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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in River North

Affordable date spots

Spending time with someone special should not have to come with a heavy price tag.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Lang Ocean Spa Thai Bodywork image 1
Lang Ocean Spa Thai Bodywork image 2
Lang Ocean Spa Thai Bodywork image 3
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Thai massage therapist

Space combines Thai-modern design with immaculate cleanliness and a serene, meditative atmosphere. Multiple private rooms offer comfortable cushioned massage tables and a quiet, relaxing environment. Visitors experience thoughtful, elevated care focused on relaxation and stress relief.

Couples enjoy 90 to 120-minute massages with options like body scrubs. Same-day bookings for couples massages happen without hassle. Service quality stands out during these shared experiences.

Services offer great massages at affordable prices. The pricing makes quality bodywork accessible.

People are saying

"This spa consistently works out deep tension, leaving you feeling restored."

"I got the best massage I've ever had here."

"I got a great massage that was also affordable."

Good to know

1

The massage combines techniques like stretching, gentle pressure, and acupressure.

2

The spa offers affordable massage services.

3

The place is clean and well-maintained.

02
Sinya Mediterranean image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean restaurant offers an airy, spacious interior with tasteful decor and soft lighting that creates a calm, casual vibe. Plenty of seating and outlets support relaxed dining or working. The atmosphere balances upscale design with a welcoming, comfortable feel.

Spacious seating with plenty of lighting and greenery creates a relaxed vibe for dates. Menu options like impossible kofta and spicy chicken shawarma offer flavorful choices for two.

Food portions come with all the fixings at an affordable rate. Prices stay quite affordable while keeping the food tasty.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food here is fresh, flavorful, and authentically delicious."

"The food here is delicious, especially the hummus and shawarma."

"I found the food to be delicious and affordable."

Good to know

1

Knafeh is only available at the River North location from 4 PM to 10 PM.

2

The place is legit zabiha halal.

3

They give free hummus and salad with each order.

03
Bongiorno's Cucina Italiana & Pizzeria image 1

Cozy, family-owned Italian restaurant with small, crowded space and loud atmosphere. Outdoor patio offers a pleasant seating option. Known for authentic Italian pizza and pasta with a lively, energetic vibe.

Quick seating sets a smooth start for dates. Pizza stands out as a favorite, great for dining in or a picnic. Lasagna earns praise as a memorable dish. Sharing drinks like Ichnusa beer adds a nostalgic touch.

Prices stay affordable for sandwiches, salads, and Italian dishes. Portions offer lots of food without high costs.

People are saying

"The pizza here is amazing; the staff makes you feel so welcome."

"The pizza here is a great takeout option for a date."

"I found the food and drinks to be super affordable."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located behind the Trump Tower in downtown Chicago.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Reservations are recommended during busy dinner hours.

04
Daveโ€™s Hot Chicken image 1
Chicken restaurant

Outdoor and indoor spaces feature colorful artwork and a vibrant, lively atmosphere with loud 1980s rock music. Staff engage actively, often dancing, creating a welcoming and energetic vibe. Seating includes a spacious patio and walk-up counter service.

Quick meals with friendly staff create a relaxed vibe for dates. Special touches like a birthday shake make celebrations feel personal and memorable.

Offers affordable prices that are lower than fast food chains like McDonald's. Serves high-quality chicken with reasonable pricing making it a budget-friendly choice.

People are saying

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

"The staff here makes your date night extra special with their great service."

"I found the food here to be super affordable and delicious."

Good to know

1

Daveโ€™s Hot Chicken is halal, making it a great option for those who need it.

2

Parking next to the restaurant is limited, fitting maybe 7 or 8 cars.

3

The restaurant is very clean, including the bathrooms.

05
ACME Hotel Chicago, Outset Collection by Hilton image 1

Boutique hotel with industrial artistic decor and a strong music theme creates a cool, eclectic vibe. Spacious rooms offer city views and modern amenities, while a lively bar and bakery provide social spots. Loud music and a unique entry system add to its distinctive character.

Rooms stay clean and meet basic needs. Pricing stays consistently affordable for downtown stays.

People are saying

"This hotel's decor and music give it a fun, cultured vibe."

"This place has a super hip vibe, perfect for date spots."

"It's affordable and doesn't charge a resort fee."

Good to know

1

You need to ring a bell and show your key to enter the hotel at night.

2

The hotel is centrally located near bars, restaurants, and shopping.

3

Parking is available, but consider using Uber or walking to nearby attractions.

06
Hotel Felix image 1

Boutique hotel with modern decor and cozy atmosphere offers complimentary coffee and fruit in the lobby. Rooms are clean and quiet, featuring comfortable beds and tasteful design. Lobby bar serves notable cocktails in a warm setting.

Helpful and accommodating staff like Maryna, Kegan, Sasha, and Joseph create a welcoming atmosphere. Service focuses on making couples feel supported during their time together.

Rooms offer a comfortable stay with clean conditions at a fair price. The hotel balances affordability with a central location and an upscale feel.

People are saying

"The Hotel staff is so friendly and helpful, especially Aldo."

"The service here for date spots is outstanding and so accommodating."

"It's a comfortable and affordable place to stay."

Good to know

1

The hotel charges a $22/day 'Hotel Fee' not disclosed beforehand.

2

Parking is not available at the hotel.

3

The hotel's location is close to Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park.

07
Harry Potter Shop Chicago image 1

Store resembles Diagon Alley with meticulously crafted decor and immersive Harry Potter themes. Atmosphere feels magical and lively, filled with fans enjoying themed music, moving parts, and photo spots. Includes largest Butterbeer Bar in the US with seating, adding a unique cafe experience.

Exploring the shop offers a magical experience with plenty to discover, especially for Harry Potter fans. Sharing slushies with keepsake cups adds a fun, memorable touch to the visit.

Prices stay really affordable for an iconic Harry Potter shop. Plenty of gift items like posters and key chains come at low costs.

People are saying

"It's a fun stop for any Harry Potter fan; the details are amazing."

"You can keep the souvenir cups from your delicious butterbeer."

"It's affordable and feels like walking into the Harry Potter movies."

Good to know

1

If you plan to go on a weekend, be prepared for a wait of about 20 to 30 minutes.

2

The store was not accessible or disability-friendly.

3

The weekend line stretches down the entire block.

08
Su Casa Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Colorful decor and a mural telling cultural stories create an authentic Mexican atmosphere with a cozy yet open layout. Outdoor seating is abundant, and a bar with televisions adds a lively touch. Complimentary group photos and occasional live Mariachi music contribute to a festive vibe.

Enchiladas with red sauce stand out for their flavorful taste. The Mexican mule is strong and well-liked, adding to the date experience.

Mexican food comes at affordable prices here, making it easy to enjoy a low-key meal without spending much. Lunch options fit well within a modest budget.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is so delicious and authentic."

"The food here is delicious, perfect for date spots."

"I found the Mexican food here to be good and affordable."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6pm, valid only at the counter.

2

Couples special available on Valentine's Day.

3

A parking garage is on the same block, with SpotHero reservations.

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River North, Chicago

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