Andersonville Date Night Location

I have a second date this Friday, and we are meeting in Andersonville for dinner. Can anyone recommend any establishments to try out. I'm game for anything, but would prefer to keep it a little nice, but not over the top. Basically I want something a little more than a burger bar. Any help you kids can offer me is greatly appreciated! Bon Appetit!

There's plenty of places on Clark St. near Foster.

Hopleaf is great gastro-pub with a huge list of beers and great food (steak frites!, their specialty is steamed mussels),
but depending on the time, the wait for a table might be long and they don't take reservations.
You can, however, order food from the tables located in the bar if you manage to snag one.

http://hopleaf.com/

How about Anteprima?

Or Acre?

Big Jones is nicely lit place and while I've had mixed reviews of the food, I've preferred dinner there over brunch. It might make for a nice 2nd date. I also heartily endorse Anteprima which I think is one of the better Italian places in town. They have a great fixed price deal every night that's affordable.

You might also consider Ceres Table, which is at the other end of the Andersonville area -- closer to Lawrence but is a nice place to dine.

Good luck -- let's hope your 2nd date goes to a third!

Or Tapas Las Ramblas.

Or the simplicity of GNR Sunshine Cafe

Sunshine Cafe
5449 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60640
773-334-6214

I second Big Jones and Sunshine Cafe. For me, the seating/crowd variability at Hopleaf would be too much of a risk for a second date.

earthlydesire wrote:Good luck -- let's hope your 2nd date goes to a third!

Ditto this. I'm rooting for you, too! For a third date, I'd recommend Vincent (if you return to Andersonville). It might be too removed from "burger bar" for your current purposes, but the food is interesting and shareable (also two prix-fixe options), it's a dimmer and more intimate-feeling space, I like that it's not on Clark St. proper, and the acoustics are better than at Anteprima.

Vincent
1475 W. Balmoral Avenue
Chicago, IL 60640
773-334-7168

If you go to Anteprima on an off night, you can request one of the 4-tops along the wall and ask them to set the table with the two settings next to each other on the bench instead of across from each other. It makes for a more romantic experience and counters any acoustics issues that might get in the way of conversation. Also facilitates attempts at hanky panky while simultaneously making it more difficult for your date to throw a glass of wine in your face.

I would definitely suggest Anteprima, it's super cozy and romantic. It's the best restaurant in andersonville as far as I'm concerned. They always have awesome menu selections, specials, drinks and wine.

I wanted to thank you all for your great recommendations. We decided on dinner at Andies (there hummus is spot on) and drinks at In Fine Spirits. The night was amazing, and the 2nd date has turned into a 3rd! I'll be back on here looking for some more romantic spots, so keep those foodie creative juices flowing.

Cheers,

Alex