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Best of Chicago

Cheap date spots

A date that keeps the bill low without making you feel like you are cutting corners on the experience.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Brando's Lincoln Park image 1
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Bar offers an upscale karaoke setup with an easy queue system and live music on Sundays. Decor combines cozy lounge-like and beautiful aesthetic elements, creating a classy and fun atmosphere. DJs and karaoke hosts maintain a lively vibe with great music and song availability.

Drinks stand out as a highlight for a date night. The spot suits both couples and groups, though the karaoke list feels outdated.

Drinks come at a cheap price and taste great. Prices stand out as reasonable compared to most spots in the city.

People are saying

"The bartenders here are phenomenal, especially during karaoke."

"The drinks here are killer, and the bartenders are so friendly."

"The drinks here are cheap and taste great."

Good to know

1

Karaoke is free, but tips for the DJ are appreciated.

2

Happy hour runs daily from 5 to 7 PM with discounted drinks.

3

There is no cover charge to enter the bar.

02
Afghan House image 1
Restaurant

Traditional Afghan-style seating with floor cushions and carpeted areas creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Warm lighting and authentic decor reflect Afghan culture, complemented by traditional music. The space welcomes groups with long tables and offers views of street activity through large windows.

Moist, well-flavored chicken with biryani rice offers a delicious and delightful dining experience. The setting suits date nights and family meals, providing a taste of Afghanistan.

Prices stay very low with the chapli kabob at just $12.99. Food overall comes at a very cheap rate.

People are saying

"I found the Afghani food to be authentic and delicious."

"The biryani and lamb shank make these Date Spots unforgettable."

"I thought the food here was very cheap."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of authentic Afghan dishes.

2

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food served.

3

Seating can be limited during peak hours.

03
Gorilla Sushi Diversey image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers affordable prices and fresh, tasty rolls served in small, shareable portions. Atmosphere is casual and cute, suitable for quick takeout or casual dining. Customers can bring their own beverages, adding to the relaxed vibe.

Offers quick takeout and suits a quick date night. Known as a cheap date night option.

Sushi prices stay very cheap here, making it a solid choice for a budget-friendly date night. The quality holds up well despite the low cost.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is really tasty and reasonably priced."

"I found the sushi here to be cheap and amazing."

"It's a great spot for a cheap date night with good sushi prices."

Good to know

1

They offer a bring-your-own-bottle (BYOB) option.

2

Takeout orders are labeled and in sturdy containers.

3

The food is prepared in approximately 6 minutes.

04
Gorilla Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Small sushi restaurant with limited seating and a clean, simple decor featuring paper umbrellas on the walls. Atmosphere feels cozy but cramped, with a mix of quiet dining and loud music that can feel like a disco. Offers fresh sushi at great prices in a relaxed setting.

Sushi here offers yummy flavors that make it a solid choice for dates. Many couples return regularly and find it a reliable spot for a casual, enjoyable evening together.

Prices stay very cheap while the sushi remains pretty good for what you pay. The menu offers delicious options without stretching your budget.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, creative, and absolutely delicious."

"It's a great spot for affordable sushi date spots."

"I found the sushi here to be cheap and pretty good."

Good to know

1

Gorilla Sushi offers affordable sushi with a variety of traditional and fusion rolls.

2

Dine-in and carry-out options are available for convenience.

3

Parking can be an issue, so plan accordingly.

05
Red Light Chicken image 1
Chicken restaurant

Outdoor dining features standing tables under heat lamps, creating a warm, quaint atmosphere with an old school neighborhood vibe. The space feels lively and cozy despite limited seating, attracting those who enjoy quick, quality chicken sandwiches in a casual setting.

Couples often enjoy the playful challenge over the last secret sauce. The spot stands out as a memorable choice for a fun and engaging date.

Food and drinks come at cheap prices here. The chicken sandwich and beer both cost little and serve fast.

People are saying

"I thought the chicken sandwich was crunchy and juicy."

"The food and beer here are cheap."

"I believe the chicken sandwich here is one of the best."

Good to know

1

Free chicken sandwich and nugget events are held regularly.

2

There is no indoor seating available; enjoy your meal outside.

3

Prices are generally under $10, making it an affordable option.

06
Jim's Original image 1
Hot dog stand

Outdoor counter service with no-frills setup and standing eating areas creates a classic Chicago food stand vibe. The atmosphere feels old-school and authentic, with the smell of grilled onions adding to the experience. Security presence and heat lamps under the awning contribute to a practical, laid-back environment.

Fast service makes it easy to grab a quick bite with a partner. The OG polish sausages stand out as a popular choice for couples trying something classic together.

Prices stay cheap, around $5 for a hot dog with fries. Food quality matches the low cost, and service is super fast.

People are saying

"I thought the Polish sausage here was delicious."

"I thought the food was cheap and a good quality."

"The Polish sausage here is hot and amazing for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Jim's Original is no longer open 24 hours.

2

There is no indoor dining at Jim's Original.

3

Parking is very easy during lunch hours.

07
Devil Dawgs on State image 1
Hot dog restaurant

Small, tightly packed hot dog spot with limited seating and a cozy interior. Loud, angsty house music fills the space, creating a lively, club-like atmosphere. Strong food and smoke aromas blend with a communal vibe popular among college students and tourists.

Strong flavors like the hot dog with remoulade sauce and the bacon burger stand out. Sharing bites here can create moments where you just lock eyes and appreciate the taste together.

Offers cheap prices with Chicago style hot dogs that are both delicious and quick for a bite.

People are saying

"I loved the Chicago style hot dog; it was outstanding."

"I found the food here to be cheap and surprisingly good."

"The Chicago dog here is so good, it's a must-try Date Spot."

Good to know

1

Devil Dawgs on State doesn't accept cash payments; only credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

2

The seating area is limited, so be prepared for a wait during peak hours.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere, especially around 5PM on Fridays.

08
Faiza Chicago image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Space blends Central Asian decor with warm, cozy atmosphere and beautiful artwork. Staff contribute to a welcoming vibe with attentive service and thoughtful gestures. The setting invites relaxation and a sense of being transported to Asia.

Visits happen regularly, creating a familiar and comfortable vibe. The borsch stands out as homey and aromatic, fitting for a cozy meal together.

Food costs stay low while portions come very generous. Prices keep meals affordable without skimping on quantity.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and beautifully presented."

"The food here is delicious and reasonably priced for date spots."

"The food is cheap and the portions are huge."

Good to know

1

Expect large portion sizes; sharing is common.

2

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for tipping.

3

Parking is available on the street, but can be limited during busy times.

09
The Exchange image 1
Video game store

Video game store offers wide variety of retro games, movies, and music with a clean layout and friendly staff. Prices match online listings without discounts, making it a spot for those seeking standard pricing and immediate purchases.

Engaging conversations about games create a relaxed vibe. Discovering cool finds adds a fun element to the outing.

NES games sell for cheap prices. DVDs and old CDs also come at listed low prices. Games get bought here at a cheap rate.

People are saying

"I found many good finds, and the NES games were cheap."

"The staff here is so helpful with all the retro games."

"Vince was super helpful and chatted with us about games."

Good to know

1

The store has a wide variety of retro games and consoles.

2

Prices for games are comparable to online listings like eBay.

3

Trade-in offers are generally not favorable for sellers.

10
Best Intentions image 1

Bar combines retro neighborhood vibe with a large hidden patio and video games. Atmosphere feels like a local pub with country and rock music, attracting a crowd mostly over 45 years old. Cocktails are creative and the setting mixes funky, nostalgic elements with consistent comfort.

Busy Saturdays bring a lively crowd for dates. The female bartender with dark hair and casual sweatpants calls the partner "baby," which can feel awkward during a date.

Drinks come at incredibly cheap prices, especially domestic draft beer. The menu offers a great variety, from cheap beer to high-end whiskey and proper cocktails.

People are saying

"I thought this was the best bar in the city."

"The beer and mixed drinks here are cheap."

"The food and drinks here are delicious."

Good to know

1

The bar can get quite crowded, especially on weekends.

2

Seating is first come, first serve, so arrive early.

3

Parking in the area may be a little difficult.

11
EL RINCON DE FABIO LLC image 1
Venezuelan restaurant

Small space filled with beautiful Venezuelan decor and a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. Latin music plays softly, creating an awesome vibe that feels welcoming and pleasant. Outdoor patio offers a nice option for seating in good weather.

Shared dishes like the empanada offer a good size for two and rich flavors. Unique drinks such as the Kola champagne add a distinct touch to the experience.

Food comes in huge portions and costs very little. Specials offer solid, cheap bites but some dishes use cheap ingredients and have small portions.

People are saying

"I found the pabellรณn arepa to be delicious."

"The arepas here are delicious and some of the best I've ever had."

"The food here is cheap, tasty, and has huge portions."

Good to know

1

Free drinks are offered after 5pm every day.

2

Enjoy free margaritas daily after 2:00 PM.

3

Free wine is available on Fridays.

12
Ricobene's image 1
Pizza restaurant

Spacious pizza restaurant with old Chicago feel and walls adorned with historic photos. Atmosphere is warm and family-like, offering a cozy mom-and-pop shop vibe. Plenty of seating and simple, stylish decor create a welcoming environment.

Shared meals like the giant breaded steak sandwich and Italian sausage sandwich create a casual, hearty vibe. Friendly staff add a welcoming touch, making it easy to relax and enjoy the food together.

Offers cheap pizza and Italian ice with quick service. Food is simple and affordable without fancy frills.

People are saying

"I thought the breaded steak sandwich was the best."

"This place's Date Spots are famous for a very heavy, large sandwich."

"I found the food to be a really good deal for the price."

Good to know

1

Handicap parking is available in the lot.

2

Ricobene's does not offer delivery to all nearby locations.

3

Prices for sandwiches are around $17.99, which may vary.

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