Unofficially, Fall is definitely here. And guess what? Fall is the perfect time to take your wife, partner, or girlfriend out to experience what Chicago has to offer. From cozy interiors to delicious bites, to live music, grab your favorite plaid jacket and head on over to these hotspots for a fun date night in Chicago this fall. We’ve separated each date night idea into four different sections, depending on what you want to experience.

Of course, we also highly recommend a couple’s game day experience if you’re more into sports!

Delicious Bites to Share

When foodie meets foodie, a fun date night idea in Chicago may consist of sharing food. Enjoy an appetizer or meal while you sip on each other’s drinks, and wipe sauce off each other’s cheeks. Seize the romance between plates at one of our favorite dining locations with unique appetizers and a Menu full of characteristics.

Wood

3335 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657

Nestled in the heart of Northalsted, enjoy a delicious dinner from Chef Devin Kreller at Wood. Diners can indulge in new menu items Braised Chuck Beef Fib “Pot Au Feu” featuring soy-braised turnip, ginger & shio kombu. Also new to the menu, indulge in a Sage Butter Roasted Heritage Chicken Breast featuring Boudin blanc sausage, cranberry beans, leek veloute, and local wild rice. 

Funkenhausen 

1709 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

At Funkenhausen, Chef Mark Steuer draws on his German heritage and Charleston, South Carolina upbringing to create dishes that reimagines his fondest meals and memories from childhood. The modern beer hall serves a soulful mash-up of Southern and German flavors in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood. If you are searching for creative date night ideas in Chicago, the menu at Funkenhausen includes innovative dishes including Pretzel French Toast, Summertime Spaetzle, Riesling Steamed Mussels, and more. 

The Loyalist

177 N Ada St #001, Chicago, IL 60607

At The Loyalist, Chef John Shields refreshed the menu last year to lean even further into French cuisine, inspired by the bustling brasseries in Paris. Every dish is prepared with the same uncompromising attention to detail and love as Smyth, its fancier two Michelin-starred restaurant sibling upstairs. Diners can indulge in their famous and voted the best in Chicago cheeseburger and more. 

The Smith

400 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Located in the heart of Chicago’s lively River North neighborhood, The Smith is a fun date night spot. Featuring an expansive outdoor patio and a variety of dishes to choose from. On Sundays, treat your date to their “Red Sauce Sundays” special. Priced at $45.00 for two, diners will receive a Chicken Parmesan, Caesar Salad, Rigatoni alla vodka, Parmesan garlic flatbread, and finish the meal out with rainbow cookies. 

Must-Go Happy Hours

Happy Hours are back at many bars in Chicago! We’ve hand-picked a few special ones just for you.

BLVD Steakhouse

817 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607

Daily Happy Hour from 5-6:30 p.m. is the best hour at BLVD Steakhouse. From Wine by the glass to new BLVD bites, enjoy some serious steals on a date night in Chicago in the most beautiful dining room. Cocktails like Evan Williams bourbon-infused Byline or their El Dorado rum-filled Thornhill are only $9. Enjoy bites between drinks with $3.50 each Oysters Rockefeller, $7 Deviled Eggs, $8 Foie Buffalo Wings or $9 Mini Street Tacos.

Vintage Thursdays are also available every Thursday at BLVD Steakhouse. Beverage Director Ted Rink pulls out vintage wines from distributors, held inventory, and wine auctions to offer wine by-the-glass to guests at cost.

Nonnina

340 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Also located in River North, diners can indulge in all things Italian at Nonnina’s happy hour. Offered at the bar only on Monday through Friday from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, guests can choose from $6.00 house wines or $7.00 cocktails. Other signature menu items on the happy hour menu include the meatballs, parmesan truffle fries, half dozen oysters, and more. Nonnina’s patio also offers a “Puppy Menu” that is perfect for those who are looking to dine with their dogs.

FireLake

221 N Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60601

The restaurant’s Monday through Thursday happy hours are the perfect excuse to participate in this date night idea in Chicago to enjoy delicious bites and refreshing beverages.

Enjoy Burger Mondays offering the restaurants signature FireLake Burger or veggie burger and fries for $12 while sipping on a draft beer for $6. Taco Tuesdays featuring two beef, salmon or veggie tacos for $6 and house margaritas for $8. Wine Down Wednesdays including house red or white wine for $8 and pepperoni, cheese or margherita flatbread for $12. Oysters and Bubbles Thursday for $9.

For The Live Music + Entertainment Lovers

Have you heard? Live shows are back! We’ve all missed those spontaneous date nights where we walk into the first bar we see with a “live music tonight” sign on the outside. Well, let’s upgrade your live night a little bit as we present you with some of the best entertainment spots in town. Save the blind guesses, because we guarantee you the next date will be unforgettable!