jumpman23 Posted October 8, 2011 Posted October 8, 2011 going to Chicago to meet up on 2nd (but really first ) date with girl this weekend. Any suggestions for an afternoon date? I will be coming in via the train and she also asked via text if I was going to make it back Saturday night, or if I wanted to stay over till Sunday. I would stay over, however, I just finished grad school and I am staying at my parents house ( i feel like I have some self-imposed curfew).
j86 Posted October 8, 2011 Posted October 8, 2011 You could go to a museum or the art institute. Or by the lakeshore. There's lots of restaurants there too.
grkBoy Posted October 8, 2011 Posted October 8, 2011 I live in Chicago. Here's some ideas: FEAR CITY It's a new haunted house that's actually getting a lot of praise and might win some awards (if there are those for this). I have to check it out, but I've had several friends and professional colleagues telling me to go. Second City This is IMHO where SNL came out of. You'll be surprised how much SNL alumni came from Second City. It's an improv show that's guaranteed to make you laugh. Just be sure to get tickets ASAP. Plus you have all the bars and restaurants in Old Town to hang out at. Art Institute I agree with others. It's something to definitely see. E A T I N G : Depends on what you are in the mood for. Here's a few spots I love... Iguana Cafe I'm a sucker for European-style cafes. What I love about Iguana is it's casual, warm (in color and tone), the coffee is lightyears better than Starbucks, it has a full bar, and it's a wonderful date spot. Took my fiance there on our 2nd date. The crepes are amazing. Dao Thai This place is what got me into Thai food. Their Chicken Pad Thai is to die for. What I love is it's not touristy, but not a hole in the wall. It tries to be more authentic, and will make dishes generally in a "American-level" of spicy, but will go all the way to "Thailand spicy" if you ask. I picked this one too because it's in Streeterville, right in the heart of everything. Hamburger Mary's Yes it's in a slightly gay area, but this is Chicago. We have one of the biggest homosexual communities in the country. I bring that up to forewarn you in case you're a bit too conservative. You won't see drag queens or flamers running around, but I usually like to forewarn people because some are just that uptight. Hamburger Mary's has amazing food and especially creative snacks, like a small setup to make smores at your table. The burgers are incredible as well. Rose Angelis Not sure how romantic you want to get just yet, but if you're going further then take her here and get seating on the patio (it's supposed to be wonderful weather this weekend). Great Italian gourmet traditional food...not pizza and heaps of pasta. I've been yearning to take my fiance here, but we've just hadn't the opportunity...although I've eaten here before with family and love it. 1492 This is where my fiance and I went on our first date. If they have the seating outside, go for it. Great tapas and sangria. D R I N K I N G : Not sure if you and your date are looking to go drinking/socializing, but here are the general neighborhoods where you'll find many places to go. Be selective though as some of these spots can get full of drunken idiots. The Viagra Triangle: This is the area on Rush Street between Oak and Division. It's full of restaurants, some bars, one overpriced nightclub (Proof), but there's plenty to go to. Division Street: Right around the corner from the Viagra Triangle, Division Street is full of bars on a strip which attracts some college crowds, but mainly 20 and 30 somethings who can't let the frat days go. Wrigleyville: Right by the home of the Cubs. Loaded with bars and lots of people. Just north of the intersection of Addison and Clark are some more offbeat spots like Smartbar, but in the heart of the scene it's all Chicago-style Irish pubs. Lincoln Park: Lincoln Park is scattered. You have a bunch of bars by Fullerton and Lincoln that cater to many DePaul University students. You have more on Armitage more closer to Clybourn all the way to Clark Street. Mainly yuppies go to the second area. Wicker Park: If you're not in the mood for college folk or yuppies, then check out Wicker Park. While it's also become yuppified, the people here are more bohemian. In some ways this is Chicago's Greenwich Village. Start at North Avenue and Milwaukee, and head up and down the streets. Streeterville/River West/Gallery District: You'll find a lot of nightclubs around here. Pricey, but more "elegant" if you're looking for bottle service and fashion. Spybar is one in a basement, but they always have good music. That's about it. I'll check in to this topic if you have questions.
Author jumpman23 Posted October 11, 2011 Author Posted October 11, 2011 Thanks for the suggestions. Date went well. We visited the Chicago Art Institute and did the obligatory pic at the Millennium Park Bean. Afterwards, went to a local pub to watch some college football and get some drinks.
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