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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Bucktown

Date spots

You need a setting that makes a lasting impression without trying too hard.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Candle Castle & Co. image 1
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Modern design meets candle-making supplies in a cozy, creative space. Couples enjoy hands-on candle crafting for special dates. Atmosphere shifts from lively to calm, perfect for intimate celebrations.

Couples create custom candles together, making it a hands-on and memorable experience. The setting suits date nights and special occasions like anniversaries or birthdays.

People are saying

"This candle-making class was so fun and beginner-friendly!"

"It's a great idea for a romantic date night."

"Making a candle here is a great idea for date night."

Good to know

1

The candle making class is a fun and creative activity for all ages.

2

Antuan is the instructor for the candle making class.

3

Participants can customize their candles with various scent options.

02
Hitched image 1
Jewelry store

Intimate store offers a modern, warm setting where couples enjoy unique ring styles and can sip champagne. Selection feels relaxed and no-pressure, making it easy to find the perfect engagement or wedding band. Many rings are available for same-day pickup.

Couples find engagement ring design and wedding band selection easy and enjoyable here. Rings often come in unique styles and some are ready in store the same day.

People are saying

"The team at this Ring Store made finding my perfect ring feel easy and thoughtful."

"You'll feel comfortable and taken care of here."

"Katie was so helpful and patient designing my engagement ring."

Good to know

1

The average turnaround time for the rings is 60-90 days.

2

Reservations are recommended for personalized consultations.

3

Hitched offers a wide selection of customizable wedding bands.

03
Ed & Jean's Tavern image 1

Three rooms with eclectic art and cozy seating create a warm, unpretentious vibe. Soft jazz and vintage cartoons add charm while NoLA-inspired cocktails and a friendly bartender make it perfect for dates. Complimentary Cheez-Its and comfy couches invite relaxed, intimate evenings.

NoLA-inspired cocktails and a friendly bartender create a welcoming vibe. Complimentary Cheez-Its and ample seating make it easy to relax on a date night.

People are saying

"The antique decor and glassware make for a warm canvas for their cocktails."

"I found the wine selection here to be outstanding."

"The cocktails and wine menu here are impressive for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Ed & Jean's Tavern does not serve wine, focusing instead on cocktails and beer.

2

Prices at Ed & Jean's Tavern are average compared to other local bars.

3

Champagne tastings are offered on select nights for a set price.

04
The Hurley Tap image 1
Bar & grill

Bar and grill offers a dog-friendly patio and plenty of TVs for sports fans. Staff add a personal touch by remembering orders, perfect for casual dates. Enjoy 90s country music and a laid-back vibe that feels like a neighborhood joint.

Staff remember regular orders, adding a personal touch to the experience. Sharing dishes like the Texas Cheesesteak and Baked Mac and Cheese suits a casual, cozy date.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and much better than typical bar food."

"The bar food here is amazing, especially the tacos."

"The queso here is zesty, spicy, and delicious for date spots."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great drink specials.

2

Taco Tuesday features 1 Modelo and 2 pork belly tacos for $12.

3

The last seating is at 9:30 PM sharp.

05
Ray's Bucktown Bed and Breakfast image 1

Eclectic building filled with unique art and quirky decor creates a cozy, bohemian vibe that feels like home. Common areas buzz with interesting people and offer amenities like sauna, steam room, and rooftop lounge. Rooms are comfortable and charming, making the stay personable and inviting.

People are saying

"The beds here are so comfortable and inviting."

"The breakfast here was amazing."

"It's a welcoming spot with quirky artifacts and charming decor."

Good to know

1

Breakfast is served from 8 to 11 am daily.

2

The location is a 5-minute walk from the Blue Line train.

3

Street parking is always available near the B&B.

06
Le Cafe Station Grill image 1

Cozy spot with an intimate patio and family-friendly atmosphere. Menu features carnitas skillet and chorizo quesadilla for tasty meals. Drinks like coquito latte create a warm vibe perfect for dates and gatherings.

Frequent visits highlight a menu with carnitas skillet and chorizo quesadilla options. Drinks include coquito latte and white chocolate latte, offering cozy choices for couples.

People are saying

"I loved their delicious breakfast food and gluten-free options."

"The horchata latte here is to die for."

"The service and atmosphere here make it a great spot for a date."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB and provides champagne flutes for mimosas.

2

Community-oriented events are hosted regularly at the cafe.

3

Wine and paint nights are occasionally organized at the cafe.

07
Antico image 1
Northern Italian restaurant

Northern Italian restaurant blends an upscale yet relaxed atmosphere with a charming back patio featuring herb gardens and a wood-burning fireplace. Ideal for week night dates, couples enjoy sharing a caprese salad appetizer in a cozy, plant-filled outdoor space or lively indoor setting.

Dinner here suits week night dates and anniversary dinners well. Sharing a caprese salad appetizer works nicely for couples.

People are saying

"The outdoor space is so quaint and charming."

"The gnocchi here just melts in your mouth."

"You have to try the gnocchi; it's divine."

Good to know

1

On Tuesdays, Antico offers half-priced wine.

2

The back patio is lively and great for gatherings.

3

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to avoid overbooking.

08
TOMOKOHI image 1
Coffee shop

Sunlit space with bright windows offers a cozy, modern vibe perfect for dates and work. Pastries shine with rich flavor, while coffee features a great decaf blend and cold brews. Limited seating and thoughtful decor add charm and quiet energy.

Pastries get high praise for their rich flavor and texture. Coffee options include a great decaf single origin blend and a variety of cold brews enjoyed by couples.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was excellent and delicious."

"The coffee here is great for date spots."

"It's a quiet spot perfect for working or relaxing."

Good to know

1

This coffee shop is doing a soft opening with a drink discount.

2

There was free street parking available.

3

The space is clean, staff are knowledgeable, and ingredients are premium.

09
Estrella Negra image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space bursts with colorful local art and a modern Mexican vibe. Steak tacos and empanadas make for a perfect date night. Loud, lively energy feels like an underground art party.

Spontaneous date nights happen here often with steak tacos and empanadas standing out. The food impresses even those with high standards for Mexican cuisine.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, delicious, and made with fresh ingredients."

"The elote tamales are the greatest thing I've ever had."

"The food here is authentic, delicious, and made with incredibly fresh ingredients."

Good to know

1

Margaritas cost $7 on Tuesday nights.

2

Estrella Negra hosts loterรญa and brunch events regularly.

3

Live jazz band plays on the 4th Wednesday of each month.

10
Remedy image 1

Bar blends retro video games and a large fish tank for a unique vibe. Hip-hop plays softly over lush greenery and skylights, creating a chill atmosphere. Drinks vary but setting suits a casual date night well.

Strikes a balance between casual and elevated for a date night. Drinks can be hit or miss, with some tasting off.

People are saying

"The bar staff here are artists who welcome you with warmth and magic."

"I experienced the best happy hour in the city here."

"It's a great date spot, striking a perfect balance."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with half off all drinks.

2

Tuesday nights feature $8 cocktails during happy hour.

3

The bar closes at 4am, perfect for late-night outings.

11
The Hotel at Midtown image 1

Massive fitness center with indoor and outdoor pools offers a lively spot for workouts and relaxation. Noise from early workouts and thin walls creates a loud atmosphere. Pool stays open all the time, making it a consistent date spot, but payment policies require a security deposit not payable by Apple Pay or cash.

A pool stays open all the time, offering a consistent spot to relax together. Payment policies require a security deposit that can't be covered by Apple Pay or cash, even if the room is prepaid.

People are saying

"The staff here is so nice and helpful for your date spots."

"I found the fitness centers to be massive and fantastic."

"The views from the higher floors are breathtaking."

Good to know

1

Expect significant noise from workout classes below guest rooms, especially early in the morning.

2

The hotel does not offer room service, which may be inconvenient for some guests.

3

Free parking is available on site for guests.

12
Lottie's Pub image 1

Lottie's Pub blends historic charm with a lively vibe and spacious outdoor seating. It offers a unique show filming experience and a Chicago Fire burger that some find intense. Perfect for casual dates and family fun.

Lottie's Pub offers a casual spot with a show filmed on site adding unique charm. The Chicago Fire burger stands out on the menu but has caused some to feel unwell after eating it.

People are saying

"I visited this bar because it was featured in Chicago Fire."

"You have to try the burgers; it's like stepping onto the set of Chicago Fire."

"You have to visit if you're a fan of the show filmed here."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday from 7 to 9 PM.

2

Lottie's Pub hosts late night DJ dancing on weekends.

3

Private event rentals are available for the basement area.

13
Eat Fine Design By Khun Kung image 1

Cozy dining room with classic Thai decorations offers a quiet atmosphere perfect for intimate dates. Well-spaced tables and melodious traditional music create a peaceful vibe. Dishes suit even those who usually avoid Thai food, making it a unique spot for small gatherings.

Quiet atmosphere keeps the space from feeling crowded, making it good for intimate dates or small gatherings. Dishes appeal even to those who usually avoid Thai food.

People are saying

"I found the authentic Thai food here to be unlike any other."

"I loved the many flavorful vegetarian and vegan options."

"I loved the authentic, high-quality Thai food here."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.

2

The restaurant is BYOB, so bring your favorite drinks.

3

Expect authentic Thai spice levels; start with mild if unsure.

14
thrd coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Spacious modern coffee shop offers a bright atmosphere and beautiful murals perfect for dates and remote work. Quiche is a favorite dish for coffee dates. Quiet vibe with Beach House tunes creates a peaceful, cool environment ideal for reading or local events.

Tables hold special moments like proposals and first dates. The quiche stands out as a favorite dish. It suits coffee dates and local events well.

People are saying

"The coffee here is excellent, with friendly baristas."

"It's a great work-friendly spot with lots of tables and outlets."

"The coffee here is phenomenally good for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

The batch brew costs $2.75 with dollar refills available.

2

There are limited power outlets available for charging devices.

3

The shop has plenty of seating options for customers.

15
WhirlyBall image 1
Restaurant

Bright, spacious facility offers whirlyball and beef nachos perfect for date nights. Active games like laser tag keep energy lively. Private outdoor terrace suits group outings and parties well.

WhirlyBall offers a fun mix of games that work well for date nights. Sharing beef nachos adds a tasty touch to the experience.

People are saying

"It's a great place for fun activities with friends and family."

"I thought the food here was great."

"It's a fun spot for a day or night out, perfect for date night."

Good to know

1

WhirlyBall charges $250 per hour, plus a 20% service fee on top.

2

Expect high prices for food and drinks; they are considered pricey.

3

The venue has a large parking lot, so parking is not an issue.

16
Allez Cafรฉ image 1
Coffee shop

Small coffee shop with pink tiled bar offers a cozy vibe and persimmon latte for unique dates. Enjoy exceptional breakfast sandwiches and sprinkled doughnuts while lively music fills the bright space.

Persimmon latte stands out as a unique drink choice. Sprinkled doughnuts add a sweet touch, enjoyed alongside coffee from a chef with experience at Alinea.

People are saying

"I found the breakfast sandwich to be amazing and worth every penny."

"The breakfast sandwich is delicious and bursting with flavor."

"The breakfast sandwich here is perfect for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

The kitchen closes at 1:45 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

The cafรฉ gets busy on weekends, expect longer wait times.

3

I recommend ordering ahead to avoid long lines.

17
Taqueria L' Patron image 1
Taco restaurant

Colorful interior with vibrant murals and loud Reggaeton music create a lively vibe. Fresh, house-made margaritas pair well with popular steak tacos. Service by Pablo adds a personal touch, making it great for couples or groups.

Rib eye tacos and steak tacos stand out as popular choices. Service by Pablo adds a personal touch that enhances the date night experience.

People are saying

"I thought the skirt steak tacos were the best tacos I've ever had."

"The guacamole here is fresh, well-prepared, and tastes great."

"The steak tacos here are a must-try for date spots."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6 pm with good margarita deals.

2

All food is served takeout style, with no dine-in options.

3

No tap water is available; customers must purchase bottled water.

18
Brasil Legal Cafe image 1
Brazilian restaurant

Cozy spot with authentic Brazilian food and a friendly vibe. Intimate space with counter service suits casual dates well. Mini market offers Brazilian staples for a true taste experience.

Counter service and a few cafรฉ tables create a casual setting for a date. The menu features authentic Brazilian food and options like a chicken sandwich.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be truly authentic Brazilian."

"I found authentic Brazilian groceries and food here."

"The food here is delicious and super authentic."

Good to know

1

Brasil Legal Cafe does not offer delivery service.

2

They have a small Brazilian market with unique imported goods.

3

Prices are very affordable for the quality and portion sizes.

19
Midtown Athletic Club image 1

Spacious gym with high-quality equipment and steam rooms offers a lively, family-friendly vibe. Couples enjoy tennis courts and trainer sessions for shared workouts. Rooftop views add a unique touch to fitness and date experiences.

Couples can enjoy working out together and playing tennis at this fitness club. Scheduled sessions with trainers like Elodie fit well into shared routines.

People are saying

"My personal training sessions are well-structured and tailored to my goals."

"You'll need to plan ahead because the gym classes fill up easily."

"I wish this place had adult-only hours for better date spots."

Good to know

1

Sport lessons are available from 5:30 am until around 9 pm.

2

Membership costs $300 per month per person or $549 for couples.

3

The club has a registered dietitian available for nutrition advice.

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Bucktown, Chicago

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