Looking for a romantic place to take that special someone this Valentine’s Day? We’re playing matchmaker and setting you up with some of the best date night spots around. All you need to do is throw on something snazzy, grab a date, and save room dessert.
Fondue Stube: Nothing like a little interaction to get things going on a date. Just like the Montagues and Capuletes, you’ll die for the Romeo and Juliet platter which includes beef, chicken, fish, and veggies. End things on a sweet note with the chocolate fondue. Location: 2717 W Peterson Ave. in Rogers Park.
Pizzeria Deepo: Fine dining not your thing? Then you might want to try staring deep into that special someone’s eyes over some deep dish pizza. It’s BYOB if you need a little liquid courage and Chef Jeanette Dixon and her team make the dough and sauce fresh every day. Location: 1742 W 99th St. in Beverly.
Tapas Barcelona: Dating is all about sharing your feelings, love … and food which makes this tapas place perfect for a date night. Wrap your date up in bacon, try the mussels, and get your hands on their amazing sangria. Location: 1615 Chicago Ave. in Evanston.
Mecenat Bistro: City-goers: trust us when we say this restaurant is well worth the drive. Mercenat Bistro has an extensive wine list but Brittney says it’s all about the chocolate lava cake. Rich, sweet and oh-so-guilt-worthy just like a date should be. Location: 821 Burlington Ave. in Western Springs.
Mart Anthony’s Italian Restaurant: Frank Campo’s serving up his grandmas’ recipes in a comfortable, intimate setting. You’ll fall in love with the black linguine with shrimp, scallops and vodka sauce. Now that is amore. Location: 1200 W Hubbard St. in the West Loop.
May St. Café: This date night getaway is the definition of a hidden gem. Their Mexican/Puerto Rican comfort food will leave you begging for more and if owner Mario Santiago’s charm doesn’t win you over, the slow roasted pork and homemade flan will. Location: 1146 W Cermak Rd. in Pilsen.
Lockwood Restaurant and Bar: A classy date deserves an equally classy setting. Enter: Lockwood Restaurant and Bar in Chicago’s classic Palmer House Hotel. Woo your significant other by ordering the world-famous Palmer House Brownie. Fun talking point: the brownie was actually invented at this very hotel. If you really want to get your history fix, reserve your spot (and heat things up) on their History is Hott tour. Location: 17 E Monroe St. in the Loop.
Di Piero’s: Believe or not, there are two pizza places on this list. But hey, this is Chicago and we gotta show love to both our dates and our pizza. Dim lighting and candlelit tables set this pizzeria apart from others. We promise you’ll dream about the Chicago Classic Pizza long after your date ends. Location: 17 E Main St. in Lake Zurich.
Ristorante Agostino Gustofino: It’s no coincidence that this place feels like home. Owner Agostino Fiasche goes shopping for fresh ingredients daily and fills tables with people who feel more like family than fellow diners. Brittney goes gaga for the Linguine Mare Chiaro but Agostino and his wife manage to knock all of their homemade Italian dishes out of the park. Location: 2817 N Harlem Ave. in Montclare.
Chez Joel Bistro Francais: Paris is the city of love so it only makes sense that a Parisian bistro would make its way onto our list. Twinkling chandeliers, fresh roses and romantic candlelight make this place a date-night must but the classic steak frites are the real kicker. Location: 1119 W Taylor St. in Little Italy.
List based on most-viewed segments on YouTube for date night/romance category.
