Romantic Restaurant in Chicago Area #Dinner4Valentines

Do you live in the Chicago area and are planning a romantic Valentine dinner date?  Looking for a romantic restaurant?  I have a suggestion for you that is not only a romantic dinner idea but also a destination.

I’ll write about dinner in a minute, but in addition to enjoying an incredible meal, visit something that sparks your interest in Duneland.  Whether it’s the Indiana Dunes State Park with beautiful vistas of Lake Michigan (yes, even in winter!), a stroll through an antique shop, finding bargains at an outlet mall, or trying your luck at a casino, the Duneland area has much to offer for a Saturday Valentine Day adventure.

Snuggled in the Dunes country of Northwest Indiana, only minutes from Chicago, is Bartlett’s Gourmet Grill and Tavern. My top favorites about Bartlett’s are the:

1.   Food.

Nothing is more romantic than savoring delicious, culinary perfection.  Bartlett’s Gourmet Grill and Tavern owners, Gary Sanders and Nicole Bissonnette, have created menus and dishes that are certain to have your taste buds singing.  Nicole studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and worked at Michelin star restaurants.  She says, ““I took away their passion for food and importance of tasting every dish as it evolves during the cooking process.”

Begin with a Bartlett’s tradition, the “Bartlett’s Buck ‘n Good Bloody Mary”, a perfectly balanced house mix with a touch of horseradish.

A Scallop Appetizer over Basil Pesto infused Parmesan Risotto followed by Linguini tossed with Shrimp, Mussels, Spinach and a Sun dried Tomato Pesto?  Or perhaps you are more in the mood for beef or cozy comfort food?  How about mouth-watering 5 Hour Pot Roast?  It’s a generous portion of tender braised beef with fresh vegetables, smashed potatoes in a rich cabernet, garlic and natural ajus reduction.  And dessert on Valentine’s Day is a must-have!  Of course I can’t find one picture of a Bartlett’s dessert, but I have enjoyed some to-die-for desserts there!  What first comes to mind is an apple tarte tatin but I know there are amazing chocolate creations, as well.  You’ll have to let me know in the comments a dessert you would like to have on Valentine’s Day!

2.  Service

At Bartlett’s you will receive high quality, friendly service.  The staff has a family feel and you clearly get the feeling that they enjoy their jobs.

3.  Environment

Bartlett’s describes itself accurately as “a neighborhood hangout with tasteful design and thoughtful food in a casual environment.”  Everyone feels comfortable in this restaurant.  Whether it’s your first time or you eat there every weekend, it feels like you are coming home.

4.  Fresh

Not only is the food fresh and the menu constantly changing, Bartlett’s has special events like Comedy Night and Get Fit…Get Food.  There are often holiday-themed specials, or meals inspired by international travel.  Craft beers abound.  I don’t know what’s in store for Valentine’s Day, but I’m sure it won’t disappoint!

5.  Fun

When a restaurant’s logo is a beer-drinking deer, you know it’s a place with a sense of humor.  And what’s more romantic than delicious food, feeling comfortable, and making memories.

Connect with Bartlett’s Gourmet Grill and Tavern here:

Bartlett’s Website

Bartlett’s on Facebook

Bartlett’s Twitter Page

Connect with Duneland here:

Indiana Dunes Tourism

Photos courtesy of the Bartlett’s Gourmet Grill and Tavern and Indiana Dunes State Park.

What kind of place would you like to visit on Valentine’s Day?