Galentine’s Day is actually our favorite holiday (shh… don’t tell the others.) For those of you who don’t know, Galentine’s Day is a kind of platonic Valentine’s Day celebrated on February 13.
Popularized by the iconic Park and Recreation episode, this unofficial holiday is all about celebrating friendship, eating waffles, and drinking rosé. Technically, it’s a girl’s day out, but we encourage you to celebrate your besties no matter what your gender is.
1. Enjoy waffles at your favorite brunch spot in the city
Leslie Knope’s favorite food is waffles. Do her proud by drowning yours in syrup and digging in. Want a restaurant recommendation? Check out our list of brunch and breakfast spots in Chicago! Try out Chicago Waffles, Ann Sather or Tre Kronor, which are known for serving amazing waffles!
2. Grab a glass of wine at a Chicago spot
There are a few amazing spaces around the city where you can grab a glass of wine with friends– and what’s better than celebrating Galentines Day with girlfriends! From Pompette to Park Manor 75, to Chicago Winery in River North, if you’re looking to gab and gather with some pals, why not do it over a glass of wine?
3. Book a spa day just for you and your friends
From a customizable skincare spa, Heyday Skincare, to a salt-iodine cave at Galos Caves, to the infamous AIRE Ancient Baths in River West and more, there are so many amazing places to pamper yourself and de-stress in the winter months!
4. Put together gift bags for all your gals and nonbinary pals to open during festivities
You certainly don’t have to go all out like Leslie Knope with hand-crocheted flower pens, mosaic portraits, or a 5,000-word essay about why your friends are so great, but putting together some little treats for each other can give a great touch to any Galentine’s Day celebration. Even just a kind greeting card can really express how much your friends mean to you.
5. Celebrate with friends at Scratchboard Kitchen
Celebrate Galentine’s Day early this year at Scratchboard Kitchen’s amazing brunch offerings. Offering sweet scratch-made pastries like a raspberry chocolate pop-tart, red velvet scone, and gluten-free chocolate cupcakes, and a sneak peek at a new seasonal menu filled with brand-new cocktails like the Jamaican vacation (featuring rum, orange, lemon, prosecco) and a new twist on a delicious grilled cheese with its umeboshi grilled cheese (which will include plums, muenster, provolone)! Address: 5 W Campbell St. Arlington Heights, IL 60005
6. Throw a baking party
What’s Galentine’s Day without tasty treats? Get your pals together for a baking party where each of you brings a recipe to make delicious pastries, cookies, and cakes. Make it even better by binge-watching the Great British Bake Off while you work. Or, if you’re feeling more like ordering in, grab a box of Levain cookies to go!
7. Volunteer somewhere to spread the love even further this year
Doing something good with friends can bring you even closer. From volunteering at an animal shelter to donating to a food bank, give back to the community by volunteering together with an organization you really care about. Need a few suggestions? Check out our list of non-profits that are making positive, social change in Chicago.
8. Binge-watch Parks and Recreation
Invite friends over for a binge-watching party complete with comfy pajamas, snacks, and fluffy blankets. We suggest starting with the first Galentine’s Day episode but you can pick whichever is your favorite. Don’t like Parks and Recreation? That’s okay (wrong, but okay.) You can binge-watch anything you like, so long as it’s with your favorite people!
9. Get super dressed up and head out for a night on the town
As Donna and Tom would say, “Treat yo self!” Order a bottle of champagne for the table at The Hubbard Inn, the Octoshots at Three Dots and a Dash, or head to any of the great speakeasies all around Chicago! Have the time of your life! You and your pals deserve it.
10. Host a game night at Bonus Round Game Cafe.
Who doesn’t like a game night? Located in Lakeview, Bonus Round is a full kitchen, cafe, and bar with a library of over 450 board and card games as well as knowledgeable staff to teach you how to play. They also have a delicious menu of sandwiches, desserts, and drinks to munch on with vegan and gluten-reduced options so everyone can come to game night! Or, make a reservation at Kibitznest for a game night filled with laughter and drink options. The cozy bookshop bar also hosts comedy nights and literary salons.