Good 1st Date Spot (Chicago: neighborhood, live in, restaurant)

[Gtownoe]

Ok, so I've been in Chicago a total of 11 months. I currently live in the Wrigleyville neighborhood. I'm still adjusting to the city and searching for places to explore.

I finally have a 1st date I'm excited about (1st in a long time) and I am trying to decide on a good 1st date spot. I want to pick something fun and casual or scenic followed by something romantic. I know its going to be pretty cold but I'm open to something brief that might be outdoors.

Example: Something fun or scenic (park, walk, bowling, putt-putt, etc) followed by a romantic restaurant.

Were both in our 20's.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

[Steve-o]

Dinner/drinks at the Signature Room followed by a carriage ride downtown. Make sure you do it at night though, makes it more romantic.

[Gtownoe]

I think both are good options.

I actually thought of the Signature Room as a good place to go. For a normal date it might be a little over the top, but this date is a little special in my book.

Millenium Park is also a good option. I'm really into architecture and know some of the history surrounding our skyline (would make me look smarter than I really am...ha ha).

Thanks for the suggestions! Off to the Bears vs. Titans game before the date.

[jessiegirl_98]

Originally Posted by Gtownoe

I think both are good options.

I actually thought of the Signature Room as a good place to go. For a normal date it might be a little over the top, but this date is a little special in my book.

Millenium Park is also a good option. I'm really into architecture and know some of the history surrounding our skyline (would make me look smarter than I really am...ha ha).

Thanks for the suggestions! Off to the Bears vs. Titans game before the date.

Just 2 cents from a girl, it's freezing outside. So, I would say no carriage ride/walk around parks etc tonight. Hopefully, you'll have more dates and you can do those things later.
I would suggest restaurant at a nice restaurant downtown, and then drinks at the Signature Room. If it's clear, then you can still talk about your knowledge about the skyline, etc (if you want, just don't overdo it ) without making her freeeze.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by jessiegirl_98

Just 2 cents from a girl, it's freezing outside. So, I would say no carriage ride/walk around parks etc tonight...

...But when it is cold and you are in a carriage,you can find out pretty much for sure if she is digging you or is attracted to you. If she is, she will snuggle up on you to be warmer.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by Lubin

Isn't that a little over-doing it for a first date?

Absolutely not. Having a drink is common on a first date, but one overlooking the city at night? Two thumbs up. Then a simple stroll somewhere while talking/getting to know one another is also common, but the experience is amplified 10 fold in a carriage ride. You dont have to dress up or anything, its casual fun, and memories for a lifetime. To quote an often-used, cheesy line: "you never get a second chance to make a first impression".

[Mamama Mia]

How about Lucky Strike for bowling and then any of the bars in the area for drinks?
Or Piece for pizza, Hot Chocolate for dessert?

[uvbears]

i would suggest not contributing to the abuse of animals by going the carriage ride route. beyond the fact that it is very cheesy / toursity / and over kill for a first date the animals are kept in terrible conditions. there is actually a movement in Chicago right now trying to shut the carriage operators down.

[alwaystraveling25]

Originally Posted by Mamama Mia

How about Lucky Strike for bowling and then any of the bars in the area for drinks?
Or Piece for pizza, Hot Chocolate for dessert?

I second Lucky Strike, or 10 Pin Bowling. Activities are a great way to break the ice on a date (25 here, FYI). I don't know if the Signature Room is the best idea...I know it would be fabulous, but as a 25 year old man on a budget, I would definitely not be heading there for a first date...it's very out of my price range, even for a special someone.

I definitely think Dinner at someplace in the Gold Coast followed by Bowling for a "fun activity" afterwards, and then if the night is still going good, then leave the option to go to the bar afterwards.

[weizilla]

So, what did you end up doing for the date? And if you don't mind me asking, how did she like what you had planned?