Valentine's Day in Illinois is shaping up to be a feast of creativity and community spirit, with restaurants and businesses across the state unveiling an eclectic mix of limited-time offers, quirky menu items, and heartfelt initiatives. From McDonald's surprising McNugget Caviar kits to the enduring tradition of heart-shaped pizzas at Lou Malnati's, this season is all about celebrating love—without breaking the bank or sacrificing a sense of fun.
One of the most headline-grabbing promotions comes from McDonald's, which is pairing its iconic Chicken McNuggets with a touch of luxury. According to Patch, the fast-food giant is giving away McNugget Caviar kits exclusively online starting February 10, 2026, while supplies last. The kit isn't just a novelty; it features a one-ounce tin of premium Baerii Sturgeon caviar, a $25 McDonald's gift card, crème fraîche, and a Mother of Pearl caviar spoon, all packed for a truly unique Valentine's Day experience. As the chain puts it, McNuggets and caviar are "a match made in heaven." Those interested can sign up at mcnuggetcaviar.com starting at 11 a.m. on the launch day.
But McDonald's isn't the only chain thinking outside the box. Lou Malnati's, a household name in Chicago-style deep dish pizza, is bringing back its beloved heart-shaped pizzas for the entire month of February. According to both Patch and the Chicago Tribune, these pizzas can be ordered in a variety of flavors—sausage, cheese, or pepperoni—and are available for carryout, delivery, or dine-in, either cooked or frozen. The best part? For every heart-shaped pizza sold, Lou Malnati's will donate $1 to local Make-A-Wish chapters, blending delicious food with a good cause. Customers can even bundle their pizza with heart-shaped cheesecake or chocolate chip cookies for an extra dose of sweetness.
Portillo's, another Illinois favorite, is also getting in on the Valentine's action. The chain is offering its classic chocolate cake in a heart shape, available for pre-order through February 11 and for pickup or delivery between February 11 and 15. For every order placed, Portillo's will donate between $5 and $25,000 to No Kid Hungry, supporting children in need. Additionally, Portillo's is serving up a Red Hot Meal Deal for $25 from February 12 to 15, which includes eight chicken tenders, two small fries served in a heart-shaped tin, a large chocolate-covered strawberry shake with two straws, a limited-edition Sauce Flight, and a free heart-shaped keychain while supplies last.
For those looking to keep things casual, Applebee's is offering $6 Smoocho Sips cocktails, including the Tipsy Cupid—a vodka lemonade with strawberry and a garnish of red gummy lips—and the Prickly Ever After Rita, which features tequila, orange liqueur, lime, and prickly pear. Dairy Queen is joining the fun with two cupcakes for $6, combining chocolate and vanilla soft serve, fudge, and chocolaty crunch. Meanwhile, Nothing Bundt Cakes is tempting taste buds with a Chocolate Raspberry Heart Bundtlet for $6.75 through February 15.
The beverage scene is also heating up. Starbucks introduced two new Valentine's Day drinks on February 3: the White Chocolate Strawberry Cream Cold Brew and the Strawberry Shortcake Frappuccino. Both drinks join a menu that now features new year-round matcha beverages, such as the Iced Double Berry Matcha and the Iced Banana Bread Latte. Ziggi's Coffee, a growing chain in the region, has launched a Shaken Espresso lineup and a "Season of Love" promotion, where rewards members can earn buy-one-get-one beverages, surprise treats, bonus loyalty points, and exclusive stickers just for participating in themed activities.
White Castle is celebrating its 35th annual Love Castles event on February 14, transforming participating locations into romantic destinations with hostess seating, tableside service, and festive decor. According to the Chicago Tribune, it's a tradition that many couples have come to cherish, offering a playful twist on the typical Valentine's dinner out.
Illinois' food scene isn't just about deals and novelties this February. Patch reports that the Chicagoland area is seeing a surge in new coffee shops and eateries. For instance, plans are underway for a new drive-thru coffee shop at 1434 Butterfield, with a special use permit under consideration on February 10. Jitters Coffeehouse, a Joliet staple for over 20 years, is opening a second location, while Slyce of NY is bringing New York-style pizza and inventive street food to Naperville. Frankfort Chophouse is set to open its doors on February 12, and Liquid Therapy Bar and Restaurant's redevelopment project is up for a vote by the Joliet City Council.
Not all news is celebratory, though. A beloved family restaurant is closing after 40 years, marking the end of an era for loyal patrons. Meanwhile, a national restaurant chain with a strong Illinois presence will shutter hundreds of locations in the coming months—a sign of the challenging business environment. In Burr Ridge, a chain store with over 250 North American locations faces possible closure, and an iconic Chicago candy company filed for bankruptcy last week, underscoring the volatility in the retail and dining sectors.
Yet, stories of resilience and community support abound. A popular taco catering business is asking for public help as the wife of "The Taco Man" battles a severe infection. Nick Lynch, inspired by his own childhood spent fighting leukemia, is opening MeMe's Candy & Cards in Downers Grove to bring joy to others. And Lou Malnati's, as mentioned, is channeling pizza sales into charitable donations, while Portillo's is supporting No Kid Hungry with every heart-shaped cake sold.
Elsewhere, Chick-fil-A is offering complimentary heart-shaped trays with select menu purchases through Valentine's Day. Francesca's on 95th is serving a three-course prix fixe dinner for $45 during Chicago Restaurant Week, which runs through February 8. Emagine Theatres is offering a Valentine's concession special from February 13 to 15, including a free medium soda with certain combos and a free Polaroid keepsake at select Michigan locations on February 13. Lemont welcomes a new barbershop with a grand opening on February 14, and a Forest Park gas station recently sold a $1 million winning Powerball ticket—proving that fortune can sometimes be just around the corner.
Legislative changes are also in the air, with Skokie adopting a new law to regulate short-term rentals, and Chipotle and 7 Brew announcing new locations in Flossmoor, with construction expected to begin in spring and openings projected for fall 2026.
With so many options and stories unfolding, Illinoisans have plenty of reasons to celebrate this Valentine's Day—whether it's with a quirky fast-food kit, a heart-shaped pizza, or simply supporting a local business with a meaningful mission. The spirit of the season is alive and well, blending tradition, innovation, and community in every bite and every gesture.