Planning a Romantic Valentine Dinner Near Chicago?
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.
Nestled just over the state line in Northwest Indiana’s enchanting Duneland region, Bartlett’s Gourmet Grill and Tavern is the perfect Valentine’s Day escape. Imagine a winter day drive along Lake Michigan’s frosted shoreline, the air crisp with the promise of romance, culminating in an intimate table at a restaurant that feels part chic boutique bistro, part cozy neighborhood hideaway. Whether you bundle up for a lakeshore stroll before dinner or hop next door for a bit of antique‐hunting, Bartlett’s makes for an entire day—and night—of unforgettable memories.
Why Bartlett’s Shines for Romance
1. A Menu That Reads Like Poetry
Chef‐owner Nicole Bissonnette, a Le Cordon Bleu–trained alumna of Paris’s finest kitchens, crafts plates that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Begin your evening with delicate diver scallops perched atop basil‐infused parmesan risotto, each bite a balance of creaminess and bright herb notes. Then choose between classics—think lobster‐butter linguini studded with plump shrimp and mussels—or indulgent comfort fare like the signature five‐hour cabernet–braised pot roast, layered with smashed garlic potatoes and seasonal vegetables in a silky natural jus. Every dish evolves with seasonal produce, so expect special Valentine’s‐Day features like heart‐shaped beet carpaccio or locally foraged mushroom risotto.
2. Cocktails & Wine Curated for Two
Raise a toast to love with Bartlett’s Buck ’n Good Bloody Mary, a savory blend spiked with just enough horseradish heat. Or let the bartender surprise you—a pink‐hued grapefruit martini garnished with edible flowers, perhaps, or a sparkling rosé cocktail served tableside from a crystal decanter. The wine list features small‐production California pinots and robust Italian reds, plus expert pairing suggestions so you and your sweetheart can sip the ideal match for your entrée.
3. A Space That Feels Like Home—Only Better
Twinkling overhead lights, exposed brick warmed by glowing sconces, and tufted leather banquettes make Bartlett’s a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Intimate two‐tops line windows that frame views of snow‐dusty dunes, while a sleek fireplace crackles centrally, casting a soft glow on each course. Floral centerpieces—sometimes wild foraged greens, sometimes romantic red roses—personalize each table without ever feeling fussy.
4. Impeccable, Personal Service
At Bartlett’s, the staff remembers names, favorite dishes, and preferred seating. A friendly wine steward will stroll by to refill glasses before you even notice they’re low. If you mention it’s Valentine’s Day, don’t be surprised to find a complimentary tasting spoon of caprese amuse‐bouche or a small plate of house‐made chocolate truffles waiting in lieu of the usual palate cleanser.
5. Sweet Endings to Seal the Evening
No Valentine’s dinner is complete without dessert, and Bartlett’s pastry selection reads like a love letter. Think dark chocolate fondant with molten caramel center, served with a quenelle of bourbon‐vanilla ice cream; classic tarte Tatin crowned with brandy‐flambéed pears; or a trio of macarons filled with rosewater‐raspberry cream. Pair with a small pot of rich espresso or a half‐bottle of late‐harvest Riesling, and linger at your table as long as you like.
Extend Your Valentine’s Weekend in Duneland
Before or after dinner, explore the region’s charms. Bundle up for a walk across the frozen Lake Michigan shelf ice, marvel at the windswept dunes of Indiana Dunes State Park, or treasure‐hunt for vintage finds in a nearby antique mall. If you’re feeling lucky, try your hand at one of the area’s friendly casinos, or warm up with a cocoa at a local café. Bartlett’s invites you to make the most of a Duneland daycation—from sunrise over the lake to a candlelit dinner you’ll never forget.
Plan Ahead
Reservations for Valentine’s weekend fill quickly; call Bartlett’s Gourmet Grill and Tavern at (219) 555-1234, or book online through their website. Mention “Valentine’s Special” when you reserve to unlock any seasonal prix‐fixe menus or add-on champagne packages. Dress cozy yet elegant, and prepare to create a Valentine’s memory that goes well beyond “just dinner.”
What Would You Add?
What special touches would you add to your Valentine’s night at Bartlett’s? Let us know below!
