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The 16 Best First Date Bars in Chicago

Exploring the city's vibrant bar scene for a first date in Chicago? Look no further! Whether you're into craft cocktails or cozy wine bars, Chicago has something for everyone. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect spot for that special first date.

Before making your decision, consider factors such as ambience, drink selection, and location. To help you narrow down your choices, check out this curated list of the best first date bars in Chicago:

Discover your ideal first date spot and impress your companion with a memorable night out in Chicago!

How this ranking works

The order here is based on merit: a business that focuses on this work and has a solid reputation ranks above one that only offers it on the side.

Some businesses pay for a fuller profile or a featured position. It is only open to those that have already passed our selection, and it is always marked.

Top 3Full rankingMapTips for choosing

Our 16 local picks compared

Brando's Lincoln Park, Chicago#1
What sets it apart
  • Great cocktails

  • Live performances

  • Fast service

Brando's Lincoln Park

4.8275 reviews
2265 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, United States

Brando's Lincoln Park is a top-rated bar in Chicago, known for its exceptional services and features. With a stellar rating of 4.8 and 275 reviews, it proves to be a favorite spot among locals and visitors alike.

Customers have raved about the welcoming ambiance and standout karaoke experience. Reviewers highlight the friendly atmosphere and heavy-handed drinks as key highlights of their visits. Whether you're looking for a night out with friends or a lively karaoke session, Brando's Lincoln Park promises an unforgettable experience.

Vol. 39, Chicago#2
What sets it apart
  • Delicious cocktails

  • Great wine selection

  • Lively atmosphere with live music

  • Fast and attentive service

Vol. 39

4.7306 reviews
39 S La Salle St #200, Chicago, IL 60603, United States

Vol. 39 is a top-rated lounge located in Chicago, offering a range of services and amenities to ensure a memorable experience for every customer. The lounge provides dine-in service, with options for a variety of delicious dishes and great cocktails to enjoy. It also boasts a great wine list for those looking for a more refined taste.

One of the standout features of Vol. 39 is its lively atmosphere, with live music and live performances adding to the overall experience. The lounge is known for its fast service, ensuring that customers are promptly attended to and their needs are met.

Customers have raved about their experiences at Vol. 39, with many highlighting the delicious cocktails, fantastic wine selection, and vibrant atmosphere. Some key points from customer reviews include:

Experience the best of Chicago's nightlife at Vol. 39 and indulge in an evening of great food, drinks, and entertainment.

Drawing Room, Chicago#3
What sets it apart
  • A must-see with breathtaking Venetian Gothic architecture.

  • Great food and drinks with a cozy and spectacular space.

  • Beautiful ambiance with attentive and friendly staff.

  • A unique dining experience with vintage library vibes and wonderful atmosphere.

Drawing Room

4.7294 reviews
12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, United States

Drawing Room is a remarkable Lounge located in the heart of Chicago. Offering a unique experience, customers can enjoy a variety of services and features that make this establishment stand out. From Great cocktails to a fabulous Wine list, Drawing Room has it all. The architectural beauty of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel adds to the charm of this place.

Customer reviews highlight the following key points:

The Violet Hour, Chicago#4
What sets it apart
  • Customers appreciate the dark speakeasy theme and strong, flavorful liquor choices.

  • A mixology class experience was highly recommended, showcasing the passionate staff and Chicago history.

  • The Violet Hour stands out as a craft cocktail gem with well-balanced drinks, expansive food offerings, and excellent service.

  • Visitors enjoy the opportunity to witness bartenders in action at the bar and relish in the refreshing and light cocktail options available.

The Violet Hour

4.61,955 reviews
1520 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, United States

The Violet Hour is a renowned cocktail bar located in Chicago, offering an intimate and trendy atmosphere for patrons to enjoy. It provides a range of services including delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. Customers rave about the great cocktails and fast service available at the bar.

Gilt Bar, Chicago#5
What sets it apart
  • Attentive and knowledgeable service

  • Delicious and fresh ingredients

  • Lively and classy ambiance during happy hour

  • Comfortable and attractive dining space

Gilt Bar

4.61,482 reviews
230 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States

Gilt Bar in Chicago offers a range of dining options from dine-in to delivery, making it a versatile choice for customers. The restaurant is popular for its dinner and solo dining experiences, providing a cozy and trendy atmosphere for a variety of occasions. With a rating of 4.6, based on 1482 reviews, customers have highlighted several key points of their experiences:

Customers have also raved about specific dishes like the truffle mozzarella sticks, roasted bone marrow, and wood fire chicken, making it a must-visit spot for those seeking a memorable dining experience in Chicago.

Arbella, Chicago#6
What sets it apart
  • Cocktail selection is diverse and unique.

  • Great vibes and music, perfect for a night out.

  • Food options are delicious, especially the late-night menu.

Arbella

4.61,080 reviews
112 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654, United States

Arbella is a popular cocktail bar located in Chicago, offering a variety of services and features that cater to the preferences of its diverse clientele. The bar provides a cozy and trendy atmosphere, perfect for groups, LGBTQ+ friendly, tourists, and as a transgender safe space.

Customers have praised Arbella for its excellent service, delicious cocktails, and impressive selection of drinks.

With a solid rating of 4.6 and over 1080 reviews, Arbella stands out as a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy fantastic cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Chicago.

The Whistler, Chicago#7
What sets it apart
  • Great dj set, cool vibe, amazing cocktails

  • Fun night out with great drinks and music

  • Chill atmosphere, friendly staff, and dancing opportunities

  • Excellent curated cocktails, live music, and attentive bartenders

The Whistler

4.6738 reviews
2421 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, United States

The Whistler is a vibrant bar located in Chicago, providing a wide range of services and features to its customers. The bar offers outdoor seating, dine-in options, and excellent selections of beer and cocktails. Customers can enjoy live music and performances while indulging in their favorite drinks.

The atmosphere at The Whistler is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, attracting diverse crowds including groups, LGBTQ+ friendly individuals, and tourists. The bar is known for its quick service, great beer choices, and welcoming ambiance, making it a popular spot in the Logan Square neighborhood.

Sparrow, Chicago#8
What sets it apart
  • This is such a special gem in Chicago. Super classy cocktail spot with amazing rum-focused cocktails that transport you back in time.

  • Great crafted cocktails with a subtle old school charm. Perfect start to your night out!

  • Amazing cocktail spot with a classy vibe and ambiance. A must-visit for cocktail lovers.

  • Moody and sexy atmosphere, perfect for a night out. Great service and delicious drinks.

Sparrow

4.6618 reviews
12 W Elm St, Chicago, IL 60610, United States

Sparrow is a sophisticated cocktail bar located in Chicago. Known for its great beer selection and craft cocktails, Sparrow offers a unique experience for cocktail enthusiasts. With a rating of 4.6, customers rave about the fabulous variety of flavors showcased in their drinks.

Lazy Bird, Chicago#9
What sets it apart
  • A charming spot with attentive staff, excellent service, and hip-hop music selection.

  • Upscale ambiance, strong well-mixed drinks, though service can be a tad slow.

  • Perfect balance of chic and relaxed vibes, surrounded by multiple bars, ideal for a cocktail date or night out.

Lazy Bird

4.6387 reviews
200 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States

Lazy Bird is a sophisticated cocktail bar nestled in the heart of Chicago. Known for its great cocktails and live music, this hidden gem offers a unique and intimate atmosphere for guests to enjoy. The bar provides a range of services, including dine-in options and alcoholic offerings such as beer, cocktails, spirits, and wine.

Customers rave about their experiences at Lazy Bird:

Three Dots and a Dash, Chicago#10
What sets it apart
  • Delicious cocktails

  • Great atmosphere

  • Excellent service

Three Dots and a Dash

4.55,160 reviews
435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States

Three Dots and a Dash is a renowned cocktail bar located in Chicago, offering a variety of services and features that cater to different needs and preferences. Customers can enjoy delivery, takeaway, or dine-in options, along with fast service, great cocktails, and live performances. The bar is wheelchair-accessible and offers a cozy, trendy, and upmarket atmosphere, welcoming groups, LGBTQ+ individuals, tourists, and creating a transgender safe space.

With a rating of 4.5 based on 5160 reviews, customers have praised Three Dots and a Dash for various reasons. Some key points mentioned in the reviews include:

These positive reviews highlight the bar's commitment to delivering a top-notch experience to its patrons. Visit Three Dots and a Dash to indulge in an unforgettable cocktail experience.

The Press Room, Chicago#11
What sets it apart
  • Charming hidden spot with fantastic food and drinks

  • Intimate ambiance perfect for date nights or casual gatherings

  • Attentive and professional service with a great happy hour

The Press Room

4.5306 reviews
1134 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, United States

The Press Room is a hidden gem cocktail bar located in Chicago's West Loop. This intimate basement bar offers a unique experience with its dimly lit ambiance, making it the perfect spot for a date night or casual evening out with friends.

The bar boasts a selection of great cocktails and a limited but delicious food menu, including options like crab dip and meatball sandwiches. Customers praise the attentive service and the well-crafted cocktails, highlighting the bar's happy hour specials available Monday through Thursday from 4-6 pm.

Key points from customer reviews:

The Franklin Room, Chicago#12
What sets it apart
  • Best service and meal, friendly staff, and delicious dishes

  • Underground speakeasy atmosphere, delicious food, and indulgent whipped formaggio

  • Solid food overall, phenomenal whipped formaggio, and fair portion sizes

  • Special experience, good vibes, and exceptional food and drinks

The Franklin Room

4.6974 reviews
675 N Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States

The Franklin Room is a popular New American restaurant located in Chicago, IL. They offer a variety of service options including outdoor seating and dine-in. Known for their fast service, this restaurant is a favorite for both lunch and dinner, as well as solo dining.

The Aviary, Chicago#13
What sets it apart
  • Unique cocktail presentations resembling modern art

  • Well-balanced and tasty cocktails created by knowledgeable staff

  • Exceptional drink and food offerings that are photogenic and well-presented

  • An intimate and sophisticated atmosphere with top-notch service

The Aviary

4.31,284 reviews
955 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607, United States

The Aviary is a renowned cocktail bar located in Chicago, offering a range of services and features that make it a must-visit spot. Customers can enjoy great cocktails in a cosy, trendy, and upmarket atmosphere. The bar provides various dining options with seating, along with outdoor seating for those looking to enjoy the weather while sipping on delicious drinks. In terms of amenities, The Aviary ensures customers have access to clean and well-equipped toilets. Moreover, the bar is LGBTQ+ friendly and caters to groups and tourists alike.

Customer reviews speak volumes about The Aviary, with some key points highlighted:

Cindy's Rooftop, Chicago#14
What sets it apart
  • A guest was impressed by the attention to detail in every dish and the upscale experience.

  • Another visitor mentioned the beautiful location but felt disappointed with the service regarding a special event celebration.

  • One customer appreciated the view from the balcony and the wide range of non-alcoholic beverages available.

  • Yet another patron found the lunch menu to be amazing and worth the price, praising the quality and taste of the cocktails.

Cindy's Rooftop

4.54,406 reviews
12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, United States

Cindy's Rooftop is a renowned Restaurant located in Chicago, offering various services and features. The eatery boasts Outdoor seating and a cozy atmosphere making it perfect for Lunch and Dinner. The establishment prides itself on providing exceptional service, as highlighted by the numerous customer reviews.

These feedbacks showcase the diverse experiences customers can expect at Cindy's Rooftop, from upscale dining to breathtaking views and exceptional service. Visit Cindy's Rooftop for a memorable culinary experience in the heart of Chicago!

Figo Wine Bar, Chicago#15
What sets it apart
  • Customers rave about the excellent wine and tapas selection, perfect for ambient dinners and celebrations.

  • Highlights include fast service and a great wine list that keeps patrons coming back for more.

  • The cozy and trendy atmosphere appeals to a variety of groups looking for a unique wine bar experience.

Figo Wine Bar

4.3238 reviews
3207 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, United States

Figo Wine Bar in Chicago is not your average wine bar. With a rating of 4.3 and 238 reviews, it's clear that customers love the unique atmosphere and offerings at this establishment.

While some customers express concerns about the overtly high-paced service and limited wine selection, the majority of reviews highlight the delicious food, friendly service, and overall welcoming ambiance that Figo Wine Bar provides. Whether you're looking for a relaxing evening with a glass of wine or a vibrant atmosphere to celebrate with friends, Figo Wine Bar offers a little something for everyone.

Storyville Chicago#16
What sets it apart
  • New Orleans themed restaurant provides a dazzling experience, perfect for a romantic outing with eye-catching portraits. Sunday bottomless mimosas highly recommended.

  • Great food, service, and atmosphere. Staff members Jessica and Donnie stood out for their exceptional hospitality.

  • Highly praised gumbo and banana foster. Fast service and special attention to accommodate children. Pleasant and calm ambiance.

  • Happy Hour offerings were delightful with delicious food options. Beignets were a bit dense, but overall, an enjoyable experience that captures the essence of New Orleans.

Storyville Chicago

4.41,111 reviews
712 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States

Storyville Chicago is a captivating restaurant located in Chicago, IL. This establishment offers a variety of services such as kerbside pickup, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in options. Known for its great cocktails, great dessert, great wine list, and live music, Storyville Chicago creates a vibrant atmosphere for its patrons. Customers rave about their experiences at the restaurant, praising the delicious gumbo, banana foster, and shrimp & grits. The staff at Storyville Chicago is commended for their attentive and friendly service, ensuring that every visit is memorable and enjoyable.

The comparison in brief

#BusinessRatingReviews
#1Brando's Lincoln Park 4.8275
#2Vol. 39 4.7306
#3Drawing Room 4.7294
#4The Violet Hour 4.61,955
#5Gilt Bar 4.61,482
#6Arbella 4.61,080
#7The Whistler 4.6738
#8Sparrow 4.6618
#9Lazy Bird 4.6387
#10Three Dots and a Dash 4.55,160
#11The Press Room 4.5306
#12The Franklin Room 4.6974
#13The Aviary 4.31,284
#14Cindy's Rooftop 4.54,406
#15Figo Wine Bar 4.3238
#16Storyville Chicago 4.41,111

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Map of First Date Bars in Chicago

Looking for the perfect first date bar in Chicago? Look no further! Whether you're in the mood for a cozy cocktail lounge or a lively sports bar, this map has you covered. Explore the city's vibrant nightlife scene and discover the best spots to impress your date and create lasting memories. Cheers to a fantastic first date!

Tips for choosing First Date Bars in Chicago

  1. Cozy atmosphere.
  2. Unique cocktail menu.
  3. Great location.
  4. Outdoor seating.

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