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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Fulton Market

Cool date spots

A night out that feels distinct and carries a certain edge.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
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Updated May 2026
01
Inkwell image 1
Inkwell image 2
Inkwell image 3
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Bar with intimate setting and old school decor featuring bookshelves and vinyl music creates a low-key, welcoming vibe. Small tables suit quiet conversations, making it ideal for dates or casual meetups. Cocktails are thoughtfully crafted, complementing the relaxed atmosphere.

Romantic and intimate ambiance sets a speakeasy-like vibe ideal for date nights. The space feels quaint and welcoming, making it great for cocktails or quiet conversation.

A cool vibe fills the space with amazing craft cocktails served by cool bartenders.

People are saying

"I found the cocktails to be beautifully crafted and delicious."

"I loved the cool vibe and great music here."

"You'll love the creative, expertly mixed cocktails for date night."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $12 old fashioneds and runs from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Inkwell tests out new cocktails every weekend, providing a fresh experience.

3

Drink prices range from $15-20, with food priced similarly.

02
Yokocho Handrolls and Omakase Bar image 1

Intimate space inspired by Japanese alleys offers cozy, dimly lit atmosphere with live chef preparation visible from excellent bar seating. The vibe blends American-Japanese bar energy with a quaint, sultry setting suited for small groups or quiet evenings.

Cozy atmosphere creates a perfect setting for a date. Happy hour offers flavorful handrolls like truffle hamachi and wagyu alongside Japanese draft beer.

Intimate ambience sets a very cool and casual vibe throughout the space.

People are saying

"The bar seating offers amazing omakase and thoughtful, fresh Japanese food."

"The handrolls here are a cool surprise, especially the wagyu."

"The omakase here is outstanding, with fresh fish presented by the chef."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for busy nights, but not required.

2

The omakase experience costs $175 per person and is unique.

3

Happy hour runs from 5-7 PM Tuesday to Friday with $6 handrolls.

03
Sushi by Bou- Fulton Market Chicago @ Emily Hotel image 1

Small, intimate restaurant with 12 seats and a speakeasy vibe featuring 90s hip hop music and graffiti art. Atmosphere feels lively yet personal, enhanced by craft cocktails and attentive service. Known for high-quality sushi and an engaging omakase experience.

Small, intimate rooms create a cozy vibe for date nights. Staff provide accommodations for accessibility, and the 17-course omakase offers a special dining experience.

Watching chefs prepare food and chatting with them creates a unique, intimate vibe. The spot offers top-tier sushi with a cool throwback atmosphere.

People are saying

"The Japanese food service was so personal and professional, it made the evening special."

"The staff here makes your Date Spots feel extra special."

"The sushi here is so cool, with amazing flavors and high-quality fish."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required due to limited seating.

2

Karaoke sessions are available during visits.

3

The omakase experience costs $65 for 12 pieces of sushi.

04
Puttery image 1
Miniature golf course

Large, well-decorated space features a library-themed course and a rooftop area with notable views. Atmosphere combines jazz music with a fun, social vibe suited for couples and groups. Miniature golf includes a digital scoring system enhancing the experience.

A pretty venue with a super fun atmosphere suits couples and small groups well. The vibe fits date nights and special occasions like anniversaries.

A fun work event fits well in this space. Staff like Rodney add a helpful and cool vibe.

People are saying

"You'll have a fun time with the challenging mini golf courses."

"The staff here are amazing and make your date night special."

"The atmosphere here is so cool and laid back."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups or events.

2

The bar is wheelchair accessible, but the golf courses are not.

3

Expect upscale pricing for food and drinks at the venue.

05
Pasta Via image 1
Italian restaurant

Open kitchen reveals fresh pasta made daily, with staff rolling dough and finishing plates in view. Warm, inviting atmosphere combines simmering sauce aromas with upbeat music and art murals that add character. Ordering happens via kiosks, and tables come with oil and Parmesan cheese, creating a casual yet sophisticated vibe.

Dishes like rigatoni and squid ink linguine with arrabbiata sauce offer flavorful options for couples. Creating custom pasta adds a personal touch to the meal experience.

An open kitchen lets you watch your order made fresh. Many custom options add variety. The artwork on the walls stands out.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is made from scratch and tastes incredibly fresh."

"The pasta here is fresh and delicious."

"Christian's pasta makes it a great spot for a second date."

Good to know

1

All their pasta is made fresh daily.

2

They do not use any seed oils in their pasta.

3

Pasta Via offers great pasta at a wildly affordable price.

06
Carbon image 1
Restaurant

Beautiful space blends lounge and club with stylish atmosphere and awesome music. Energy shifts from chill vibes during dinner to lively nightlife with DJs. Crowd enjoys top-tier service and a unique setting unlike typical venues.

Special occasions get extra attention with birthday celebrations and personalized touches like birthday photos. The atmosphere suits both quiet dates and lively events like watch parties.

Atmosphere feels like pure luxury with a sleek, modern design. The vibe is classy, chic, and cool, standing out from typical nightclubs.

People are saying

"The staff's friendly, attentive service makes the nightlife here unforgettable."

"I found the vibe here to be really cool and new."

"The service here makes it a great spot for a birthday date."

Good to know

1

Happy hour on Thursdays features $6 martinis from 4-7pm.

2

Expect a lively atmosphere during happy hour with fashionable crowds.

3

The venue transitions from dining to nightlife after 9pm.

07
After Chicago image 1

Luxurious space with glowing circular bar and plush velvet seating creates a moody lounge atmosphere. Live music adds intimate, vibrant energy while acoustics keep conversations private. Drinks and food offer a unique, crafted experience with standout cocktails and dishes.

A beautiful and intimate cocktail bar/lounge creates a perfect setting for a date night. Exceptional meals and attentive service make it ideal for special occasions like anniversaries or birthdays.

Soft lighting and grooving music create a chill vibe with a moody chic atmosphere. The space feels dark yet cool, offering a calm and approachable setting.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, thoughtfully prepared, and creative."

"Bar seating lets you watch the skilled bartenders craft amazing drinks."

"The vibe here is really cool and moody."

Good to know

1

Parking is available right outside the venue for easy access.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6 pm on Fridays with special drink promotions.

3

Live music occurs every Wednesday, adding to the atmosphere.

08
Alhambra Palace Chicago image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Dining hall showcases Moroccan art and waterfalls, creating a breathtaking and authentic atmosphere. Entertainment includes phenomenal shows and a DJ mixing for a multicultural crowd, adding lively energy. The vibe feels like a journey between Chicago and Morocco, blending historical touches with vibrant performances.

Celebrations get special attention with customized meals and thoughtful service. The spot suits couples well, offering a personalized touch that makes birthdays stand out.

Belly dancing performances add a unique vibe. The fancy decor and cool lights create a great atmosphere for dancing.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, with tender lamb shanks that melt in your mouth."

"The service here is wonderful, especially from Amine and Huda."

"The atmosphere and decor here are really cool."

Good to know

1

Salsa night happens every Thursday with dance lessons starting at 8pm.

2

A default gratuity of at least 18% is added to all bills.

3

Expect a cover charge for special events, typically around $10.

09
Sawada Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Large coffee shop with expansive indoor and outdoor space shares seating with a bar and restaurant, creating a unique, hip atmosphere. The vibe stays chill and peaceful, suited for relaxing or working with fast WiFi and plenty of outlets. Decor includes boxing ring elements and wood-metal interiors, adding to its distinct style.

Coffee options include a black camo latte blending hojicha and espresso, and a hot latte that stands out. Weekend mornings offer a good chance to socialize or enjoy a coffee date.

Unique Japanese-style blends and cool atmosphere define this coffee spot. It connects to an open area with other food and drink options, adding to its vibe.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was amazing and super flavorful."

"It's a really cool spot with a relaxed vibe."

"Their iced chai was perfectly balanced, and my partner's latte was excellent."

Good to know

1

Sawada Coffee offers macadamia nut milk as an alternative milk option.

2

The order ahead option allows customers to skip the long line.

3

Sawada Coffee shares a space with a BBQ joint.

10
Good Night John Boy image 1

Upstairs features an iconic disco ball and a small dance floor surrounded by reserved tables. The atmosphere carries a fun, energetic vibe with expert DJ-ing that keeps music lively and engaging. The space blends 70s decor with modern touches, creating a unique club experience.

Strong bartender connections create a welcoming vibe for couples. Personalized drinks like custom margaritas add a special touch to date nights.

Downstairs features a 70s vibe with really cool scenery. The atmosphere invites dancing and fun with a consistently cool vibe throughout.

People are saying

"The staff at this nightclub were so nice and attentive all night."

"The vibe here is so cool, especially the 70s downstairs."

"Rachel makes amazing, fancy drinks perfect for date spots."

Good to know

1

As of 5/4/24, there is a $20 cash cover for guys and $10 for women.

2

Expect long wait times, especially on weekends, to access the upper floor.

3

The dress code is strict; appropriate clothing is required to enter.

11
Texan Taco Bar image 1
Restaurant

Massive bar with a rooftop space and live band downstairs creates a festive atmosphere filled with loud music that encourages dancing and socializing. The place offers a variety of tacos and strong margaritas, attracting a lively crowd who enjoy energetic nights and ample space for fun.

Shared plates like carne asada and chips and salsa fit well for couples. The atmosphere is very loud, making quiet conversation tough even at close tables.

A hidden entrance leads upstairs through a secret door behind a mock door, creating a unique and cool vibe. The spot gets lively with live music on weeknights, adding to its cool atmosphere.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were amazing and unique."

"The music and lively atmosphere make it a cool spot to hang out."

"The drinks here are 10/10, especially the margaritas."

Good to know

1

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

2

Expect a lively atmosphere during happy hour, especially on Fridays.

3

Happy hour includes half-price appetizers and select drinks.

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Fulton Market District, Chicago

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