Restaurant Review – Geja’s Café

Romantic celebrations of Valentine’s Day in Chicago ranges from the whimsical…linen-draped, candlelit tables with servers at White Castle (?) to the sublimely epicurean tastes of Michelin-starred restaurants like Alinea.

But for elegance, intimacy, and the epic experience of sharing the finest melted cheeses, prime meats, crustaceans and fine wine with your most precious love, there’s nothing quite like Lincoln Park’s candlelit, grotto-like Geja’s Café, named many times over “The Most Romantic Restaurant in…Chicago, North America… and America,” by USA Today, CNN, and the Food Network. According to the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce, the nearly 57-year-old restaurant, as of 2019, has hosted more than 16,800 engagements, often set to the music of the live Classical and Flamenco guitarists who have entertained guests from the café’s earliest days.

February is Valentine’s Month at Geja’s Cafe, and owner Jeff Lawler is going all out. From special cocktails for lovers to their romantic, curtained private booths, St. Valentine himself would be proud. So would Cupid!

Your romantic adventure, according to Geja’s website, begins with a bubbling Swiss Gruyere cheese fondue, served with fresh breads, fruits and vegetables for dipping. Follow that with a crisp house salad, dressed with tangy Dijon vinaigrette. Next, you’ll cook your choices of Australian lobster tail, Gulf shrimp, beef tenderloin, fresh sea scallops or boneless chicken breast in a pot of sizzling soybean oil or broth. The main course is served with fresh vegetables and eight gourmet dipping sauces. Their delectable, sinfully rich Belgian chocolate fondue is flamed table-side with orange liqueur and served with strawberries, banana, pineapple, cherries, pound cake, graham cracker crumbs, Rice Krispy treats, churros and marshmallows for roasting.

With 57 years in the business, it’s now a legacy for generations of families. One Google reviewer wrote, “Took my date to Geja’s Cafe 30 years ago and today we returned with our two teenagers to celebrate a special occasion. Not much has changed and that’s a good thing. The ambiance is as nice as ever, romantic if that’s what you want or perfectly cozy with some close friends. The menu offers excellent options for fondue, and they added outdoor fire tables 5-6 years ago (call ahead for all reservations). Geja’s Cafe is well-known to many Chicagoans, yet it seems that the restaurant boom in the last 10-12 years have lured many younger professionals away from this unique and flavorful dining experience. I hope to return to Geja’s Cafe again for a special occasion down the road.”

Geja’s is located at 340 W. Armitage Avenue. The café is open Mondays-Thursdays, 5pm–9pm, Fridays, 5pm–10pm, Saturdays, 4pm–10pm and Sundays, 4pm–9pm.  For reservations, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago