So you've both swiped right, and now it's time to pick a spot to meet for the first time. You're looking for something casual (in case things go off the rails), but still fun and sociable (in case they go better than expected). From an atmospheric cup of coffee to a low-pressure meal, here are five affordable spots in Chicago that are perfect for those occasionally awkward initial meetings, no matter how they turn out.
Dessert For Two: Mindy's Hot Chocolate
Wicker Park
How bad can a first date really be if there's chocolate involved? As an alternative to coffee, propose a dessert date at James Beard Award-winning pastry chef Mindy Segal's temple of sweets. When the weather is chilly, the obvious order is the hot chocolate, complete with a giant housemade marshmallow. (You can even enjoy it spiked.) But since there's a $15 per person minimum for dessert-only dining, you can also split some homemade ice cream, doughnuts, or a slice of the "cake of the day."
Coffee Dates: The Coffee Studio
Andersonville
Coffee shops are great first date locations, since they're quieter and lower-pressure than bars. This Andersonville spot features comfortable cushioned seats and Intelligentsia brews, providing a relaxed setting for getting to know someone new. (And if your date isn't a coffee drinker, there are also tea and tea cocktails on the menu.) If the date is going well, you can transition to craft beer, wine, or snacks like flatbreads, and continue getting to know each other.
After-Work Happy Hour: Untitled Supper Club
River North
Calm your first-date nerves with a discounted drink at Untitled, which features $4 draft beers, $6 wines by the glass, and $8 Manhattans and Old Fashioneds every Monday-Thursday from 4:30-7pm. With dim lighting, plush sofas, and black-and-white movies playing overhead, it has an intimate speakeasy vibe that's romantic enough for a date, without seeming too fancy for a first meeting. And if things go well, you can order up some snacks for your second round: fried cheese, hummus, popcorn and spinach artichoke dip run just $3-$4 each.
Playing a Game: Emporium Arcade Bar
Wicker Park/Logan Square
If sitting across from someone and talking about yourself sounds a bit too mundane, then make a date to visit Emporium, where you can challenge your potential S.O. to a few rounds of Frogger, Tetris, or pinball. Both locations are strictly 21+, so you won't have to cede your skee ball machine to tykes—and you can loosen up with a few brews or a whiskey from their 60+-bottle selection.
A Fast-Casual Meal: Naansense
The Loop
A full sit-down meal can be a bit high-pressure for a first date, making a counter-service restaurant like this hip Indian-inspired spot a nice alternative. Naansense's selection of "naanwiches," rice bowls and sides like masala fries and potato samosas all cost $10 or less, and if the date isn't going well, the heavy turnover in the tiny space (it only has 10 tables) offers an excuse to move on pretty quickly. Having a good time? Grab a couple of mango lassis and stroll down to the Chicago Riverwalk, where you can chat and people-watch.
