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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Lincoln Square's best

Lunch and date spots

A lunch date that feels like a deliberate choice rather than just a convenient place to grab a quick bite.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
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Updated April 2026
01
Madame Puffs and Thai Bistro image 1
Madame Puffs and Thai Bistro image 2
Madame Puffs and Thai Bistro image 3
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Modern, chic dining space features luxurious decorations and bright golden lettering outside. Live jazz music creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that complements the upscale Thai cuisine. The small, intimate layout brings diners close to servers, enhancing the lively vibe.

Lunch features a pork puff and chicken pad Thai as part of a special. Quick meals can turn into ordering a full table of dishes.

Warm and intimate atmosphere suits couples well. The owner offers personal touches that enhance special occasions. The ambiance stays cozy and inviting for a romantic night out.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and full of flavor."

"This place is perfect for dates with its warm, intimate atmosphere."

"This lunch spot's puffs are flaky, well-seasoned, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

The restaurant is BYOB, so bring your favorite drink.

3

Expect a separate charge for protein in dishes, which can increase total costs.

02
Las Maria's Breakfast Club image 1
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.

Homemade soups and lunch sandwiches stand out alongside solid breakfast items. The lunch menu offers a good variety and is often underrated.

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."

"The lunch sandwiches here are delicious and filling."

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.

03
Mix Mex Cue image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining with a friendly, laid-back vibe and a cute back patio. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming for families, creating a comfortable and inviting space. The setting is small but visually appealing, encouraging guests to linger.

Back patio seating offers a relaxed spot for lunch. Steak tacos provide a satisfying portion and work well for a midday meal during a break or to take home.

Offers a variety of taco meals like chicken, pastor, quesabirria, and shrimp options. Drinks include horchata, making it suitable for a casual date setting.

People are saying

"You have to try the Mexican food; the homemade tortillas are amazing."

"The tacos here are delicious and fresh, perfect for Date Spots."

"The steak torta is perfectly balanced and seasoned."

Good to know

1

The parking lot is located behind the building.

2

They accept card and have a Zelle barcode.

3

They offer a discount if paid in cash.

04
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.

Silogs offer a light but hearty meal ideal for lunch or brunch. It serves as a reliable spot for Friday lunches with a menu worth exploring further.

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."

"The empanadas and lumpia at this lunch spot are awesome."

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

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.

05
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.

Strong value and low-key vibe make it a solid lunch spot. The Buffalo sandwich with Nashville sauce on the side stands out as a flavorful option.

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 Lunch Spot has crispy, flavorful chicken that's cooked to order."

"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.

06
Cafe Mas image 1
Coffee shop

Bold murals and colorful decor create an artistic atmosphere with a cozy, inviting vibe. Quiet spaces and a back room with a couch support work-friendly comfort, while a small play area welcomes young children. Spanish pop ballads add to the relaxing ambiance throughout.

Freshly ground coffee and vegan lunch eats make this spot stand out. The molletes portion is large and feels wholesome and nutritious.

Couples find a relaxed spot with tasty tacos like soy chorizo and asada. The setting suits both quiet mornings and casual outings with friends and family.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great iced coffee here; it was super refreshing."

"These date spots have delicious tacos and coffee."

"The Lunch Spot portions here are large and feel wholesome."

Good to know

1

Cafe Mas offers a variety of vegan food options and quality coffee.

2

Parking is free on Foster and is usually easy to find.

3

Soy milk, oat milk, and almond milk are available as milk alternatives.

07
Sushi Loop image 1
Japanese restaurant

Large cherry blossom tree anchors a cozy Japanese-style interior with a spacious and elegant design. Atmosphere stays relaxing yet upbeat, welcoming groups for casual dinners or celebrations. Outdoor patio adds variety to dining options.

Lunch offers an all-you-can-eat special with a wide variety of options like appetizers, sushi, and ramen. Holiday lunches may be charged at dinner prices, which can feel unfair.

Repeated visits show the spot has a welcoming atmosphere and attentive service that suits couples well. The setting encourages relaxed dinners that invite lingering and conversation.

People are saying

"I found the sushi here to be so fresh and delicious."

"This place has the best all-you-can-eat sushi for date spots."

"The lunch all-you-can-eat menu selection met my standards."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the street but can be difficult to find.

2

A $1 fee applies for each item ordered but not consumed.

3

The restaurant charges dinner prices during lunch on holidays.

08
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.

A spot for lunch or dinner with options like smash burgers. Service can be slow, with orders sometimes taking over an hour and mix-ups like eggs added unexpectedly.

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."

"I loved the cafe's atmosphere and pastries."

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

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.

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Lincoln Square, Chicago

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