Date night suggestions for the cheap and fabulous

We just can't decide.

We'd like to go somewhere we can dress up a bit and not stick out oddly in the dining room. We also don't want to spend a ton of money, since dropping $100 each is not an option right now (actually, $50 each might be pushing it....) Also, we'd like a wine list or BYOB.

That's it. The cuisine category is totally open - sushi, Lebanese, nouveau Chicago - whatever. So long as it's tasty and fits the above requirements.

I know that's incredibly broad, but I'm at a loss and my husband is threatening to take me to Greek Islands if I can't come up with something better. Help!

TAC.

West Town Tavern, Scylla, nice wine lists, entrees under $20. Bin Cafe, Vintage. I don't know of a lot of dress up BYO's other than Schwa. These are all in my neighborhood, which area are you looking for?

Totally open. Though I suppose ideally we'd go somewhere that's enough of a trip to make it feel like we're really making an evening of it (we live in West Rogers Park).

cilantro wrote:TAC.

I think this is a great suggestion particularly because of the vibe at TAC which can feel a bit "night-clubby" due to the music and minimal/modern decor. You won't be out of place if you're dressed up.

I'm of the opinion that Andy, the TAC chef, and his staff are extremely talented. The quality of the food far out-paces the low cost--especially if you look to the chalkboard specials and explore the translated Thai menu. I doubt you could spend $50 for the two of you, unless you plan on taking a lot of food home.

And it's BYO.

Best,
Michael

Well, I have been wanting to go there for quite a while, and my husband loves Thai food more than most things in life, so that might be a go.

I'm still keeping an open mind, though.

I haven't been in a while, but Think would fit the bill, I believe:

Think
2235 N. Western Ave.
(773) 394-0537.

I didn't even get to cilantro's post of "tac" before it popped into my mind.
If you have been wanting to try it, seems you have the perfect situation to do so.

This is also a time when prix fixe menus can come in handy--for instance, Le Bouchon's $22 special on Tuesday (http://www.lebouchonofchicago.com/specials.html) or the $25 prix fixe menu at Opera on Sundays and Wednesdays--assuming you don't drink too much, of course....

How about GNR Winner Sweets & Savoriesfor one of their tasting menus?

Whenever I'm faced with one of those, "I want to go someplace different and good" moments, I turn to the GNR List or the Handy Pocket Guide.

Meritage
http://www.yelp.com/biz/oOaysZ2VM0PgWFxQVfr8yA

Chez Joel
http://www.yelp.com/biz/AZ6b6JoLys6RTD9yOPJlBw

Le Bouchon
http://www.yelp.com/biz/gAp38M1cLRkFHbemMhaNAQ

For romance and a great wine list (but you have to cook your own food) try

Geja's Cafe
340 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago

For good, small, BYOB, but less romantic (and roughly in your neighborhood):

La Cucina di Donatella
2221 W. Howard St., Chicago

We've been to Geja's. I loved it, but my husband was not impressed by a meal that consisted entirely of cheese followed up by chocolate (what is WRONG with that man?)

It's not much of a trip from your 'hood, but you might go to Cafe Suron. The room is very pleasant. The food is good. The service is friendly (if not terribly efficient). It is BYOB and inexpensive. Moreover, it is a half block from one of the prettiest beaches in the city, as well as Pratt st. pier, which has a beautiful view of downtown across the water. Now that we have early daylight savings, it would make for a nice (but chilly)sunset walk before the meal.

I like getting several of their appetizers (which are almost all good), then splitting a Kebab dinner. I especially enjoy the lamb.

If you have trouble finding parking, run into the restaurant and ask for help. They will usually find a space for you.

Cafe Suron
1146 W. Pratt Ave., Chicago
Tel: (773) 465-6500

Can't beat this...

OPERA, Tuesdays Nights, 25 dollars 3 course meal (any app/main/dessert)
And get a private "vault booth" you will be enclosed in glass and have more privacy, great food, ridiculous deal and not too busy even with this special... Did I mention the decor is great and you can dress up as well. Make reservations early, ask for the vault seating, and you're done. Also, you don' have to valet as there is free meter parking on wabash or all the way north past columbia college or near jewel.

If anyone knows a more affordable date night out with fine dineing please let me know!

May I suggest, the first resturant I ever suggested on this forum=--Dorado. It is lovely for a special occasion.

Chef

We ate at Izumi on Randolph last week. Very good sushi, more laid back & relaxed & cheaper than Sushi Wabi. The price break there is that its BYOW & no corkage fee. We took a nice rose champagne to celebrate a deal & got out for less than $80 for two inc tax & tip. Couple of appetizers (which were surprisingly large), huge plate of chef's choice sashimi which we split (lovely scallops & octopus in particular) & then split a handful of the pricier rolls (spider & such like).

Suzy Creamcheese wrote:We've been to Geja's. I loved it, but my husband was not impressed by a meal that consisted entirely of cheese followed up by chocolate (what is WRONG with that man?)

They do have main course hot oil fondue.

Try Don Juan's on Northwest Highway, south of Touhy but north of Devon. (Mexican, but more than your basic tacos/burritos/etc. Tasty, sexy, tasty. You must try the duck taquito appetizer and risotto served in an acorn squash, if it's still available). http://www.donjuanschicago.com/
Also Basilico on Cumberland south of Lawrence (Italian. I haven't been there in awhile but it was nice the last time) http://www.basilico.net/mainFS.htm
Or Via Veneto, a cute little joint on Lincoln and Devon that I just visited for the first time on Valentine's Day. (Italian.)
http://www.viavenetochicago.com/

Good luck!

Just reading the other entries-
If you're going on the cheap, Chez Joel and Gejas are all great but you'll be dropping more than $50. Meritage is pricey too as I recall. Better check out the websites first. Also try www.chicago.menupages.com for restaurants you're interested in to see what the prices are like.

I would suggest May Street Cafe...it is BYOB,small and romantic.

http://www.maystcafe.com/welcome/index.html


1146 W Cermak Rd
Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 421-4442

Yes, Meritage food is pretty pricy, and their wines are very pricy.

Fonda del Mar
3749 W. Fullerton Ave.

... byob, you can easily eat for $50 for TWO, and the quality is phenomenal for the price (IMHO).

Mr 2025 and I have been going there ever since we visited Mexico for the first time together. It reminds us of our trip.

How about a couple sandwiches from Philly's Best and a couple dozen PBRs at the L&L (belmont & clark).

Plenty of cash left over, and your "dressing up a bit" can be like halloween-costume night.

rachel2025 wrote:Fonda del Mar
3749 W. Fullerton Ave.

... byob, you can easily eat for $50 for TWO, and the quality is phenomenal for the price (IMHO).

Mr 2025 and I have been going there ever since we visited Mexico for the first time together. It reminds us of our trip.

Are you sure about the BYOB? When was the last time you went?

We ended up going to TAC. Terrific!

We started with the crispy tofu and green papaya salad - both delicious, though the salad was much hotter than I expected. Entrees were a Panang curry for him and the BBQ pork for me. I tried to order the beef roti, but they were out. However, I got my husband so excited with the descriptions posted here, that we are going back tonight to see if we can snag some.

I can't believe we're going back to the same restaurant twice in two days....but man, that was worthwhile.

YoYoPedro wrote:

rachel2025 wrote:Fonda del Mar
3749 W. Fullerton Ave.

... byob, you can easily eat for $50 for TWO, and the quality is phenomenal for the price (IMHO).

Mr 2025 and I have been going there ever since we visited Mexico for the first time together. It reminds us of our trip.

Are you sure about the BYOB? When was the last time you went?

It's BYOB no longer. I went with the JiminLoganSquares just after the Superbowl and they had just gotten their liquor license.