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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Lincoln Square

Date spots

A quiet table and a familiar American meal provide the right backdrop for a conversation that matters.

Based on 542 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Las Maria's Breakfast Club image 1
Las Maria's Breakfast Club image 2
Las Maria's Breakfast Club image 3
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Breakfast restaurant

Cozy neighborhood breakfast spot with charming decor and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Features a kids' activity section that keeps children entertained. Known for friendly service and a relaxed, down-to-earth vibe.

Hash browns come in a light, savory style that stands out. The menu features hearty options like a patty melt with feta, biscuits and gravy, and a steak and eggs dish with tender, juicy steak.

Breakfast offers plentiful portions like the daily special with ham and a spinach omelette option. The restroom stays immaculate, adding to a comfortable dining experience for couples.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and generously portioned."

"The food here is delicious and affordable for a date spot."

"I found the American food here to be really good."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during weekend brunch hours.

2

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

3

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

02
Bryn Mawr Breakfast Club image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Spacious breakfast restaurant with three separate levels and eclectic, cozy decor creates a warm, fun atmosphere. Noise level rises with crowds, making conversation sometimes challenging. Popular for brunch, it offers a full bar with standout micheladas and bloody Marys.

Biscuits and gravy come highly recommended. The menu features steak skillet with Gorgonzola, fried chicken and waffles, and steak and eggs all prepared well.

Homemade tortillas and chips stand out alongside dishes like chorizo skillet and chilaquiles. The vibe feels like eating in a mother's kitchen, with options like mango strawberry pancakes and refreshing mint tea.

People are saying

"The food here is really good and tasty."

"I ordered the biscuits and gravy because it was popular."

"The pancakes here are a dream, with amazing texture and fresh fruit."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but calling ahead can help avoid long waits.

2

Expect a 10-15 minute wait during busy brunch hours on weekends.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but a 3.5% surcharge applies to card payments.

03
TEACAGO image 1
Bubble tea store

Fish tanks and neon signs create a retro vibe with a Chicago-themed decor featuring a mural of the skyline. The atmosphere stays chill and cozy, with music videos playing and both indoor and outdoor seating available. A wide variety of customizable bubble tea flavors and snacks like popcorn chicken add to the welcoming, local feel.

Fried chicken wings stand out with their insanely good flavor and crispiness. The menu also includes fries and Crab Rangoon, pairing well with larger cream Brule brown sugar milk tea.

Couples can create custom drink flavors like honeydew passionfruit. Staff show patience while helping pick options. The owner adds to the fun with lighthearted humor at night.

People are saying

"I had the most authentic Vietnamese coffee I've ever tasted."

"The drinks here are delicious and super customizable."

"I loved the delicious drinks and snacks here."

Good to know

1

TEACAGO offers a wide variety of flavors and types of boba.

2

There is free parking available at TEACAGO.

3

I received a 10% discount for saying I would leave a review.

04
Cluck'N Wings image 1
Chicken restaurant

Chicken restaurant combines elegant lighting with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that balances comfort and luxury. A chic, rustic minimalist decor complements a patio with cooling mist, offering a calm yet vibrant space for casual or refined dining.

Chicken wings have crispy breading and stay moist inside with bold sauces. Fried chicken sandwiches and wraps come loaded and taste extremely delicious.

Wings stand out with their high quality and flavor. The menu includes options like the Cluck 'n Burger and Buffalo wings, offering solid choices for a casual date.

People are saying

"These burgers are juicy, flavorful, and carefully stacked."

"This American food is so flavorful and perfectly crispy."

"You have to try the Maple Gold wings; they're the best."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a full halal menu for all dishes.

2

Kids' meals are available for younger diners.

3

Expect a wait time of about 15 minutes for food after ordering.

05
Bayan Ko Diner image 1

Diner offers a cozy, homey vibe with charming decor featuring dark wood and plant motifs. Seating is close together, creating an intimate but sometimes cramped atmosphere, with an upstairs patio providing outdoor, dog-friendly space. Music leans toward fabulous R&B, enhancing the relaxed, casual mood.

Sweet and savory flavors come through in the Ube Pancakes and Shrimp & Grits. Tender brisket appears in the Cubano and Ropa Vieja, adding rich taste to the dishes.

Good food and a welcoming atmosphere create a solid spot for dates. The tapsilog breakfast with short rib stands out, and seating is available even during busy weekend brunch hours.

People are saying

"I thought the brunch here was amazing, especially the Cubano burrito."

"This place has great date spots with phenomenal food and atmosphere."

"The American Food pancakes were so light and fluffy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on busy weekends.

2

The diner is BYOB, allowing guests to bring their own alcohol.

3

Brunch is served daily from 9am to 3pm, except on Tuesdays.

06
Platform 47 image 1
Bar & grill

Large space combines cozy atmosphere with thoughtful details like cast iron dishware and a fireplace. Energy shifts from relaxed dining to lively gatherings, supported by a patio with music and a private event area. Crowd enjoys elevated comfort foods and a variety of well-crafted cocktails in a setting that balances casual and refined.

Chicken wings come with a crispy, flavorful batter. Fresh, hot dishes include shrimp tempura, nachos, and cheese curds with a well-made batter.

Offers a quick, affordable option for date nights. The portobello mushroom sandwich stands out as a solid choice.

People are saying

"The bar staff here makes you feel like family."

"The food here is excellent, especially the salmon."

"The American Food here has the most welcoming staff."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers.

2

The private room accommodates up to 40 people for events.

3

Platform 47 has a diverse draft menu for beer lovers.

07
Willow Cafรฉ and Bistro image 1

Outdoor patio on a leafy square offers natural light and a relaxed, community-focused vibe. Indoor space feels small but charming with a warm, inviting atmosphere suitable for multigenerational groups. The cafรฉ balances a cozy ambiance with lively yet comfortable energy.

Biscuits and gravy stand out as a solid choice. Steak and eggs feature distinctive seasoning that enhances flavor. Mac and cheese lacks balance, focusing more on pasta than cheese.

Atmosphere and experience create a welcoming vibe for couples. The menu offers Beyond Burger and beef goulash, providing tasty options for shared meals.

People are saying

"The patio is a cute, cozy outdoor space, perfect for brunch."

"The ambience here is so nice for Date Spots."

"The American Food here is served by super friendly people."

Good to know

1

Expect busy patio seating during weekends around brunch time, especially in nice weather.

2

Parking in the area can be hard to find; allow at least 15 minutes before your reservation.

3

The Bistro area opens at 10am, so plan accordingly if you arrive early.

08
Halal Smash Burger and Phillies (Western Avenue) image 1

Small spot with a dive bar vibe and retro decor offers a chill atmosphere that feels both cozy and inviting. Benches provide comfort while captivating films play on TV, adding to the laid-back energy. The place draws a neighborhood crowd looking for casual dining with a local feel.

Burgers feature fresh brisket and come in varieties like bacon cheeseburger with turkey bacon and cheez sriracha burger. Philly cheesesteak sandwiches taste great but sometimes run out of bread.

Casual visits with partners highlight the spot's appeal for relaxed outings. Options like Halal Smash Burger and Phillies on Western Avenue offer familiar, easygoing choices for dates.

People are saying

"I thought the burgers here were the best I had."

"I wished they'd make a punch card for the American Food hamburgers."

"The food at these Date Spots was phenomenal."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open until 3:00 a.m.

2

Parking is limited; side parking requires permits.

3

The menu offers many options with good portion sizes.

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Lincoln Square, Chicago

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