Romantic chicago

February 24, 2008 8:06 PM

In your experience, what is the most romantic restaurant in Chicago?

I know there are lots of threads about Chicago, and dining, but I'm looking for personal recommendations on what you found to be the msot romantic setting. I'd appreciate "money is no object" suggestions, as well as more reasonable ideas. If you have suggestions for romantic things other than dining, please let me know that, too!

posted by dpx.mfx to Food & Drink (11 answers total)

Response by poster: I should also have been clear, I guess, that any type of cuisine is fine.
posted by dpx.mfx at 8:07 PM on February 24, 2008

The Parrot Cage is a beautiful restaurant at the South Shore Cultural Center and is staffed by the students from the Washburne Culinary Institute. The food is great and the decor is quite lavish, plus most entrees are under $20. Aside from the food and decor, I like the idea of helping out the students that work so hard to make this place what it is.
posted by ISeemToBeAVerb at 8:30 PM on February 24, 2008

I like the melting pot. There's just something romatic about fondue. A lot of people like Geja's but I havent gone there yet.
posted by damn dirty ape at 8:42 PM on February 24, 2008

My girl and I absolutely adore dinner at Signature Room.
posted by ninjew at 9:14 PM on February 24, 2008

Totally depends on your idea of romance. For me, Saturday bloody marys and brunch at Lula Cafe with someone who digs the art and/or the boulevard system is as good as it gets.

I think Geja's is a bit overrated unless you like smelling of oil. Kinda fun, though.

On the higher end, North Pond is lovely and feels like a bit of an oasis. If you like italian, schmance, and views, check out Spiaggia.

For fresh and focused, Green Zebra. For brilliant pasta, if not much else, Terragusto.

And if you and your date just want a darker, neighborhood bar/restaurant with some good food, drinks, and a bit of jazz, there's the Glunz Bavarian Haus on Thursdays. Or, with a German band, Saturdays.
posted by asuprenant at 10:32 PM on February 24, 2008

You can make any restaurant in any city romantic, with a little thought, care, and fun.
posted by robbie01 at 10:57 PM on February 24, 2008

Spring is wonderful on the higher end, with a very tranquil spa-like feel and lovely service. (And the food is terrific too!)
posted by blahblahblah at 5:20 AM on February 25, 2008

Alinea is amazing if you're a fan of really, really spectacular food. It's foodie-ish, and way expensive, but if amazing food and service and a small setting fits your bill for romantic, Alinea should be in the running. Books months in advance though.
posted by craven_morhead at 6:55 AM on February 25, 2008

if you can afford it, go to Tru. One of the best restaurant experiences I've had.
posted by Stynxno at 7:43 AM on February 25, 2008

Not really an answer, more of a homework assignment. But if you have access to Chicago TV, the program "Check Please" on WTTW11 is awesome for discovering places to eat. Because "most romantic" is in the eye of the beholder, and you will be able to see things you like.

But I like this place. Try the carrot soup. It's not a "pop the question" place, but it's classy without being uncomfortable, and that's a sort of romantic.
posted by gjc at 7:51 AM on February 25, 2008

Moto is an out of this world food experience and is a great thing to share with someone. Prepare for a large bill. Get the wine pairing. By far the most expensive meal I've ever eaten, but also one of the best and the experience is a lifelong memory I will share with my fiancé. We still bring it up and talk about it over a year later.

We also really enjoyed Spring, mentioned above.

I've heard great things about Everest, although I haven't yet tried it myself. It's on my list for future romantic dinners.
posted by misskaz at 9:36 AM on February 25, 2008 [1 favorite]