You can’t look at Chicago’s skyline at night and deny that this is a romantic town. Just consider how many romantic films have been set and filmed here! “While You Were Sleeping,” “High Fidelity,” “My Best Friend’s Wedding”… The list goes on and on! Here in Chicago, we’re passionate about everything — our sports, our food, our history, and our date nights.
A fancy meal doesn’t have to be your only choice when you and your significant other hire a babysitter or nanny for the evening. We’ve put together a list of 11 options around the city to help you enjoy the sweet freedom of a few hours away from the kids.
Museum of Contemporary Art
Address: 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611
Hours: Tuesday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Wednesday & Thursday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Friday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Phone: 312-280-2660
The Museum of Contemporary Art is the perfect destination for art lovers wanting to soak up some culture without weighty history lessons. It makes for the perfect intellectually and culturally stimulating date. Check the museum’s calendar for information on its current exhibitions and upcoming events, such as lectures and guest speakers. If you’re able to sneak away on a weeknight, the MCA is always free to Illinois residents and open until 9 p.m. on Tuesdays. Every other day of the week the museum maintains a “pay-what-you-can policy,” but suggested admission for adults is $15.
The California Clipper
Address: 1002 N. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60622
Hours: Sunday – Friday, 8 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. | Saturday, 8 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Phone: 773-384-2547
Dating back to the 1930s, the California Clipper captures all the elements of a classic cocktail bar: well-crafted drinks, low-glowing lights, live music, and cozy booths that will swallow you and your date up for the evening. The bar hosts live music most nights, with the occasional DJ or burlesque review popping up on the calendar. The music can range anywhere from jazz to global sounds. Don’t miss the stack of board games on the back wall if you need an icebreaker to kick off the evening. Expect a $5 to $10 cover most nights.
Garfield Park Conservatory
Address:300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60624
Hours: Thursday – Tuesday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Phone:312-746-5100
A lack of abundant nature is one downside to living in a big city. Reconnect with the greener side of things at Garfield Park Conservatory. Explore multiple unique garden collections under a beautiful glass ceiling, including the conservatory’s Palm House, Fern Room, and Desert House. The conservatory is indoors and maintains a warm temperature all through the winter. It’s an excellent place to spend some time if you’re looking to beat the gray winter blues. In the summer, you can enjoy an additional 12 acres of outdoor gardens. Garfield Park Conservatory is free and open 365 days a year.
The Violet Hour
Address: 1520 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60622
Hours: Sunday – Friday, 6 p.m. – 2 a.m. | Saturday, 6 p.m. – 3 a.m.
Phone: 773-252-1500
The term “speak-easy” can be thrown around quite liberally given modern alcohol policies, but the Violet Hour excellently captures the feel of such an establishment. Its indiscreet entrance — covered by a frequently rotating mural — is entirely unnoticeable if you don’t know what you’re looking for. The Violet Hour’s cocktail menu bridges that gap between classic and contemporary. Its ambiance, muted interior, and flickering fireplace blend class and coziness. Seating feels private and intimate. It’s definitely not hard to uncover some romantic notes in this candlelit Wicker Park bar.
Band of Bohemia
Address: 4710 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL, 60640
Hours: Tuesday – Thursday, 4:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Friday, 4:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. | Saturday, 11 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. | Sunday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Phone: 773-271-4710
It’s not often you have the opportunity to visit a Michelin-starred brewpub. Band of Bohemia is, in fact, the first of its kind. The restaurant’s atmosphere and menu reflect its gypsy spirit. Settle into a decadent armchair or booth and sample an eclectic, experimental array of small plates and entrees. Its beers contain notes of unexpected ingredients, like guava and cardamom. You’ll leave feeling full, toasty, and in love.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Address: 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60614
Hours: Memorial Day – Labor Day, Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Hours are seasonal.)
Phone: 312-742-2000
Lincoln Park Zoo is a family-friendly wildlife oasis in the middle of the city, but it’s also a fun, kid-free destination — even in the dead of winter! The zoo is free and open to the public 365 days a year with plenty of indoor attractions like the Kovler Lion House and Regenstein Center for African Apes. In the summer, you can stroll the zoo grounds spotting exotic animals like flamingos and macaques (snow monkeys). In the winter, zip up your coat and dart between indoor exhibits while admiring the beautiful “Zoo Lights” strung up for the holiday season. South Lincoln Park also offers some fantastic views of the skyline that have made for many romantic moments.
Thalia Hall
Address: 1807 S. Allport St., Chicago, IL 60608
Hours: Vary
Phone: 312-526-3851
Thalia Hall is the centerpiece of Pilsen’s 18th Street. The beautiful building dating back to 1982 was reopened a few years ago and houses several spaces that can fill an entire date night. The leading attraction is its beautiful concert venue, modeled to accentuate the building’s original architecture. Since opening, Thalia Hall has hosted hundreds of bands and comedians, including the likes of Lake Street Dive and Dave Chappelle. Just below is the Tack Room — a saloon-style piano bar that serves strong cocktails. Dusek’s is the complex’s Michelin-starred restaurant, serving a range of American fare from burgers to strip steak. Before your night winds down, be sure to hit the dance floor in the basement bar, Punch House. Named after the punch cocktails that make up its menu, Punch House takes its ‘70s-era “basement” vibes seriously, right down to the glowing fish tank that sits behind the bar.
Green Mill Cocktail Lounge
Address: 4802 N. Broadway St., Chicago, IL 60640
Hours: Monday – Friday, noon – 4 a.m. | Saturday, noon – 5 a.m. | Sunday, 11 a.m. – 4 a.m.
Phone: 773-878-5552
When was the last time you and your partner had a truly classic evening? They’re served up nightly at Green Mill. This jazz club has been a standby since the early 20th century. Hear live music nightly with all the signature accents — lavish 1920s-era booths, timeless cocktails and an expectation that bar chatter won’t overpower the music. The Uptown bar attracts a diverse crowd, and there’s no dress code. Make it a casual date or dress to impress. Expect a $4 to $15 cover at the door.
The Second City
Address: 1616 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60614
Hours: Vary based on show schedule
Phone: 312-337-3992
What takes the stress of a long week away more than a good laugh? The Second City is Chicago’s most legendary improv club in a town full of them. Comedy icons like Tina Fey, Chris Farley, and Mike Myers are alumni of the comedy club and training center. Its shows never fail to impress and rotate throughout the year. Catch one on the main stage or the upstairs UP Comedy Club.
Goose Island Fulton St. Brewery
Address: 1800 W. Fulton St., Chicago, IL 60612
Hours: Thursday, 2 p.m. – 8 p.m. | Friday, 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Saturday, noon – 9 p.m. | Sunday, noon – 6 p.m.
Phone: 800-466-7363
Visit the headquarters of one of Chicago’s first breakthrough craft breweries. The taproom offers a great select of Goose Island’s best signature and seasonal brews. Book a tour and learn what happens before the beer hits your pint glass. Tours are offered throughout the day, last around 45 minutes, and are $12 per person. Hungry? Order takeout from one of your favorite nearby spots and bring it into the taproom to nosh while you belly up to the bar.
Music Box Theatre
Address: 3733 N. Southport Ave.
, Chicago, IL 60613
Hours: Vary based on showtimes
Phone: 773-871-6604
Movie dates are an easy option, but that also means they tend to be stale. Switch things up with a night at the Music Box in Lakeview. This indie filmhouse shows a wide selection of classic and limited-release films, so you can skip the overrated summer blockbusters. Guest speakers and screening series are also frequent features on the calendar. If you need a pre- or post-movie cocktail, visit the theatre’s lounge and garden.
Did we miss any of your favorite date night destinations in Chicago? Let us know in the comments below!
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