Love is in the air in Chicago! It may be hard to feel as the chilly winter wind blows, but it’s there. Ravenswood businesses are feeling it as neighbors “shop small” heading into Valentine’s Day. To make sure you don’t miss anything, we’ve collected details about the Valentine’s Day celebrations, specials, and gift ideas from 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.
Handcrafted Jewelry from Minerology
Mineralogy (1944 W Montrose Ave) offers a collection of limited edition and one-of-a-kind jewelry designed and crafted by Ravenswood metalsmith, Theresa Cowan. Inspired by an earth science class lecture on minerals, Theresa creates unusual statement and heirloom quality pieces that pay tribute to the beauty of natural gems and minerals. Her work makes an elegant and unique Valentine’s Day gift. Shop online at mineralogydesign.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 VDAY24 to save 10%. Shop their full collection and place your orders here (discount automatically applied through this link).
Heart-Shaped Pizzas from Chicago’s Pizza
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 5-14, 2024. Order online at chicagos-pizza.com.
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.
This year’s crave-worthy collection features the following flavors: Cappuccino, Champagne, Chestnut Honey, Cinnamon Marzipan, Hibiscus Cream, Lemon, Ruby Raspberry, Salted Caramel, and Strawberry Basil.
Place your orders online at amyscandybar.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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2/6, 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 SOLD OUT! More Info
2/7, Bloom Mastery: Flower Arranging for Beginners at KOVAL Distillery
Join KOVAL for an evening dedicated to the enchanting world of flower arranging. This workshop is perfect for beginners eager to explore the magic of creating floral compositions.
Guided by expert florists, you’ll learn essential techniques, from selecting the freshest blooms to arranging them into captivating bouquets. Gain insights into color theory, balance, and texture, unlocking the secrets to creating arrangements that bring joy to any space.
7pm, 4241 N Ravenswood Ave, $55 SOLD OUT! More Info
2/9, Share the Love at Ponnopozz
Make a Valentine for all of the loved ones in your life while also sharing the love with your community! This free card crafting event also kicks off Ponnopozz’s personal hygiene product donation drive for The Friendship Center food pantry.
5-9pm, 4839 N Damen Ave More Info
2/9, Valentine’s Date Night Throwdown at Lillstreet Art Center
Get your “Ghost” on at Lillstreet for a night of learning to throw clay on the potter’s wheel. A hands-on experience where you’ll make magic happen. They’ll event set the mood with some Unchained Melody. Register early – this popular Valentine’s Day class fills quickly every year!
2/9, Valentine’s Day “Puppy Speed Dating” & Market at Dovetail Brewery
Join Chicago Canine Rescue and their adoptable puppies for a fun-filled “Speed Dating” event at Dovetail. There will be fun photo ops for you and our puppies (like a puppy kissing booth!), drinks, a raffle, and a DIY Valentine station.
At the pop-up market, shop vendors like Barry Sweets, Cog Cycles and Yarn, quirky pet portraits by Waterpop, and more. All proceeds from the raffle and $1 from every beer sale during the event will go to Chicago Canine Rescue.
4:30-6:30pm, 1800 W Belle Plaine Ave More Info
2/10 & 2/11, 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!
10am-4pm, 4325 N Ravenswood Ave, $8 More Info
2/10, Valentine’s Variety Makeshop at BitSpace
Design your own “candy” hearts, cards, and tags for loved ones in BitSpace’s crafters corner. If you’re feeling adventurous, their woodshop and 3D printers will be available for a truly unique experience. Please note: sign ups for woodshop/3D printing are limited to a handful of attendees. A sign-up sheet will be available upon entry. Open to all ages.
2-5pm, 2541 W Lawrence Ave More Info
2/11, Pamper Your Pup Valentine’s Day Event at Bosly’s Backyard
Show your best friend how much you love them with a day of doggie self-care! Bosly’s will host activities to pamper your pup, including: professional pics in a V-Day photo booth, animal communication sessions, pet illustrations, dog massages, nail trims, teeth brushing, Pup Picasso Painting, bakery treats, shopping, raffles and more.
11am-3pm, 4011 N Ravenswood Ave, $20 More Info
2/12, Hot Potato Hearts Speed Dating at KOVAL Distillery
Hot Potato Hearts is a platform created to help people build meaningful connections in a low-pressure, casual safe space. Their goal is to create a welcoming, fun, inclusive, and relaxed environment for cultivating relationships- whether romantic or platonic.
Participants will talk to everyone at the event whether they have the same sexual orientation or not, so you can get a date or make some new friends!
7pm, 4241 N Ravenswood Ave, $13 More Info
2/13, Galentine’s Day Bracelet Making Workshop at Bon Femmes
Celebrate Galentine’s Day at a Bracelet Making Workshop led by Amy Vorel of Vo Jewelry! Bon Femmes hosts a fabulous evening filled with bubbly beverages, sweets, and the joy of crafting beautiful bracelets with your friends.
All materials for bracelet making will be provided.
6pm, 4917 N Damen Ave, $40 More Info
2/13, Valentine’s Day Treats and Flowers at Mindful Baking Cafe
Pick up vegan/gluten-free Valentine’s Day treats, plus flowers from Gypsy Alley.
2-5pm, 1942 W Montrose Ave More Info
2/16, Valentine’s Day: A Cupid’s Affair at VIN312 Winery
Join ViIN312 for a night of wine, love songs, sweets, and treats. Tickets include wine tasting, your first glass of wine, a DJ playing hit love songs, chocolate truffles made with VIN312 wine, charcuterie boards, red roses, and more!
7pm, 4710 N Ravenswood Ave, $40 More Info
