Local Resources
Best After Hours Place
Kayak/Tandem Rides
Rentals at North Pier on Ogden Slip, Chicago
(630) 336-7245
In the summer you and your date can paddle through the rivers of Chicago beneath the citys looming skyscrapers. If youre not seasoned kayakers, lessons are available.
Lakeview Lounge
5110 N. Broadway, Chicago
(773) 769-0994
This place is a hoot. The house band, Night Watch, plays every Thursday through Saturday from 10 p.m to 4 a.m. Theres no cover and drinks are cheap.
Best Cheap Date
Movie in the Park Millennium Park
Millennium Park, Chicago
Every Tuesday night in the new Millennium Park one classic movie is shown after sun down. Pack some lawn chairs and a picnic. Admission is free.
Best Club
Excalibur Night Club
632 N. Dearborn St., Chicago
(312) 266-1944
This medieval castle-themed club has three floors of entertainment. Pool tables and HDTV are available if you dont feel like dancing to some of the best DJs in the country.
Best Place for a Laugh
The Elevated
Cherry Red Bar, 2833 N. Sheffield (back room), Chicago
(773) 477-3661
You never know wholl stop by this comedy showcase. Up-and-coming performers present comedy ranging from standard club comedy to the avant-garde.
Best Place for Coffee and Dessert
Millennium Perk
79 E. Madison, Chicago
(312) 384-1270
Madison at Michiganhow great it is to seen an independent coffee shop thriving in the high-rent Loop. This adorable little spot has great coffee and makes sandwiches to order.
Best Place To Buy a Gift
T-Shirt Deli
1739 N. Damen Ave., Chicago
(773) 276-6266
Visit Bucktowns T-Shirt Deli and design a personalized made-to-order T-shirt. Or two.
Best Restaurant for a Second Dinner Date
Govnors Pub
207 N. State, Chicago
(312) 236-3696
The drinks are really good and the food is great at this extremely popular pub located in close proximity to the Chicago Theatre.
Best Restaurant for First Dinner Date
Orsos Restaurant
1401 N. Wells, Chicago
(312) 787-6604
The lighting and pianist make this the perfect place for romance. The filet mignon is a must. Save room to share a dessert. The summertime patio is Chicagos most beautiful.
Best Restaurant for Lunch or Brunch First Date
Nookies
1747 Wells St., Chicago
Call for other locations.
(312) 337-2454
The lunches are quick and filling--try the apple and cheddar cheese omeletand if you have time for dessert, splitting one is a guilt-free way to enjoy Nookie on a first date.
Best Special Occasion Restaurant
Tru
676 N. Saint Clair, Chicago
(312) 202-0001
Enjoy progressive French cuisine in a whimsical setting. For a truly special occasion, book a private party with a custom menu created by Trus chefs.
TOP FIVE DATES
Navy Pier Romantic
Navy Pier, Chicago
Want the perfect summer date? Try strolling along Navy Pier at sunset. Grab some ice cream from the Haagen Dazs caf. Then, ride the Ferris wheel and check out the skyline while the fireworks show begins. There are also actual pyrotechnic displays on Wednesday and Saturday nights summer through fall.
Out of the Frying Pan, into the Fire
The Chopping Block
4747 N. Lincoln Ave., Soldier Field, Chicago
(773) 472-6700
The Chicago Fire
(888) MLS-FIRE
Balance out your masculine and feminine sides. Start off the evening with a cooking class and end with sports. Everybody ends up happy.
The 21st Centurys Yesterday
Sony Gallery of Consumer Electronics
663 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago
(312) 943-3334
Museum of Contemporary Art
220 E. Chicago Ave., Millennium Park, Chicago
(312) 280.2660
The Oprah Winfrey Show
Harpo Studios, 1058 W. Washington
(312) 630-0808
Have you ever watched Oprah? Women idolize her and men admire her. What a great place for a date to start. How could it possibly not end well? Call Harpo Studios and reserve space in the audience to experience this phenomenal Chicago icon first hand.
Unleash Your Inner Tiger
Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course
3600 N. Recreation Dr., Chicago
Golf is for lovers. Okay, we made that up. But golf is a great couples activity and if youre already a fan this might be a way to get your date hooked on you and the game.
