Four Romantic Date Spots in Chicago, IL
Four Perfect Restaurants to Take a Date in the Second City
Sep 29, 2009
Chicago has some of the most charming restaurants and lounges perfect for any date night. Whether a couple is looking for a laid-back spot or an intimate atmosphere for their date, one of these restaurants will help them to achieve a memorable night. These places can be a perfect addition to a night at a theatre or other cozy date. Explore the best restaurants in Chicago while going out on the town with that memorable date.
Zed 451 Dazzles Even the Pickiest Culinary Connoisseur
Plan a special date night at the upscale Zed 451 located just north of Chicago’s Loop. This restaurant is a two part culinary adventure that consists of an antipasto buffet of salads, exotic cheeses, soups, pasta, and much more. After the buffet, the restaurant’s chefs bring a variety of delicious meat and fish personally prepared by them to the table for the patron’s sampling. Complete the meal with one of Zed’s spectacular cocktails or a bottle of wine. Be sure to bring a lot of cash to Zed 451; a meal for two will easily cost over $100.
Enjoy a Classically Romantic Atmosphere at Geja’s Café in Lincoln Park
Geja’s Café has not surprisingly been voted one of Chicago’s most romantic restaurants and has been in business for over 40 years. The candlelit interior, the soft Spanish-style guitar music, and the secluded booths make any couple want to get close. Fondue is the specialty at Geja’s; both the creamy cheese fondue and the decadent chocolate fondue are to die for.
Geja’s main course features a choice of meats, fish, and vegetables that are served raw and cooked by the patron at the table. Peruse the never-ending wine list to complete the perfect meal. For couples on a budget, skip the main course and just enjoy the cheese and chocolate fondues for around $20 per person.
Gioco in the South Loop Offers a Twist on the Traditional Italian Restaurant
When it comes to romantic atmospheres, Italian restaurants are on everyone’s mind. Chicago has a plethora of Italian restaurants located all across the city, but Gioco in the trendy South Loop area is certainly a must see. In addition to being a restaurant, Gioco also has a speakeasy-style bar. The décor is beautiful without being pretentious and gives Gioco a more casual attitude. While pasta is plentiful on the menu, Gioco also offers other traditional yet uncommon Italian dishes. Head to Gioco earlier in the evening or on a weekday to avoid crowds, or skip dinner altogether and enjoy their brunch.
The Violet Hour Lounge Encourages Conversation in an Intimate Atmosphere
Conversation is key for any great date and noisy and crowded bars are almost always an immediate deal breaker. For after dinner drinks that don’t murder the mood, try the Violet Hour in Wicker Park. On the outside, the Violet Hour looks like an abandoned and boarded-up building. The curtained entry way opens up into a candlelit lounge with high backed chairs. The soft music and furniture arrangement allow couples to speak intimately and privately, and the lounge has set up several rules and banned cell phones use to preserve this environment. Be prepared to wait at the Violet Hour; the lounge doesn’t take reservations and has a strict limit to how many people they allow inside.
Whether a couple lives in Chicago or is traveling there for a weekend get away, these four romantic date spots are definitely worth checking out. While most of these spots aren't cheap, each offers a unique twist on the typical date night and appeal to any couple’s tastes.
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