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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to West Loop

Lunch spots for dates

Made for those who prefer to build romantic connections during the daylight hours over a shared meal.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Ryota image 1
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Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a chic, small space with modern decor and ambient vibes. Cocktails like matcha martinis stand out alongside fresh, flavorful ramen and sushi. Tables are tightly packed, creating a lively but cozy atmosphere.

Lunch offers yummy food with a superb taste. It works well for a casual meal while walking along the street.

Ambiance suits date night with a mix of delicious dishes and quality drinks. Options cater to both gluten-free needs and ramen cravings, making it easy to enjoy together.

People are saying

"The food here is so fresh and melts in your mouth."

"It's a perfect spot for date night with incredible ramen and sushi."

"This lunch spot has really delicious and fresh food."

Good to know

1

Ryota is BYOB, so bring your favorite drinks.

2

The restaurant offers gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.

3

Fish is shipped fresh daily from Japan, ensuring high quality.

02
Sushi Pink image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with modern decor and intricate Lego art pieces creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Lighting and music blend to form a relaxed, upscale vibe suitable for quiet meals or casual nights. Options to sit by the sushi bar or in a cozy area add variety to the experience.

Fresh sushi and a lunch combo with spicy tuna rolls, miso soup, and gyoza make for a solid lunch. The kitchen's smoky atmosphere can be noticeable during midday.

Perfect for a relaxing evening, the vibe suits both dates and casual hangouts. Plates clear quickly, showing the solid sushi quality that can convert even sushi skeptics.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is so fresh and delicious."

"The sushi here is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully plated for date spots."

"This lunch spot has really fresh sushi and poke bowls."

Good to know

1

Currently, they are BYOB, so feel free to bring your own drinks.

2

Sushi Pink offers a 15% off deal on certain days.

3

Street and garage parking are available nearby for convenience.

03
Taste 222 image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers an elegant yet cozy atmosphere with old school R&B music and an open floor plan that suits large groups and events. Spaces include a private room, bar, and breezy patio, creating a versatile and inviting setup. The vibe balances charming decor with a relaxed, stylish energy.

Quick weekday lunches attract a downtown crowd with a salad and sandwich selection that suits the lunch rush. The atmosphere features inviting decor and pleasant music, creating a nice spot for a midday break.

Offers a relaxed vibe for casual dates and unwinding after work. Serves bites and drinks that fit a low-key evening.

People are saying

"The staff here is so friendly and helpful during Happy Hour."

"The cornbread and mac & cheese at this Lunch Spot are really good."

"The staff here are so attentive and friendly for your date spots."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with 13 food options and 9 drink options.

2

Reservations are recommended to avoid waiting during peak hours.

3

The happy hour menu offers good value for money with reasonably priced items.

04
Tamashii Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small ramen shop with quiet, relaxing atmosphere and cute decor featuring lamp-like lights and a bar. The vibe stays calm with soft music, making it easy to have conversations. Prices are budget-friendly, offering a simple, unpretentious dining experience.

Quiet atmosphere suits lunch between classes or with a friend. Serves ramen that satisfies midday cravings and offers a calm setting with few people around early in the day.

Ramen with a flavorful kick sets a casual, tasty tone for dates here. Options like Spicy Ramen and Shoyu Ramen offer variety for sharing and enjoying together.

People are saying

"I found the ramen here to be the best I've ever had."

"The ramen here is so flavorful and perfectly seasoned."

"This Lunch Spot's ramen broth was perfectly seasoned and delicious."

Good to know

1

You can build your own ramen bowl with various broth, meat, and vegetable options.

2

Prices for ramen are around $13 to $17 per bowl, depending on the selection.

3

Street parking near the restaurant is free and available.

05
Soul & Smoke - West Loop image 1

Small shop tucked in a food court offers savory brisket sandwiches and loaded mac and cheese with a comfort food vibe. Atmosphere feels casual and friendly, catering well to commuters and casual diners. Pricing leans high but matches the quality of food served.

Close proximity to work makes it a frequent choice for lunch. The spot offers a consistent menu that draws regular visits and makes lunch something to look forward to.

Shrimp and grits stand out as a rich, flavorful dish that impresses. Southern chopped salad offers a fresh, crisp option for a lighter bite.

People are saying

"The brisket sandwich here is top tier American food."

"The Date Spots here are delicious, especially the smoky brisket sandwich."

"The brisket sandwich is a must-try Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

This location is inside of Time Out Market.

2

The restaurant operates on a self-serve model, where I order on a kiosk or tablet.

3

They may run out of your favorites, so it's advisable to get there early.

06
Vietfive Coffee - Chicago image 1

Cozy coffee shop blends modern chic and traditional charm with rustic wooden tables and delicate ceramic cups. Atmosphere stays quiet and inviting, supporting work or relaxed conversations with plenty of power outlets and free Wi-Fi. Friendly, family-oriented vibe includes pet-friendly policies and unique wall graphics sharing coffee origins.

Offers OG Bahn Mi and Bahn Mi bowls for lunch. Serves coffee and allows dining in, making it a solid spot to grab a quick meal after activities like yoga.

Coffee dates often include ubechata, ube latte, and a coconut condensed milk latte priced around $9. Weekend visits make it a steady spot for couples to enjoy coffee together.

People are saying

"I found the coffee to be rich, bold, and perfectly satisfying."

"The ube latte here is delicious and fragrant."

"This is a great lunch spot for the OG Bahn Mi."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $10 for a drink and snack.

2

Signature, custom blended beans are roasted on the premises.

3

The shop uses coconut condensed milk for their coffee drinks.

07
Black Barrel Tavern image 1
American restaurant

American tavern with multiple TVs and a spacious outdoor patio offers a laid-back, pet-friendly vibe. The atmosphere ranges from loud and lively inside to comfortable and quaint outside. Strong, well-crafted cocktails complement the casual setting.

Lunch offers a sitdown experience with a menu that looks more appetizing than breakfast options. Nearby restaurants match the price but lack the same friendly attitude during lunch.

Offers delicious burgers including a plant-based option that appeals to vegetarians. Serves appetizers that complement a casual date or special occasion like a surprise party.

People are saying

"The bar staff here are so friendly and make you feel welcome."

"This Lunch Spot's burgers and tacos are amazing."

"The burgers and fries here are delicious."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Thursday night starting at 10pm with a two-drink minimum.

2

The outdoor seating area is a great spot for enjoying meals.

3

Black Barrel Tavern is dog-friendly, allowing pets both indoors and outdoors.

08
Bocaditos Chicago image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with authentic vibe and unique decor creates a chill atmosphere filled with Latino music and a dog-friendly patio. Tables are close together, making the space feel busy and lively. Cocktails like mezcal drinks stand out amid a fun, energetic setting.

Lunch features awesome specials and suits quick stops or casual meals. Options fit well for lunch, dinner, or happy hour.

Happy hour offers a relaxed vibe for couples or groups. The spot suits casual nights out with friends, family, or partners and welcomes small groups including toddlers.

People are saying

"The Happy Hour food has bold, bright flavors and is outstanding."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and great."

"The food at these Date Spots is outstanding and super flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm Monday through Friday with $1 oysters.

2

The happy hour oysters are now $2, up from $1 in the past.

3

Expect a 20% gratuity automatically added to your bill.

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