Real Chicagoans share their go-to date night spots

"You almost feel like you're drinking tropical drinks in a woodsy 1970s den. I'd definitely recommend it as a little escape in the winter time or as a fun place to grab a great tiki drink come summer." —Mary McMahon

"It's perfect for a long-term relationship or a new date because you already are going to have conversation fodder. And with a museum that size, you can make the date as long or as short as you wish." —Molly Tullis

"Volo is a great oasis in the big city. They have great shared dishes and lovely wine options. The beer garden is small and quiet and very intimate. It's a great place to take a date." —Heather Payne

"I love D.O.C. Wine Bar in Lakeview for the first couple of dates. The servers here are wine experts, and the dimly lit setting is the perfect place to get to know someone over a bottle." —Mary McMahon

"Maude's Liquor Bar in the West Loop has the same intimate feel as Bavette's but with half the wait. Buy yourself and your date $8 whiskey shots as an ice breaker. Once your eyes adjust to the darkness, feast on fancy French fare by candlelight." —Nicole Long

"They have the best Philly cheesesteak in the city—hands down. They fly in their bread fresh daily from Phildadelphia and have a really thoughtful local draft list. If you want your date night to get really crazy, they have $1 fireball shots." —Hilary Mikulich

"The tickets are cheap and it's a great way to bond if you both have a sense of humor." —Marissa Auslander

"Mercadito is a great date spot, serving contemporary Mexican-inspired eats and cocktails in a chic and upbeat environment. The downstairs speakeasy, Double A, is also an intimate, cozy venue [where you can] continue the evening with throwback hip-hop music and craft cocktails." —Kanchan Garg

"Scofflaw is romantic with its marble bar, fireplace and shabby-chic charm. It's also delicious and reasonably priced. I come here often for drinks and a burger with [my] husband after a show at the Logan Theatre—which you can also, ahem, drink at." —Jill Failla

"Winter’s Jazz Club is the perfect intimate spot for a romantic date. It's classic Chicago with its top-notch musical lineup and spectacular location on the river. It also boasts a well-curated wine list and candlelight to set the mood." —Kristy Katzmann

"Twin Anchors is a great classic supper club-feeling corner joint in Lincoln Park, famous for having Frank Sinatra's favorite babyback ribs." —Charles Blake 

"Dee's is a sleek Chinese piano bar on Armitage; it's my personal favorite when there's a special occasion or something worth celebrating. It's cozy and has live jazz on weekends, which creates a perfect ambience for enjoying their extensive menu, including an unforgettable mushu dish that they prepare at your table." —Carolyn Moore