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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Highland Park

Date spots

A dinner out that feels like a real occasion, not just another night of eating.

Based on 530 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Cafe Dacha image 1
Cafe Dacha image 2
Cafe Dacha image 3
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European restaurant

European restaurant offers cozy atmosphere with stylish indoor and charming outdoor seating, including a gazebo and terrace decorated like a garden. The space feels spotlessly clean and comfortable, enhanced by homemade vodka infusions and a quiet, relaxing vibe.

Food here blends rich Ukrainian tradition with modern culinary excellence. The cuisine stays authentic, recalling Eastern European flavors with consistently great taste and service.

Frequent visits include enjoying tobacco chicken and kharcho soup. Trying a Ukrainian beer pairs well with light bites and quick drinks.

People are saying

"The Ukrainian food here is so authentic and delicious."

"The food here is authentic, delicious, and beautifully prepared."

"I thought the borscht here was full of rich, authentic flavor."

Good to know

1

The menu is small, offering a limited selection of authentic Eastern European dishes.

2

Prices typically exceed $50 per person, so budget accordingly.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

02
Yana's Speakeasy image 1
Bar & grill

Secret entrance behind a piano leads into a cozy, stylish lounge with eclectic couches and rotating art pieces. The atmosphere feels warm and laid-back with a unique speakeasy vibe and artistic touches. Cocktails are complex and well-crafted, complementing an inventive menu featuring small plates and international flavors.

Small plates feature a global twist and change often. Tiny blini topped with red and black caviar stand out. Food and drinks are consistently excellent and offer a unique experience.

Cozy atmosphere suits date nights well with a relaxed vibe for hanging out. Drinks like the Paloma add a nice touch to the evening.

People are saying

"It's a unique place with a thoughtfully curated, artistic, and creative atmosphere."

"The drinks here are fantastic, especially the Tiki Old Fashioned."

"It's an enjoyable spot for drinks and date nights."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

2

Expect higher prices for menu items, with some dishes costing over $15.

3

The menu features a limited selection of European-inspired shared plates.

03
Sushi Badaya Highland Park image 1

Open kitchen showcases sushi preparation, creating an engaging dining experience. Warm, inviting atmosphere combines cozy decor with a clean, spacious suburban strip mall setting. Fresh, high-quality sushi and specialty rolls define the menu, complemented by outdoor seating with cooling fans.

Food here stays fresh and is prepared to perfection. The sushi offers an amazing taste that can change your view on cuisine.

People are saying

"The fish here is so fresh and flavorful."

"The food here is Michelin star quality, especially the tuna."

"This place's Date Spots offer Michelin star quality sushi at a fraction of the cost."

Good to know

1

They offer both indoor and outdoor dining options.

2

The restaurant is impeccably clean and sanitary.

3

The prices are surprisingly reasonable for the quality offered.

04
Fluffy Bunny - Coffee shop image 1

Cozy coffee shop with whimsical bunny-themed decor and soft lighting creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Comfortable seating and a playroom for kids make it suitable for families. The vibe blends European style with a relaxed, homey feel.

Food here is healthy, fresh, and packed with flavor. Dishes like the sweet and savory syrniki and vegetable omelette stand out alongside vibrant smoothies.

Matcha lattes and pear and brie croissants offer a cozy vibe for couples. Cold brew and the RAF Banana add variety to the coffee choices.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be amazing and tasty."

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"Tony makes great coffee selections and recommends the RAF."

Good to know

1

Fluffy Bunny offers a signature selection of salads, sandwiches, and drinks.

2

They made many of their treats and products in house.

3

The menu includes options for gluten or dairy free customers.

05
Denny's image 1
Restaurant

Typical American diner with a quiet, clean atmosphere and cozy, family-friendly vibe. Staff provide efficient, caring service and the environment feels comfortable and well-kept. Holiday decorations and oldies music add a nostalgic touch.

Fluffy, perfect pancakes stand out among the tasty brunch foods. Service is attentive and ensures food arrives hot and correct.

Waitstaff like Javier and Alejandra handle special requests with care, making meals feel personalized. Unique touches like a breakfast fort and a memorable burger add fun and flavor to the experience.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, served with such kindness."

"The staff is so attentive and patient with kids."

"The servers here make your visit memorable with thoughtful touches."

Good to know

1

To-go orders are typically ready in about 15 minutes.

2

Most meals cost under $20, including a T-bone steak dinner.

3

Denny's offers a flexible kids menu for picky eaters.

06
Ravinia Festival image 1
Event venue

Outdoor venue blends natural landscape with reserved seating and lawn spots. Atmosphere stays relaxing and family friendly with quiet during classical music and lively social gatherings on the lawn. Excellent sound quality and video screens enhance the live music experience across the grounds.

Food here is delicious but comes at a high price. Bringing your own food and drinks is allowed, adding flexibility to the dining experience.

Outdoor concerts create a relaxed vibe for date nights. The setting works well for enjoying great music with company.

People are saying

"I loved bringing a picnic to enjoy the beautiful grounds and music."

"You can bring your own food and drinks for a picnic."

"It's a perfect place for date nights with a relaxed, inviting atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Lawn tickets only allow you to hear the concert, not see the stage.

3

Bring your own chairs, food, and drinks for the lawn area.

07
Steep Ravine Brewing Company image 1

Small brewery with cozy atmosphere featuring low tin ceilings and holiday lights. Outdoor seating in front and back creates a relaxed vibe with live music and sports on many TVs. The space feels intimate and lively, offering a unique setting that blends a storefront brewery with a comfortable bar experience.

Tacos stand out as a highlight on a terrific food menu. Friendly staff prepare delicious dishes that keep the place busy and inviting.

Smaller pours offer a nice touch for sharing drinks. Vegetable tacos come spicy, so menus should clearly mark spicy dishes. Falafel tacos are sometimes unavailable, limiting options.

People are saying

"I loved the great beer selection and delicious quesabirria."

"The food here is really good, with a great menu selection."

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

The brewery is a 10-minute drive from Ravinia and 6 minutes from the botanical gardens.

3

The menu includes a variety of options, including vegetarian dishes.

08
Taqueria Los Mogotes de Michoacan image 1

Mexican restaurant with authentic dishes and a fun, festive atmosphere. The space has cute decor and draws a mixed crowd of Mexican and Anglo diners. Drinks like margaritas and mojitos stand out alongside hearty meals such as burritos and homemade chorizo.

Authentic Mexican cuisine shines with generous portions and consistent quality across many dishes. The food is delicious and plentiful, capturing a true slice of Mexico.

Large burritos make sharing easy for couples. The spot feels welcoming for a casual date.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is authentic and incredibly flavorful."

"The tacos at this Lunch Spot tasted really good."

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

Good to know

1

Chips and salsa cost $5.49, and burnt chips are charged.

2

Each taco costs about $4.30 with tax and toppings.

3

Guacamole is listed at market price, so check before ordering.

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Highland Park, Illinois

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