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Local picks in Waukegan

Date and dinner spots

A quiet table for two is the only setting that works for a meaningful conversation over dinner.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
La Chuparosa Waukegan's Premier Mexican Restaurant image 1
La Chuparosa Waukegan's Premier Mexican Restaurant image 2
La Chuparosa Waukegan's Premier Mexican Restaurant image 3
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Stylish restaurant with a modern interior and festive decor creates a lively, cozy atmosphere. Live Mexican music and DJ sets energize the space, drawing a crowd that enjoys vibrant entertainment. Communal seating encourages a social vibe, making the experience feel special and engaging.

Cocktails stand out with an incredible mojito and an old-fashioned served in a wooden smoking box. Friendly, skilled service arrives quickly, enhancing the tasty, fun atmosphere ideal for a date night.

Dinner offers a varied and creative menu with delicious Mexican dishes. Special occasions get extra flair with staff singing at the end of the meal.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and beautifully plated."

"The food here is amazing, perfect for Date Spots."

"The dinner here is delicious, especially the arrachera and seafood."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers food and drinks at low prices, typically around $8.

2

The happy hour menu features a variety of specialty tacos.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere during happy hour with great food options.

02
Waukegan CM chicken Bobadod image 1

Restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere with K-pop music creating a lively vibe. Seating includes comfortable bean bags and a free Pac-Man arcade game adds playful energy. A mini grocery store sells Korean snacks, enhancing the unique experience.

Quick service between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM suits evening outings. The spot works well for couples and groups, offering a relaxed vibe for dates with friends or family.

Dinner here offers a charming atmosphere and a lovely setting that suits small groups well. The food smells fantastic and fits both lunch and dinner occasions.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, hot, and tasty."

"I really loved their mango lemonade; it was phenomenal."

"The chicken at these dinner spots is so crispy and juicy."

Good to know

1

There was plenty of free parking available.

2

There was no wait when I visited.

3

The restaurant offers good Korean food, snacks, and bubble tea.

03
Master Sushi & drive thru image 1

Restaurant combines modern design with a clean, cozy atmosphere and a Japanese-South Korean decor influence. It offers a drive-thru option, unusual for sushi places, and plays good music that adds to the welcoming vibe. The space feels bright and well-kept, attracting both groups and solo diners.

Perfect portion sizes make sharing easy. The Dragon Roll stands out as a delicious choice for couples.

Poke bowls serve as a solid option for dinner. Staff bring drinks and meals directly to the table, adding convenience for families with toddlers.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and high quality."

"The sushi here is amazing, especially the creative rolls."

"The poke bowls are delicious for dinner."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a drive-thru for quick takeout orders.

2

Prices are affordable, typically under $15 for a quick lunch.

3

The establishment maintains a high level of cleanliness throughout.

04
American Place Casino image 1

Spacious and well-organized casino with clean layout and easy parking. Atmosphere ranges from lively energy with DJs and live bands to cozy and welcoming environments. Offers a wide selection of slots and table games alongside multiple dining options and a vibrant bar scene.

Friday nights offer a designated date spot vibe with attentive service from staff like Brittany and Marilou. Free credits add a fun touch, and good service encourages longer stays and more play.

Dinner features special occasions like birthdays and Valentine's Day with complimentary meals and wine dinners. Options include steak houses and spots with karaoke for a lively evening.

People are saying

"The dealers and staff here are so friendly and make it fun."

"I enjoyed the great food here."

"The staff here makes dinner spots feel so welcoming and friendly."

Good to know

1

The casino regularly hosts fun activities and promotions throughout the year.

2

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

3

Friday promotions include games like cornhole with chances to win free play.

05
Louie's Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Old school supper club with 1960s-style layout and red checkered plastic tablecloths creates a nostalgic atmosphere. The vibe is warm and inviting, blending a classic Italian restaurant with a clean, well-maintained bar. It feels like a small neighborhood spot with a friendly, family-oriented energy.

Offers a sit-down dinner setting suited for couples and families. Known for its long-standing reputation and well-regarded food.

Chicken dinners stand out with consistent quality across pizza, pasta, fish, and soups. Service and atmosphere support a sit-down dinner vibe suitable for families or couples.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"The food at these dinner spots is so delicious, I'm still full!"

"You have to try the breadsticks; they're amazing for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Tonight, the all-you-can-eat fried chicken is available as a special.

2

The restaurant has been family-owned since 1941.

3

Expect higher prices due to recent price increases.

06
Lucky Scottie Restaurant image 1

Historic building with speakeasy-style bar and live DJ music creates a warm, lively atmosphere. Crowd enjoys fresh, flavorful food and a variety of cocktails including superb Negronis and Margheritas. Games and entertainment add to the inviting, fun vibe.

Celebratory dinners happen here with options like a southwest wrap and chicken sandwich that satisfy. The spot suits occasions like Valentine's Day or last minute outings.

Offers quick dinners ideal for a night out. Serves well for last minute celebratory meals and pre-show dining near the Genesee Theater.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and delicious."

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

"The burgers here are fresh, hand-packed, and beautifully presented."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night happens every Thursday with $5 drinks available.

2

Taco Tuesdays offer $2 tacos, making it a popular night.

3

The kitchen closes early on show nights, so arrive in advance.

07
Family & Crab image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant offers fresh seafood boils with garlic butter and Cajun seasoning in a family-friendly atmosphere. Decor features beautiful art and perfect lighting, creating a lively yet comfortable vibe. Amenities include shell crackers, gloves, and bibs for a convenient dining experience.

Couples enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with family-friendly dining and a menu that suits various tastes. The spot works well for both casual and special evenings out.

Dinner here features King Crab Special and seafood dishes suitable for family gatherings. Timing can vary, with some orders arriving 20 minutes apart during group meals.

People are saying

"The seafood boils here are perfectly seasoned and flavorful."

"The food here is amazing and perfectly seasoned for Date Spots."

"The dinner spots here are delicious and have great variety."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is kid-friendly, making it suitable for families.

2

Parking is available, but some may find it difficult to access.

3

The prices are very fair and worth every penny.

08
Big Ed's BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Huge, clean space with a cafeteria-style dining area creates a spacious, casual vibe. Live jazz and a full bar add to the lively atmosphere, while comfy couches offer spots to relax. Known for top-tier barbecue and a variety of sauces, it blends great food with a fun, family-like energy.

Frequent visits highlight this spot as a solid choice for couples. The Mac and cheese stands out as a memorable dish for a casual date.

Dinners feature mouth-watering meat like brisket, rib tips, burnt ends, and pulled pork. Meals come with delicious cornbread and two sides that stand out in taste and quality.

People are saying

"You have to try the brisket; it's some of the best American food around."

"The brisket here is pretty solid for dinner spots."

"The food here is awesome, especially the brisket and chicken wings."

Good to know

1

Arrive early to avoid missing out on menu items as they sell out quickly.

2

Free meals are offered on Thanksgiving Day, making it a popular time to visit.

3

Some menu items are only available on specific days, so check ahead.

09
Anastasia's-Waukegan Restaurant & Sports Lounge image 1

Spacious sports bar and lounge with plenty of TVs and ample indoor and outdoor seating, including a quiet patio area. Atmosphere is clean, warm, and cozy, balancing a classy vibe with a lively crowd during games. Shuttle service and live streams add convenience and unique touches.

Staff confirm no wait, making it easy to start your evening. Sharing a small pizza fits well for couples or groups. The spot suits casual dining with friends or partners.

Dinner offers a great atmosphere, especially on weekends, with delicious food across all meals. Staff create a friendly vibe, even taking time for group pictures after dinner.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, with perfect portions and presentations."

"The dinner spots here are delicious, especially the pizza."

"This place is amazing for date spots; we left very happy."

Good to know

1

Expect longer wait times during major sports events.

2

Happy hour features $6 Moscow mules on Mondays.

3

Half-price pizza night occurs every Tuesday.

10
The Pink Cactus image 1
Restaurant

Colorful, festive decor with bright accents and traditional Mexican touches creates a cheerful, energetic environment. Vibrant atmosphere suits young crowds and lively gatherings, though music can be loud. Space feels cozy with modern, cute design but seating is somewhat cramped.

Taco dinners offer a casual and tasty option for couples. The spot suits date night with a relaxed vibe and dishes like asada tacos that appeal to many.

Atmosphere suits family dinners, date nights, and girls' brunches. Menu offers taco dinners and tropical cocktails for relaxed evenings without high costs.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was really good."

"It's a cute place with a great vibe for dinner spots."

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

2

An 18% gratuity is added to each check without prior notice.

3

Expect a 20-minute wait before placing your order during busy times.

11
Green Tea Chinese Drive Thru -Waukegan image 1

Small restaurant with a drive-thru offers a calm atmosphere and pleasant dining area. Generous portions come at affordable prices, making it a practical choice for quick meals. Reusable, spill-proof cups and fresh food add to the convenience and appeal.

Simple flavors mark the fried rice and beef and broccoli dishes. The setting suits couples looking to try a new Chinese spot without bold tastes.

Offers dinner specials like a two-person meal around 20 dollars with large portions that often leave leftovers. Menu includes items like Szechuan beef and shrimp egg rolls, making it a solid choice for dinner.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be very good and fresh."

"These dinner spots have tasty, affordable food with generous portions."

"The food here is delicious, especially the egg rolls and crab rangoon."

Good to know

1

The lunch special is only $6.95 on Mondays.

2

Expect generous portions for the price, making it great value.

3

Drive-thru service is quick, ensuring fresh and warm food.

12
Las Delicias image 1
Honduran restaurant

Spacious setting offers a casual and calm atmosphere with cleanliness and family-friendly vibes. Music and dancing add to the relaxed energy. Authentic Honduran dishes like pupusas and fried plantains highlight the menu.

Melon juice offers a refreshing drink option. Plates like carne asada and chorizo provide hearty choices for sharing.

People are saying

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

"The food here is delicious, especially the baleada especial."

"The food here is delicious and high quality."

Good to know

1

The wait time at Las Delicias can exceed one hour during busy hours.

2

Parking is convenient and the restaurant is well located.

3

The portions at Las Delicias are generous.

13
Test Kitchen BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Small barbecue spot offers high-quality brisket and ribs with a warm, family-like atmosphere where staff and diners interact openly. Music adds to the fun, welcoming vibe that keeps the place buzzing. Owner presence at the front cutting meat enhances the community-oriented feel.

Lean and fatty brisket options offer variety for a date meal. Black-eyed peas come with bold flavor and a mix of greens, though the seasoning leans heavily on black pepper.

Dinner includes large brisket, collard greens, ribs, and cornbread. Portions vary, with medium brisket seen as a snack. Barbecue can run low by early evening.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be very delicious and great."

"The staff here is super friendly, making it a great spot for dinner."

"The brisket here is phenomenal, especially with bourbon sauce."

Good to know

1

Only certain meats are available on weekends.

2

They charged $10 for a side of fries with mild sauce.

3

I need to bring cash to avoid the credit card fee.

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Waukegan, Illinois

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