This Valentine’s, why not skip the chain stores and show some extra love to local Ravenswood businesses? From handcrafted gifts to one-of-a-kind experiences, this curated collection of small-batch goodies, celebrations, and gifts will make your heart sing. Whether you’re treating a loved one, your bestie, or yourself, there’s something here to make everyone feel special—and it all supports local makers, artisans, and shops around the neighborhood.
Shop Small: Gift Ideas
Looking for a truly special gift? Ravenswood’s shops have a vibrant selection of Valentine’s Day cards, work from local artists, and hundreds of handmade items. From cute and quirky to timeless and elegant, Ravenswood has the perfect gift for your Valentine.
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Traditionally Crafted Valentine’s Day Cards from Starshaped Press
Looking for a thoughtful or funny card for your Valentine? Skip sifting through last year’s Hallmark reprints at Target and go retro with a handmade card from Starshaped Press (4636 N Ravenswood Ave). Starshaped is a traditional letterpress that’s operated in the heart of the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor for over 20 years!
Online shopping and local pick-up available. Explore the Starshaped collection at starshaped.com.
Gifts for Everyone at Hazel and Hazel Apparel
Located just step from one-another, Hazel (1835 W Montrose Ave) and Hazel Apparel (1825 W Montrose Ave) are your two-stop gifting destination. No matter the time of year, you’ll find something special for the person on your mind (even if that person is you!). For Valentine’s Day, you’ll find an incredible selection and apparel and fashion, jewelry, home décor and fragrance, specialty and classic candies, a gift cards made by local artists.
A limited selection of items are available for online order, with a much larger variety available in-store. Complimentary gift wrapping is available on in-store purchases. Free shipping for online orders over $100. To learn more, visit hazelchicago.com.
Table for Two Cookbook from Bon Femmes
Whether it’s your mom, best friend, or significant other, sweep the person you love off their feet with failsafe recipes for show-off meals for two. Table for Two is food writer Bre Graham’s first cookbook, showcasing recipes to cook for the people you love. Food to make your heart beat faster, crunchy things, things to risk looking silly eating like spaghetti twirled straight from your fork onto your white t-shirt.
The two most romantic meals of all: are breakfast fry-ups and Sunday roasts, which mirror the pace of love as “everything all at once” and “something that takes too long to arrive”. Things that look beautiful, super quick to whip up things, alcohol-infused everything.
Shop in store (4917 N Damen Ave) or online at bonfemmes.com.
Disco Heart Plant Stake from Ponnopozz
Don’t be surprised if your plants start disco dancin’! This “Disco Heart” Disco Ball Decorative Plant Stake is a lightweight yet durable plastic 3 3/4″ inch disco ball covered in reflective mirror glass tiles, sitting atop a 5-inch long stainless steel rod.
This decorative plant stake is the perfect plant accessory to add a little disco fever, shimmer, and shine to your indoor houseplant menagerie! Just place the rod in your favorite potted plant (soil, rocks, styrofoam, or other mediums work great!), floral arrangement, or centerpiece, and let the disco ball do the rest. Each disco ball plant stake order comes with a plantable wildflower seed tag!
Shop in store (4839 N Damen Ave) or online at ponnopozz.com.
Eats & Sweets
No matter your flavor, there’s something bound to delight your tastebuds in Ravenswood.
Find the perfect food for a cozy night in, a romantic night out, or a sweet treat for the end of the night.
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Give a “Box of Love” from Lucila’s Alfajores
Leave the box of factory assembled chocolates for the kids. Ravenswood’s favorite Lucila’s Alfajores is offering 10% OFF online orders for their decadent, handmade dulce de leche-filled Argentine pastries. Covered in dark and white chocolate, these unique sweets are perfect for any loved one (and a wonderful way to treat yourself too!). Nationwide shipping and curbside pickup from their Ravenswood Ave bakery are available.
Use promo code GRCCVDAY25 to save 10% now through 2/25/25. Shop their full collection and place your orders here.
Heart-Shaped Pizzas from Chicago’s Pizza
Fall in love with pizza all over again! Whether it’s a pumpkin for Halloween or a shamrock for St. Patrick’s Day, holiday-themed pizzas from Chicago’s Pizza (1919 W Montrose Ave) are a Ravenswood tradition. Their heart-shaped pie is always the most anticipated- perfect for Galentine’s Day parties, family celebrations, solo splurges, couples, and throuples.
To get yours, order a large thin-crust or stuffed pizza and select the “Make it heart-shaped” option. Available from February 1-16, 2025. Order online at chicagos-pizza.com.
Thinking of going out for the evening? Enjoy Chicago’s Pizza’s $70 dinner for 2! Choose a three course meal with drinks (both alcoholic and spirit-free options) and have a lovely evening out at a neighborhood favorite spot. Available February 13-15, 2025. Reserve a table here.
2024 Valentine’s Day Chocolate Collection from Amy’s Candy Bar
Make your Valentine’s Day one to remember by gifting the Valentines Chocolate Collection from Amy’s Candy Bar (4704 N Damen Ave) to your special someone. The collection comes nestled in an elegant red gift box, tied off with a ribbon. Amy’s chocolates are handcrafted in their Ravenswood kitchen. They make a perfect gift for everyone from sweethearts and grandparents to teachers and colleagues.
Place your orders online at amyscandybar.com.
Valentine’s Sweetheart Sundaes from Bartleby’s Homemade Ice Cream
True love is sharing your ice cream! Bartleby’s (1943 W Byron St) has made it easier this Valentine’s Day with their Sweetheart Sundae, a sharing-size dessert that you and your sweetie can customize. You’ll get your choice of 3 scoops of ice cream, 2 sauces, whipped cream, and 3 toppings, and they’ll even put 2 cherries on top to avoid causing any trouble in paradise. Order one at the scoop shop anytime on Valentine’s weekend!
Learn more at bartlebysicecream.com.
Valentine’s Day Weekend Special Menu at Platform 47
Love is in the air at Platform 47 (4709 N Damen Ave)! Celebrate Valentine’s Day Weekend with a special menu designed for celebrating your sweetheart, friends, or gathering your besties for Galentine’s Day! Available Friday, February 14th and Saturday, February 15th at $110 per couple (not including tax & gratuity). Reservations are highly recommended! Book your table today at (773) 681-0240.
Learn more at platform47chicago.com.
Love in Four Courses at Half Acre
Find gastronomic love at Half Acre (2050 W Balmoral). This Valentine’s Day, they’re serving love in four delicious courses, with a full vegan option.
Start: Charcuterie / Oysters on the Half Shell / Vegan Jambalaya
Salad: Caesar / Vegan Chicory
Main: Grillades / Crispy Frog Legs / Vegan Harvest Roast
Sweet: Biscuits & Chocolate Gravy / Arkansas Possum Pie / Vegan Bananas Foster Bread Pudding
$60 per guest. Beverage, tax, and gratuity not included. Walk in, no reservations. The coursed menu items are not available a la carte. Their regular menu will also be available.
Learn more at halfacrebeer.com.
Enjoy a Romantic Night Out at a Romantic Local Restaurant
Delicious Food. Romantic Vibes. Tasty Treats. For a great night out with your loved one, we recommend the following Ravenswood restaurants:
- Atelier Restaurant – 4835 N Western Ave
- Bayan Ko – 1810 W Montrose Ave
- Cultivate by Forbidden Root – 4710 N Ravenswood Ave
- Farm Bar Ravenswood – 1970 W Montrose
- Fireside Restaurant & Lounge – 5739 N Ravenswood Ave
- Platform 47 – 4709 N Damen Ave
- Rojo Gusano – 4217 N Ravenswood Ave
- Spacca Napoli – 1769 W Sunnyside Ave
- Tiztal Cafe – 4631 N Clark St
- Tuscan Hen Market – 4019 N Damen Ave
- XOchimilco – 2030 W Montrose Ave
Valentine’s Day Events & Celebrations
Whether you’re looking to create something beautiful, enjoy something indulgent, or find an excuse to get closer, we’ve got you covered. Ravenswood small businesses are hosting a variety of unique, stimulating, and fun Valentine’s Day events.
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2/1, Valentine’s Day Market at Is/Was Brewing
Join your pals at Is/Was for a Valentine’s Day Market featuring amazing local artists and makers. Featuring custom portraits by Joe Kraft, handcrafted clay jewelry by Tiger Moth, food from Milo’s Market and so much more!
12-6pm, 5121 N Damen Ave More Info
2/1 & 2/2, Chicago Artisan Market at Artifact Events
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Chicago Artisan Market returns to Ravenswood! Shop over 100 local artists and artisans at this two-floor pop-up market. Top local artisans in food, fashion, home decor, and art will help you find the perfect gift. Plus, you can enjoy coffee, tea, pastries, a full bar, and more!
11am-5pm, 4325 N Ravenswood Ave, $8 More Info
2/8, Valentine’s Trunk Show at Lillstreet Art Center
Come visit the Metalsmithing Artist-in-Residence, Melissa Broek, at a Valentine’s Day Trunk Show in the Lillstreet Lounge and Gallery Space! Discover a stunning array of handcrafted jewelry, including rings and necklaces—ideal presents for that special someone in your life. In addition, run upstairs to view her new exhibition, PODS, opening February 7-28 in the Annex Gallery!
2/8, Hearts & Crafts Valentine’s Event at BitSpace
Show your appreciation and love by designing a custom card, “candy” hearts, and more! Love in the air feeling heavy? They’ve got anti-valentine’s too! Swing by the shop for a crafting extravaganza. Bring the whole family along – it’s going to be a blast! All ages are welcome though children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult. No need to register as an accompanying adult unless you want to participate in the crafting fun!
2-5pm, 2541 W Lawrence Ave, $10 More Info
2/8, Pamper Your Pup Valentine’s Day Event at Bosly’s Backyard
Who’s your best friend? Your dog, of course. Treat your pup (and yourself) to a self-care day and celebrate your love! There will be a variety of activities to pamper your pup including: Professional Photos in our Vday Photo Booth, Pet Illustrations, Valentine’s Card Creation, Dog Ornament Station, Dog Massages, Pawdicures (Nail Trims & Painting), Teeth Brushing, Pup Picasso Paintings, Bakery Treats, Shopping, Raffles and More! Admission to the event includes a Valentine’s Day Gift Bag with a toy, bakery treats, and other giveaways for your pup
11am-3pm, 4011 N Ravenswood Ave, $25 More Info
2/9, Valentine’s Open House at Lightwriters Neon
Fancy a GLOW-entine’s treat? Join Lightwriters Neon for an open house with demos, snacks, discounts(!) and shiny things!! Collaboratively hosted in tandem with (Im)perceptible by @tri.log
Free and open to the public! There will be live glass demos, snacks, discounts(!), and artwork by local queer artists!
10am-12pm, 4222 N Ravenswood Ave More Info
2/12, Partner Portrait Painting at Ponnopozz
Artist Emma Martin leads this partner painting workshop that results in the perfect gift for your loved one. So text your friend or romantic partner and get ready for an evening of celebrating love (of all kinds) through the intimate and unique medium of portrait painting. No experience necessary for this fun workshop. All materials provided plus snacks/beverages and 15% off any purchase at Ponnopozz.
7-9pm, 4839 N Damen Ave, $90 for 2 tickets More Info
2/13, Cocktail Class: Pre-Valentine’s Day Cocktail Class at KOVAL Distillery
Join KOVAL for a cocktail class and get ready to impress this Valentine’s Day! KOVAL’s resident mixologist will walk you through everything you need to know to craft perfect date-night drinks.
This hands-on class includes making and enjoying 3 cocktails, with the guidance of an instructor and provided recipes. All bartending equipment is included – simply show up ready to learn!
7pm, 4241 N Ravenswood Ave, $75 More Info
2/13, Galentine’s Day Wine Tasting at VIN312
In honor of Galentine’s Day, VIN312 is excited to invite you to a special Wine Tasting & Winery Tour event!
Spend the evening with your besties and enjoy a selection of fine wines made right here in Chicago. During the event, you will be able to indulge in delicious chocolate truffles, savor various charcuterie, and all women will receive a rose as a special treat. This is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday with your friends, and to make memories that will last a lifetime.
7pm, 4710 N Ravenswood Ave Rear, $40 More Info
2/14, Valentine’s Day Card Making at Chicago Printmakers Collaborative
Join us at the printmaking studio on Valentine’s Day to make an arty card for someone special! The gallery has so many beautiful prints covering the walls and you might just fall in love with one. The CPC will be open from 12pm-5pm and there will be festive treats, along with a craft table set up for anyone wanting to make a Valentine’s card for loved ones, best friends, or pets!
12-5pm, 4912 North Western Avenue More Info
2/14, Sips, Strokes & Sweethearts! Valentine’s Special at Color Me Mine
Indulge in an evening of romance, creativity, and connection this Valentine’s Day! A romantic private table for two, adorned with flowers and chocolates to set the perfect mood. Create a ceramic masterpieces and create memories to last a lifetime. Choose from a variety of ceramics: heart plates, picture frames, heart mugs, love plaques, heart boxes, or anything from our extensive collection of hundreds of options. Sip your favorite wine or bubbly (BYOB) and enjoy the perfect blend of art and romance.
6:30pm, 3849 N Lincoln Ave, $32 More Info
2/14, Valentine’s Day Treats and Flowers at Mindful Baking Cafe
Head to Mindful Baking for specials, packages, and flower bouquets from Monarch Beauty Flower Farm. Mojo Owl will be a guest vendor as well!
1-5pm, 1942 W Montrose Ave More Info
2/14, Partner Yoga at Pistachio Yoga
Deepen your yoga poses and connections with others. You will be guided through several yoga techniques that’ll help you discover practicing yoga with a partner. This is a fun and very playful event – expect laughs and a lot of smiles! This event is a great way to step out of your shell.
6:30-8pm, 5206 N Damen Ave, $25+ SOLD OUT More Info
2/14, Valentine’s Day Ball at Ballroom Dance Chicago
Leave behind the usual Valentine’s Day routine and immerse yourself in a world where every detail is crafted to bring you closer. From the moment you arrive, our evening is dedicated to helping you rediscover the joy of being fully present with your loved one. Whether you’re learning a new dance together or simply enjoying the ambiance, this night is about rekindling the spark that brought you together.
7:30-10pm, 4039b N Ravenswood Ave, $199 More Info
