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Local picks in River North

DJ date spots

Made for those who want their date nights energized by a live DJ and refuse to spend an evening in a room without a pulse.

Based on 567 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Electric Shuffle Chicago image 1
Electric Shuffle Chicago image 2
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Shuffleboard with high-tech tracking and immersive visuals defines the space, blending classic gameplay with modern tech. Vibrant social energy fills the stylish, throwback-decorated bar, enhanced by live DJ music and a fun, competitive vibe. Cocktails and food complement the atmosphere, making it lively yet not overcrowded.

Live DJ sets the tone with great lighting and keeps the energy high throughout.

Fun games and a lively bar create a great spot for dates. Drinks flow easily while enjoying the engaging atmosphere with someone special.

People are saying

"The food and drinks here were excellent."

"The DJ was spinning great music and kept the vibe lively."

"Mitchell's energy made our Date Spots experience twice as fun."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour is from 3 pm to 5 pm Monday to Friday, offering $5 beer, wine, seltzers, and all fries.

2

During Happy Hour, margaritas, ranch water, espresso martinis, and house pizza are $10.

3

The all-inclusive brunch costs $50 per person for 90 minutes of shuffleboard, a bottle of bubbly, and food.

02
VELA image 1
Mexican restaurant

Space channels sophisticated Mexican vibes with warm, vibrant design inspired by Mexico City. Music shifts from chill to loud with a live DJ mixing house, reggaeton, and hip hop, creating a lively atmosphere. Guests enjoy upscale casual energy with comfortable seating and standout cocktails.

Music stays lively and diverse, keeping the energy high all night. The DJ plays a perfect Friday evening set that keeps everyone vibing and spirits up.

Offers a lowkey vibe ideal for intimate dinners and celebrations. Features excellent cocktails and suits both date nights and after-work drinks.

People are saying

"The food here has flavor profiles that are above and beyond."

"The cocktails here are phenomenal, with recommendations that are spot-on."

"The DJ's diverse playlist kept us vibing the whole time."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $10 off cocktails and half-price appetizers from 4-6pm.

2

Reservations are recommended for large parties, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant hosts a popup event with their sister restaurant every month.

03
Arbella image 1
Cocktail bar

Large space divides into distinct atmospheres with comfortable booths and a lively club room. Music features a DJ-driven sound system playing chill, high-energy tunes that shape a fun, unpretentious vibe. Patrons include stylish young crowds, but the atmosphere welcomes all ages for drinks and conversation.

Local Chicago DJs spin during live house sets on Saturday nights. Acoustic speakers deliver great DJ-driven music that fits the perfect vibe.

Gorgeous atmosphere sets the tone for an intimate date night. Staff offer a complimentary glass of Champagne and a traveling old fashioned menu features multiple cocktail varieties to try.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are delicious and creatively made."

"The dimly lit atmosphere is gorgeous for a romantic date night."

"The creative cocktails here are amazing for a date spot."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs from 5 to 7 PM Monday to Saturday with limited menu options.

3

Arbella turns into a club starting around 10 PM from Thursday to Saturday.

04
STK Steakhouse image 1
Steak house

Modern steakhouse blends trendy club vibe with live DJ sets and bold neon decor. Atmosphere feels lively and energetic, with music often loud enough to dominate conversations. Cocktails stand out as fresh and flavorful highlights amid the setting.

A live DJ spins great music throughout the meal, creating a joyful vibe with colorful flashing lights during special events like shot o'clock.

Offers a date night deal with wine, appetizers, entrees, sides, and dessert for $69 each from Sunday to Thursday. Staff like Cody and Valerie provide attentive service, keeping glasses full and ensuring a smooth experience. The bone-in filet stands out as an excellent choice for a special meal.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and high quality."

"The service during Happy Hour was amazing, especially from Olivia and Sonia."

"The DJ really set the perfect vibe with great music."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on food and drinks from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Expect a one-hour wait for a table during peak dining hours.

3

Cocktails are priced at $9 during happy hour.

05
UMMO image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a modern jazz inspired design with upstairs loft featuring live music and pool table. Atmosphere shifts from quiet and intimate dining to a lively late-night hangout with DJs and bands. Decor includes quirky records and stylish interiors creating a warm, upbeat vibe.

Upstairs loft hosts a DJ set that kicks off at 10pm, turning the space into a club atmosphere. Music keeps the vibe lively throughout the night.

Quiet and intimate atmosphere suits date nights well. It works for celebrations and casual evenings but is less ideal with small children.

People are saying

"You honestly canโ€™t go wrong with the outrageously good pasta here."

"The Italian food here is so flavorful and delicious."

"The DJ's creative dishes and flavor combinations were delightful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups, to ensure seating.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

The loft space converts into a club after 10pm with a DJ and dancing.

06
DISCO image 1
Night club

Five-level club combines multiple dance floors with an upscale restaurant and lounge. Energetic vibe thrives on nostalgic 80's and 90's music and a light-up disco floor that enhances the atmosphere. Crowds are diverse and lively, creating a unique and engaging night out.

Three DJs play on three different floors, each with a unique vibe. Music includes Earth Wind and Fire, Michael Jackson, and Prince tracks, with the third floor DJ being decent.

Every floor offers a unique atmosphere to explore together. Staff treat couples with a sense of royalty, adding a special touch to the experience.

People are saying

"The nightclub atmosphere and lights were amazing."

"The DJ played great 80's music and the lights were amazing."

"The disco floor lights and 80's music make it a great spot for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Entry to DISCO is free before 11 pm.

2

Drink prices are high, with shots at $12 and beers at $8.

3

Expect long lines for the single bathroom located two floors down.

07
Ghost Donkey image 1

Upstairs space offers a hidden, cozy lounge with stunning decor and couch tables. Music is loud and upbeat, often featuring a DJ and dance elements like salsa lessons and bubble machines. The vibe suits date nights and lively gatherings, blending traditional Mexican influences with a modern bar atmosphere.

Heavy Latin vibes set the tone with a DJ who keeps the energy up. Bubble machines and Congo lines add to the lively, fun atmosphere.

Lighting and table setup create a perfect atmosphere for date nights. The place offers a great vibe for both intimate evenings and casual drinks with friends.

People are saying

"This bar has a super fun, lounge-like atmosphere."

"The DJ's music made the atmosphere so fun."

"This place is perfect for date night, with intimate lighting."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is from Monday to Saturday 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM and all day on Sunday.

2

Tacos are priced at $2.00 during happy hour.

3

Ghost Donkey gets packed between 6:00 and 8:00 PM.

08
Parlay River North image 1

Sports bar offers a gorgeous rooftop bar with a beautiful view and a live DJ playing music during game breaks. Atmosphere combines great energy and vibes with multiple TVs for sports fans. Some seating areas feel crowded or poorly lit, but food includes standout items like chicken and waffles and stuffed French toast.

A live DJ spins a fantastic selection of songs, focusing on R&B and throwback music. The DJ keeps the vibe lively and is a definite highlight of the spot.

Relaxed atmosphere suits couples celebrating special occasions. Food timing can be uneven, with dishes sometimes arriving separately, which may affect shared dining moments.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and absolutely delicious."

"The brunch food here is delicious, especially the crispy potatoes."

"The atmosphere here is great for date spots and mingling."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on beer and wings.

2

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm.

3

Brunch includes bottomless mimosas for 90 minutes.

09
Mom's Place - A Chicago Gathering Spot image 1

Bar space divides into three distinct rooms featuring live jazz and funk music, karaoke, and a pool table area. Atmosphere shifts from vibrant and lively to cozy with nostalgic decor and multiple bars across two levels. Frequented by a diverse crowd, it offers specialty cocktails and TV screens throughout for entertainment.

Billy stands out as a karaoke DJ who keeps the party lively. DJ Ray spins tracks that maintain high energy throughout the night. DJs manage song queues strictly, not allowing skips even for special occasions.

Offers a classic vibe that suits couples looking for a memorable spot. Serves drinks in a relaxed setting before heading out to nearby entertainment.

People are saying

"The karaoke here is super fun and gets everyone excited."

"The live music here is spectacular and creates a fun atmosphere."

"The DJ was energetic and played every song I requested."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Tuesday night, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Expect long wait times on Thursdays for karaoke; plan for at least 1.5 hours.

3

The bar has a $5 cover charge at night for entry.

10
Moe's Cantina - River North image 1
Mexican restaurant

Massive Mexican restaurant with ample seating and a unique design that shifts into a nightclub on weekends. Lively atmosphere with energetic music, including reggaeton and clear TV audio for games. Outdoor seating and artistic decor add to the vibrant vibe.

Saturday night features a DJ spinning a lot of reggaeton music. DJs here consistently bring fire energy that keeps the dance floor lively.

Jumbo shrimp fajitas and enchiladas with mole offer solid meal choices for couples. Bartenders craft custom cocktails to suit specific tastes, making it a reliable spot for date nights before shows.

People are saying

"The staff here makes the Mexican food experience so friendly and attentive."

"The enchiladas and camaron tacos are delicious."

"The DJ played a lot of reggaeton and Latin music."

Good to know

1

Expect a $20 cover charge for entry during club hours.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups.

3

All guests must arrive together to avoid additional cover charges.

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River North, Chicago

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