Date night in Chicago
Pick the vibe — first date, anniversary, or low-key Friday — and use this Chicago shortlist of romantic spots, dinner picks and walks.
Best date-night spots in Chicago
12 curated picks — from candlelit dinners to sunset views.
360 Chicago
$$$View · Streeterville
94th-floor TILT over Magnificent Mile.
Alinea
$$$$Restaurant · Lincoln Park
Three-Michelin-star theatre by Grant Achatz.
Architecture river cruise sunset
$$Experience · Loop
Chicago's signature date — sunset on the river.
Cindy's
$$$View · Loop
Athletic Association rooftop over Millennium Park.
Geja's Cafe
$$$Restaurant · Lincoln Park
Candlelit basement fondue — Chicago date-night classic.
Green Mill
$$Live music · Uptown
Capone-era jazz club nightly.
Le Bouchon
$$$Restaurant · Bucktown
Classic French bistro, intimate room.
Pequod's Pizza
$$Restaurant · Lincoln Park
Caramelized-crust pan pizza — casual date staple.
Promontory Point sunset
$Walk · Hyde Park
Lake Michigan stone amphitheatre at golden hour.
Smyth
$$$$Restaurant · West Loop
Two-Michelin-star tasting in airy room.
Spiaggia (Italia) replacement: RPM Italian
$$$$Restaurant · River North
See-and-be-seen Italian.
Symphony Center
$$$Experience · Loop
Chicago Symphony, world-class acoustics.
Frequently asked
- Start with a wine bar, then a slow-paced dinner, then dessert or a walk. Highlights right now: Millennium Park, Chicago Riverwalk, Art Institute of Chicago.