstration. Also you get to take your creation home with you! Little tip: most welcome lite bites for you to bring to snack!
Pilsen : https://www.groupon.com/deals/vip-paints-1 Far North Side :https://www.groupon.com/deals/resistor-chicago-3 $38 for two Paint your own wine cup! https://www.groupon.com/deals/vip-paints-chicago
8. Escape to the Tropics
When we find ourselves in the midst of a Chicago winter we always like to escape someplace that makes us forget like an underground tiki bar. Pretend that you are someplace warm and sip on a Pina Colada or go crazy and get one that is on fire! 17$ for $30 worth of Tropical Appetizers at Kahiki : 2834 River Road, River Grove, IL 60171
9. BYOB Sushi Making Class
Grab a bottle of plum sake and take your date to a class where you get to learn to make your own sushi where you have the choice if you would like to eat your creation or shellac it to display at home! https://www.groupon.com/deals/roll-sushi-roll-1 $48 for two! 1448 N Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60610
10. Movies, Food & Drinks Affordably
Remember when going to the movies used to be affordable? Well Bar & View brings it back and adds the choice of alcohol to your movie outing! Most movies are $5 and they pride themselves on having affordable drink selections and yummy pizza! 3145 North Sheffield Chicago, Illinois 60657
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