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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of River North

Interesting date spots

A shared experience with someone special is more memorable when the surroundings offer something out of the ordinary.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
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Updated April 2026
01
Arbella image 1
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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.

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.

Cocktails feature creative names like Peru and Fire Extinguisher, with unique ingredients and presentations. The atmosphere adds to the interesting vibe, supported by a diverse crowd and lively energy.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are delicious and creatively made."

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

"The cocktails here are super interesting and creative."

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.

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TARY image 1
Cafe

Cozy, minimal cafรฉ with authentic Kazakh decor and subtle cultural elements creates a calm, pleasant atmosphere. Plenty of seating and strong WiFi support work or socializing, while unique Central Asian pastries and dishes offer a distinct culinary experience.

Cozy atmosphere suits catching up or a date. Drinks like Latte Irimshik and mochas stand out. It works well for both business lunches and casual meetups.

Unique cuisine and organic snacks stand out here. The coffee with wheat grains and interesting decor add to the overall experience.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was super good."

"You'll find interesting, tasty snacks and organic drinks here."

"The coffee here is fantastic, especially the lattes."

Good to know

1

Parking is reserved for commercial vehicles only, leading to potential tickets.

2

TARY serves unique Central Asian pastries and drinks not found elsewhere.

3

The cafe gets packed, making tables hard to get at times.

03
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.

Hogwarts decorations create an immersive atmosphere. Lots of items to buy and interesting displays make it engaging beyond just fans.

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 an interesting place, even if you don't like the saga."

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.

04
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.

Funky decor with a hip music theme sets a unique tone inside. The area bustles with a casino nearby and interesting people on the streets.

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."

"The hotel's decor is funky and interesting, with a dark, retro vibe."

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.

05
The Alston image 1
Steak house

Dining room offers spacious elegance with a unique interior design and tableside presentations like duck press. Atmosphere blends pre-Covid hospitality with a lively, upscale crowd. Bar serves impressive cocktails alongside expert wine pairings.

Offers a memorable atmosphere for couples celebrating special occasions. The setting suits anniversaries and birthdays with a consistently positive dining experience.

Huge wine list offers interesting bottles. Menu features unique dishes. Overall, the experience feels engaging and different.

People are saying

"The steak here is outstanding, and the service makes you feel well taken care of."

"The food here is a burst of flavor, truly great for Date Spots."

"I found their huge wine list really interesting."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially during peak hours.

2

A 3% service charge is added to all credit card transactions.

3

Happy hour features a curated menu of food and drinks.

06
POP MART image 1
Toy store

Small, colorful toy store packed with unique figures and blind boxes creates a high-energy and family-friendly atmosphere. Tight layout makes it feel busy and lively, often requiring a line to enter. Displays invite interaction, especially for children, enhancing the playful vibe.

Couples often visit for the keychain shopping experience and to explore new collectibles together. The atmosphere supports shared moments like gift exchanges and browsing unique items side by side.

Deadpool figurines stand out among the products. Other cute and interesting characters add to the display. The overall setup remains interesting to look at.

People are saying

"This place is so Kid Friendly, my daughter was delighted."

"It's a fun store with a cool concept for Date Spots."

"I found the products and characters here really interesting."

Good to know

1

Only a limited number of people are allowed inside at a time.

2

Expect long lines during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The store often runs out of popular items quickly.

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River North, Chicago

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